What to Wear to Florida in November to Stay COMFY!
On the surface, you absolutely know what to wear to Florida in November: packing leggings, jeans, tank tops, sweaters, and even a poncho is always a smart idea. But in this article, I’m going to dive much more into the specifics of what you should wear, and why, so that you and your family know exactly what to pack for your upcoming trip.
What to Wear to Florida in November – Prepping for Rain
Even though summer storms are cooling off, and hurricane season is typically behind us in November, there’s always a possibility of rain in Florida, and you’ll want to be prepared for it. Here are a few things you want to be sure make it on your checklist:
- Light raincoat and/or a poncho
- Waterproof tennis shoes and/or boots (shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet)
If you’re headed to Disney World in November, I wrote an in-depth article recommending the best shoes for Disney World in the rain. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already. With that said, don’t go too overboard packing for heavy rain. Even if it does rain, it’s probably more likely to be a passing shower than an outright downpour. But it’s good to always be prepared.
Heat and Humidity in November
November is one of the best times of the year to visit Florida weather wise. Days are still warm enough to be enjoyable, and nights are crisp and cool. Temperatures in November range from the low 60’s to the low 80’s. You’re visiting right before the chilly winter months (yes, it gets COLD in Florida), and humidity has finally decided to take a backseat.
In regards to humidity, even though it’s not nearly as high as the spring and summer months, if you’re from a climate that has little to no humidity, you’re still going to feel it, so be sure to pack accordingly. Mornings in Florida are beautiful and packed with sunshine. It’s also when the air is the most humid, so you’ll want breathable, comfortable layers. Here are some items to add to your packing checklist:
- Layers – tank tops and camisoles
- Breathable t-shirts
- Comfortable shorts and long, thinner pants
- Leggings and lightweight activewear
Cold Weather in November
While the norm is that the temperature will comfortably sit in the 70’s – 80’s during the day, the later in the month you visit, the more likely it is to be on the chillier side. I’ve spent a few Thanksgivings in Florida bundled in layers and a good jacket, so it’s best to be prepared and bring along a few good coats.
While it’s likely your mornings and afternoons will be beautiful, the temperature drops quickly when the sun goes down. If you’re going to be out on the town or playing in the parks after dark, you’ll want to remember layers. You’ll also want to take into account if you’ll be out for the day, and you need to be able to easily layer up and layer down and pack your clothes in your bag, or if you’ll have quick access to go back to your hotel and change.
Here are a few things to remember to keep you comfortable in the cold:
- Long sleeve shirt
- Thin sweatshirts and button downs (that can be easily wrapped around your waist or stored in your backpack)
- Pullover sweatshirt
- Thin jacket and/or coat
Swimming in November
You may be planning on hitting the beach or your hotel pool during your stay. After all, you’re on vacation, and if you’re lucky to be close to the beach or staying at a hotel with great poolside accommodations, you’ll want to take advantage of that! The weather is just warm enough to get in those last few swims of the year, so here are a few things to remember to add to your packing list:
- Swimsuit
- Swimtrunks
- Bathing suit cover ups
- Shorts and tank tops
- Flip-flops and/or sandals
Working Out in November
If you’re like me and like to stay active even on vacation, you want to be sure you pack the right attire for this. The weather will be perfect for a brisk morning run or a warm afternoon job. Or maybe your hotel comes equipped with a fitness center (most Disney properties have either fitness centers or designated running/walking trails).
Regardless, you’ll want to be sure you pack the right clothing. Here are a few things to add to your list:
- Leggings and yoga pants
- Jogging pants and/or shorts
- Comfortable walking shoes and/or tennis shoes
- Breathable activewear tops
- Light jacket
You’ll also want to remember to grab that set of earbuds and any travel sized workout accessories you’ll want to be sure to have with you. While many resort gift shops will have these options available to you, it’s far more cost effective to bring your own.
Indoors vs Outdoors in November
This is a tip to remember anytime you’re visiting Florida: I want to stress the importance of packing layers of clothing. While it may be nice and warm outside, that means that Florida businesses, and especially the Disney parks, are keeping their indoor locations nice and cold. The constant shift between hot and cold can be tricky, which is why you want to be sure you’re throwing a few extra layers in your bag.
You’ll commonly run into this in the Disney parks. I can vouch for the fact that the rides, attractions and indoor restaurants in Disney World have quite possibly the most powerful air conditioning units in the country, and I lived in the desert for 10 years. That sweater in your bag will be a lifesaver when you’re sitting down in a cool restaurant, an indoor show, or waiting for an indoor attraction. Once your body temperature adjusts from the outside, you’re going to be cold.
Speaking of restaurants, if you’re planning your dining reservations ahead of time, and you’re counting on an upscale night out, remember to pack for the occasion!
- Formal attire (women) – dress, jumper, skirt, slacks, blouse, heels, boots
- Formal attire (men) – suit, button down, slacks, dress shoes
Packing Essentials in November – Clothing
Now that we’ve gone over the things to remember specifically in the month of November, let’s talk about a few items that should be on your list year round when traveling to Florida. Despite what your plans are, you want to be comfortable and fully prepared for anything that may come your way.
Here are year round clothing items to remember:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Ballcaps, hats, visors (protection from the sun, yes even in November)
- Beanies and scarves
- Comfortable socks (including a waterproof pair and/or boot socks) – this can be a game changer
- Hair accessories (hair elastics, scrunchies, etc. for when the heat picks up)
Packing Essentials in November – Daily Needs
Let’s take a minute to talk about a few things that need to be on your packing list, to ensure it’s smooth sailing on your trip, and you’re not going out of your way to find a convenience store. Here are year round essentials to remember:
- Phone chargers and headphone chargers
- Portable chargers (if you’ll be visiting the Disney parks, you’ll have a hard time finding an outlet to plug in your mobile devices and portable charging units will be a lifesaver)
- Chapstick, lotion, and hand sanitizer
- Tissues and wipes
- Sunscreen
- Cooling towels
- Misting fans
- Travel towel and beach umbrella (should a beach visit be in your plans)
- Beach bag and a cooler (again, this if the beach is in your forecast)
What is the Weather Like in Florida in November?
The good news is that the weather in November is a far cry from toasty summers you may be used to. Temperatures have started to cool down and humidity is taking a break.
Remember that in Florida, you also have to pay attention to hurricane season. Fortunately it tends to end in October, but it’s not uncommon for the season to continue into November. While daily showers aren’t as common in the fall, it’s still smart to assume you could see some rain on your vacation.
A rule of thumb when it comes to packing for November in Florida is that it’ll still be fairly warm outside so expect it to be chilly inside. Remember the weather can be unpredictable, so you want to be sure to bring a lot of options. Fortunately whether you’re headed to the Disney parks or you have your sights set on another Florida destination, whether is fairly consistent statewide. Let’s get into the essentials you should plan to pack for your trip to Florida.
You Fun Vacation Awaits
I’m so excited when travelers choose to visit Florida in November, because you truly get the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the warm, sunny days and the cool, summer nights. While one of the main attractions that draws visitors to Florida are the Disney theme parks, there are so many reasons you may be planning a vacation in November.
Remember that the Florida coastlines are packed full of stunning beaches, and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy those beaches and the aquatic activities that come along with them. If you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach, be prepared for more humid conditions and higher winds. You may have warmer days and cooler nights, especially the further south you go towards Miami and the Florida Keys.
If you’re planning on visiting one of the many theme parks in Florida, the timing is exquisite because by November, most holiday decorations have already been rolled out. Not only are you beating the high capacity crowds in December, you’re getting to kick start the holiday season with nicer weather. You can still rock your cute park attire and accessories, and not have to worry about bundling up in heavy coats and hats.
The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what to wear to Florida in November is to know your agenda beforehand, where in Florida you’ll be visiting, how much time you’ll be spending indoors vs. outdoors and how long you’ll be vacationing for. As a simple rule of thumb, remember that layers are key, and regardless of what you have planned, comfortable, breathable choices will be your friend, no matter the time of year. Happy traveling!
This article was written by Jessica and edited by Michael.
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