As the Holiday season wraps around, we approach the harshest months of the year. With an average low temperature of below 60°F in the upcoming week, winter is in full swing in Southwest Florida. And yet, people continue to deny the existence of a true winter season

People claim that the state of Florida, especially the southern portion, consists of only two seasons: wet season (May through October) and dry season (November through April). While there most certainly is more precipitation in the summer months, this is not to outweigh the cold temperatures of the winter. 

With an average low temperature of 54°F in January, and an average high temperature of 92°F in July, it is clear that both a cold and hot season exist in Cape Coral. While obviously not as intense as the winters of Minnesota for example, the existence of cold weather on a seasonal pattern is enough to call the current season in Florida winter.

Now that it has been established that winter exists in our region, we can address the consequences of a lack of belief in weather forecasting. By not believing that we experience a true winter season, we are limiting ourselves in our abilities to enjoy the winter. In places that experience a true winter, many winter activities are enjoyed. 

In addition to those experiences exclusive to snow, traditions of enjoying hot chocolate and sitting around a fireplace are characteristic of a classic winter in the North. 

By not calling this period of cold weather “winter” we are limiting our ability to partake and enjoy these activities that can rightfully exist in Southwest Florida. Yet, the primary consequence of this phenomena is not one of recreation; it is one of survival.

That consequence is the ability to keep warm — through winter fashion. While we experience cold weather, the typical Floridan would never be caught wearing any traditional winter attire — winter attire that is designed for a reason. 

Scarves, hats, gloves, boots, and many other traditional winter clothing could never be found here, yet, they exist for the primary purpose of keeping their inhabitants warm. 

There are typically a handful of days in the month of January attributed to temperatures below 50°F; these days would be far more enjoyable in clothing that keeps us warm.

Winter attire is designed for a reason, yet the average Floridian is hesitant to utilize it. One may be wondering why an individual cannot just wear one of these winter items, and the answer is quite simple: judgment from their peers. 

While a scarf may be perfect to keep yourself warm on a Floridian winter’s day, straying from the societal norm of nothing more than a hoodie and jeans would result in a cascade of mockery.

There exists no benefit in comparing the winters of Florida to those of the Midwest, per se, as we all understand that one of these is harsher than the other. Instead of comparing, we must learn from our northern neighbors and follow their footprints in winter attire.