Preparing Children for Cold Weather in Tampa

Florida is a tropical climate. It rarely gets very cold here in the Sunshine State. That said, it’s important to put your children in warmer layers once the temperature starts to dip. This is key to keeping your child from catching colds and staying away from the doctors office. We love to see our patients but if a cold or flu can be avoided that is always best.

Come November, early morning temperatures will get below 60 degrees. If your child is attending school in person and waits for the bus— it’s best to dress them in layers including a light jacket or even a hat.

Layers are important— but it’s good that the child can still move about. Layering them in jeans or other pants along with a light jacket will keep them from getting cold even in 60 degree temperatures. It’s important to keep them from getting too chilled while out in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower than they are midday.

Steer clear of thick, heavy sweaters. That could cause your child to get over heated. Stick to a light jacket and light, tight fitting layers. This way— the layers can be removed if they warm up indoors. It may be tempting to keep dressing your kids in t-shirts and flip flops even with the temperature dipping into the 50’s— but it’s best not to do so. Cooler temperatures are best met with warmer dress to avoid any chills or ill feelings.

Statistically January is the coldest month in the state of Florida— with temperatures getting as low as 49 degrees Fahrenheit inland. However, far south in places like the Florida Keys— temperatures stay fairly warm. Still, it’s important to check the temperatures every day and dress your kids accordingly. The Panhandle of Florida sees the coldest temperatures— areas up there have seen morning and evening lows in the 30’s! This calls for thicker layers and heavier jackets during those colder hours. This may even call for a scarf, hat, or other protective layers if necessary.

According to Weather Atlas; El Nino winters tend to have cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. The dry season does not attract much rain with an average of 1"; (25.4mm) to 1.5"; (38.1mm); in most parts of the state.

Plenty of sunshine adorns January days, especially in the south such as Miami and the Everglades - Miami and Palm Beach are year-round destinations and find much traction with tourists even in January when the humidity reaches approximately 75%. Light clothing is usually sufficient in the day but keep a few layers of clothes for the night and take precautions against the sun rays, particularly during middays along the beaches.

The sun can still be intense even in the winter months. It’s best to continue applying sunscreen to any exposed skin even with cooler temperatures outside. SPF 30 is recommended for proper sun protection.

Cold weather can lead to hypothermia. It’s important to notice for signs of hypothermia even with the not as colder temperatures in Florida. If you see your child being more lethargic and clumsy in the colder weather— get them warmed up as quickly as you can. They may be less likely to come inside even when they’re cold because they want to keep playing— but it really is best for their health and well being.