What Is the Coldest City in Florida? Facts & FAQs

Florida is known as The Sunshine State for its sub-tropical climate. It has hot summers and mild, short winters. Summer temperatures typically range between 87°F–92°F. However, even Florida is prone to a cold snap that sees temperatures plummet, and while it is rare, parts of Florida can see snowfall. North Florida experiences the coldest temperatures in the state, but parts of the Panhandle can also get cold.

According to weather data between 1991 and 2020, the coldest towns and cities in Florida are Jasper, Crestview, Monticello, and Niceville, which reach a low of 55°F–56°F.

Florida Climate

Florida is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Most of Florida is subtropical, but the southern cities, including Miami, have a tropical climate. Average summer temperatures range from 87°F to 92°F.

The 3 Coldest Cities in Florida

Temperatures vary according to the time of year and even the time of day. However, the cities in Florida that tend to be the coldest include:

1. Jasper

Jasper is a small city in northern Florida with just over 4,000 people and an average low temperature of 55°F. It is popular for camping and horseback riding thanks to its temperate conditions and natural surroundings.

2. Niceville

Niceville, located in the Florida Panhandle, has an annual low of 55°F. Nearly 17,000 people live in the city. The annual Boggy Fest is held in October when temperatures are less ferocious than in the height of summer. The three-day festival celebrates everything about the natural bayou; it features live music and a Kid-A-Palooza festival for young visitors.

3. Crestview

Crestview is the largest of the three cities on the list, with approximately 25,000 residents. It once had the nickname the “Icebox of Florida” because the high elevation causes it to have the state’s coldest winters. Home to the Eglin Air Force Base, this Panhandle city has several breweries and distilleries, a zoo, and the Panhandle Opry, which hosts live music and events.

What Is the Coldest It Has Ever Been in Florida?

Although truly freezing temperatures are somewhat rare in Florida, they do happen. The coldest recorded temperature in the state occurred in 1899 when the Great Arctic Outbreak pushed arctic winds from Canada into The Sunshine State. A temperature of -2°F was recorded. In 1993, approximately 3 inches of snow was reported in cities across the Panhandle of Florida, but the temperature did not breach 0°F.

What Is the Hottest It Has Ever Been in Florida?

Florida is home to some of the hottest cities in the US, but desert regions of California and Arizona see more sunshine in a year. In 1931, Monticello recorded a high temperature of 109°F—the hottest recorded temperature in Florida.

Conclusion

Florida is known for its high temperatures and plentiful sunshine. However, although low temperatures are rare, they occur. Plus, there can be times when a cold front occurs during the winter months. Jasper, Niceville, and Crestview are the three coldest cities in the state, but the state has higher temperatures than most other areas of the US.

Feature Image Credit: FotosForTheFuture, Shutterstock