Winter in Sarasota

Winter in Sarasota means pleasantly warm, sunny days—in other words, prime beach weather. Our award-winning beaches are open year-round, and the water even feels a bit cooler, offering excellent conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding and other water sports.

Ring in the holiday season at holly-jolly al fresco events like Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom, the Venice Christmas Boat Parade or the Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K at Nathan Benderson Park. Snag photos with Santa at The Mall at University Town Center. Stroll the shops and vendors at holiday markets like the Atomic Holiday Bazaar at the Sarasota Fairgrounds or the Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market.

Things to Do During the Winter in Sarasota

Arts & Culture

Looking to stay indoors? Get inspired by the world-class arts and culture of Florida’s Cultural Coast® at our performing arts spaces. The theater season at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is in full swing, and guests can take in seasonal shows like Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical or traveling performers like opera singer Renée Fleming. Enjoy holiday-themed concerts and classic shows at Sarasota Opera throughout November and December.

Explore global art, breathtaking architecture and unparalleled cultural experiences in Sarasota. At The Ringling, take in an enormous art museum (complete with a stunning courtyard centerpiece), learn about the history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® at the Circus Museum and wander thousands of square feet of pure opulence in Ca’ d’Zan mansion. Sarasota Art Museum offers thoughtful, provocative exhibitions from local and global artists, plus a can’t-miss Bistro serving locally inspired farm-to-table  delicacies.

Nature & Wildlife Viewing

In the cooler weather, Sarasota’s favorite marine mammal thrives. The beloved manatees seek out warmth during the colder months, finding hot springs, creeks and protected bays throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. Find manatees in Sarasota County year-round, but these gentle giants are particularly active from November through March.

For more wildlife viewing, head to the beaches to spot migrating birds like ring-billed gulls, royal and Sandwich terns, willets and black-bellied plovers. Visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens to meet free-roaming flamingos, alligators, giant tortoises, snakes, lemurs and other animals that tend to be more active in cooler weather. Myakka River State Park also offers wildlife viewing, as well as biking and hiking trails, boat tours and camping opportunities.

Winter Events in Sarasota

Holiday Events in Sarasota

Waterfront photos with Santa, holiday movies under the stars, a Christmas boat parade—‘tis the season for Sarasota’s equally festive and quirky holiday events! Meet Saint Nick himself and celebrate the start of the season during Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at UTC. Bring the whole family to Light Up Longboat, a community holiday celebration and tree lighting ceremony on Longboat Key. Stroll through a shimmering winter wonderland, illuminated by more than 2 million lights, at Selby Gardens’ Lights in Bloom.

Missing the snow? Frolic in the snow at Wellen Wonderland, which also features live musical performances and a golf-cart parade. And you can’t truly experience the holidays in Sarasota County without attending the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, where beautifully decorated boats big and small cruise through the Bay.

Other Winter Events in Sarasota

From fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables to community arts and culture, there’s more to enjoy during the winter in Sarasota. Every November, talented sand sculptors from around the world travel here to compete in the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition. For four days, these arts transform pristine Siesta Key sand into extraordinary natural art—and we’re not talking about typical beachside sandcastles!

The Sarasota Farmers Market, Farmers' Market at Waterside Place and Venice Farmers Market are each open year-round and feature tables, tents and crates filled with crisp produce, homemade breads and pastries, artisanal meats and cheeses, and more. In the winter, find a bounty of Florida-grown citrus and freshly squeezed juices, plus cooler weather for your Saturday- or Sunday-morning shopping trip.

In early December, sway, swing and groove to the soulful blues beat at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival. Sip delicious drinks, savor tasty snacks, shop local vendors and enjoy the best of the modern blues scene — all in an open-air music venue under the sunny Florida sun.

Winter Weather in Sarasota

Winter in Sarasota is typically cooler, drier and sometimes windy or cloudy. As the water cools, so does the air, and temperatures typically stay within the mid-50s to low 70s (13 °C to 22 °C). Our northern neighbors flock to Florida in droves — hence the moniker “snowbirds” — to enjoy our warmer winters. From mid-November to late February, enjoy surfing, swimming, hiking and biking during the day, and cozy up with a warm beverage to watch the sunset in the evenings.