Last Updated on October 28, 2025
Looking for a fun, winter getaway in sunny Florida?! In this post, we look at 6 reasons to visit Clearwater Beach this winter.
Clearwater Beach is on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just 30 minutes from Tampa. I often come to Clearwater in the winter and I love the mild winter weather, amazing beaches, beautiful sunsets, and the great deals on beachfront accommodations during this time.
There are plenty of fun things to do in nearby cities such as Dunedin and Tarpon Springs. And you won’t want to miss the winter events in Clearwater Beach such as the holiday boat parade and more.
These are all the things we cover in this post so let’s dive in!
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
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Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
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1. Enjoy The Warm Weather And Mild Winters Of Clearwater Beach
Average high temps are in the mid-seventies (F) in the winter, making it a great place to escape from the cooler climates (like me from Minnesota).
The water temp is typically in the mid-sixties in the winter, which is a little cool for ideal swimming but still fun to jump in for a little while!
Want to witness dolphins and the marine wildlife in Clearwater Beach? Check out this Clearwater Encounter with Dolphins Tour! 🐬
2. Spectacular Sunsets
If you’re looking for the most beautiful sunsets, then Clearwater is a great place to visit in the winter.
When you’re at the main public beach (Clearwater Beach), be sure to visit Pier 60.
It’s a popular place to go for fishing, walking the pier, spotting sealife, and witnessing the sunset.
The pier comes to life every night at sunset with entertainment, vendors, artists, and more.
Other good places to catch the sunset in Clearwater Beach include Jimmy’s On The Edge and Marina Cantina.
3. Cozy Beachfront Accommodations
One of the best reasons to visit Clearwater Beach in the winter is to take advantage of the beachfront accommodations with views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Here you can enjoy the best of Clearwater Beach next to beachfront shops, restaurants, and entertainment, without the prices or summer crowds.
4. Amazing Beaches & Parks
Clearwater Beach, with its soft white sand and clear blue waters, is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the United States.
And if you’re trying to beat the heat and avoid the crowds, then winter is one of the best times to visit the beaches and parks in the area.
I love Clearwater Beach and many beaches nearby, too. Here are some of my favorites in the area:
Sand Key Park– on the outskirts of Clearwater Beach and has a secluded beach, as well as a pier and hiking/biking trail.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Indian Rocks Beach
Madeira Beach
St Pete Beach
Treasure Island
Pass-A-Grille Beach
5. Fun Things To Do In Nearby Cities
While visiting Clearwater Beach, I recommend getting out and visiting the nearby cities.
You can head south of Clearwater Beach to Madeira Beach and St. Pete, but there are also some fun cities to the north to see.
Dunedin is a cute little town just a short drive from Clearwater Beach to the north.
There is lots to do here in the downtown area, from visiting the Dunedin History Museum to exploring local restaurants and breweries.
Walk around and check out the murals throughout the city. You can also take a walk or bike along the Pinellas Trail that runs right through downtown.
You’re also just a short walk from the park and pier. Grab a plate of seafood from Bon Appetit near the pier then take a walk to Strachan’s for some ice cream or fudge.
If you head a little north of Dunedin, you can visit Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Capital of the World.
Downtown Tarpon Springs is filled with Greek Culture, with lots of shopping and Greek food in the area.
6. Clearwater Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Other Events
If you are in Clearwater Beach in early December, be sure to catch the decorated Christmas boats on the water for the boat parade.
The boat parade is typically on the 2nd Saturday of December. If you do miss the Clearwater boat parade, Treasure Island has its boat parade next weekend (and there are others in the area, too).
There is also Santa in the Park, a Christmas Eve boat cruise, and other events in Clearwater Beach in December!
Light Up Clearwater is a fireworks event that takes place on New Year’s Eve and the Clearwater Running Festival is at the end of January.
See more events here.
Want to experience a party on a tiki boat in Clearwater Beach? Check out this Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach! 🍹
Final Thoughts: 6 Reasons To Visit Clearwater Beach This Winter!
As you can see Clearwater Beach is a great Florida city to visit in the winter!
From secluded beaches to deals on hotels and fun things to do nearby, there will be something to please everyone in your group.
Safe and happy travels!
Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater FL?
If so, we have you covered.
Top Tours in Clearwater FL
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)
Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)
Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)
Clearwater Encounters With Dolphins Tour (Fantastic Boat Ride & Dolphins Tour)
Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)
Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com
Sandpearl Resort Private Beach – (4-star luxury beach resort)
Pelican Pointe Hotel – (Top-rated budget hotel)
AC Hotel by Marriott – (Cozy mid-range hotel)
Belleview Inn – (Fabulous luxury hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Clearwater FL?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
You may be interested in the following articles:
9 Best Places To Stay In Clearwater Florida
Best Things To Do In Clearwater Beach Florida!
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