St Petersburg and Sarasota

Question

Hi,If I visited Florida at the end of January will there be Sunshine throughout the Day !! and how warm,Ireland will be cold with about 40-45 Fahrenheit.

My journey will be St Petersburg and Sarasota.

My other thoughts were Tampa and DisneyWorld.

What do you suggest,I do not want to take on to much as I will be there for 1 Week.

Thanks 😂👍

Answer

Visiting Florida at the end of January is a great choice if you’re looking to escape the cold weather of Ireland. Both St. Petersburg and Sarasota generally enjoy mild, pleasant winter weather. While you may not get blazing hot sunshine all day every day, the sun is usually out for a good portion of the day, and rain is infrequent compared to summer months.

Typical temperatures in late January range from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (13–22°C). Mornings and evenings can feel cool, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended, but daytime is usually comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring the beaches.

St. Petersburg is known for its arts scene, museums, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches, while Sarasota offers cultural attractions, beautiful beaches like Siesta Key, and botanical gardens. Both cities are very relaxed and ideal for a slower-paced vacation.

St. Petersburg: Explore the Salvador Dalí Museum, the waterfront park areas, and the local dining scene. Take some time to enjoy St. Pete Beach if the weather is sunny.
Sarasota: Visit Siesta Key Beach, which is famous for its white sand. Consider a stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or The Ringling Museum of Art.

If you’re considering Tampa or Disney World, it depends on your interests and energy level. Tampa is good for a half-day visit with attractions like Busch Gardens or the Tampa Riverwalk. Disney World is more demanding time-wise, as even a single park requires several hours to enjoy properly. Given that your trip is only a week, it might be better to focus on two areas rather than trying to include everything.

Option 1: Spend 3–4 days between St. Petersburg and Sarasota for a relaxing coastal experience with beaches, museums, and local culture.
Option 2: Add a day trip to Tampa if you want a city experience or theme park visit without overloading your schedule.
Option 3: Skip Disney World if you prefer a slower pace, as visiting a park can take a full day and may be tiring.

Overall, late January should give you mostly sunny days with comfortable temperatures—much warmer than Ireland. Pack light layers for mornings and evenings, sunscreen for the daytime, and comfortable walking shoes for beaches and city exploration. By focusing on a smaller region, you can enjoy your week without feeling rushed, making the trip both relaxing and memorable.

St Petersburg and Sarasota

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