Last Updated on March 31, 2024

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!

warm weather and beach scene in Clearwater Florida

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!

spectacular sunset in Clearwater Beach Florida

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.

beachfront umbrellas and people swimming in Clearwater Florida

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

road going to the city of Clearwater Florida

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.

Christmas boats with lights in the water

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.