Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Cape Coral, experienced an unusual cold front Friday. Temperatures dropped into the 40s overnight and early Friday morning, far below the typical highs in the 70s for this time of year.

While the chill was notable for residents, tourists from colder climates found it surprisingly mild. Visitors continued to enjoy beach activities, highlighting the region’s ability to attract year-round tourism despite weather fluctuations.

Resorts and local businesses adjusted operations to accommodate the cooler conditions, ensuring that guests could enjoy the area comfortably.

Visitors Share Their Take on Chilly Florida Weather

Jake and Kim Sitler from Kansas City visited Fort Myers Beach and shared their perspective on the unusual cold.

“Is there really such a thing as cold weather? Because I don’t really think there is here,” said Jake Sitler. “They just don’t know. They don’t really understand what cold weather is. So that’s okay. We’ll come and enjoy it.”

Kim Sitler added, “We love visiting Florida. Yeah, we’re excited to be here, and the weather is amazing, and we’re soaking it up one day at a time before we have to head back to the cold.”

For visitors from South Dakota, the cool Florida temperatures felt mild. Bo and Kacie Adler, staying at Diamondhead Beach Resort, shared their experience.

“I don’t think it’s cold, it’s warm, it’s nice out,” said Bo Adler.

“Yeah, I think that’s very funny, because being from South Dakota, it’s very cold there,” Kacie Adler said. “So we thought it was hot—like we just got out of the pool—and thought it was nice and sunny.”

Bo Adler had a message for locals who complained about the chill: “Suck it up.”

Local Businesses Adapt to Cooler Temperatures

The cold snap prompted local resorts and beachside establishments to adjust operations. Diamondhead Beach Resort, for example, temporarily closed cabanas and opened a warm indoor area for guests.

Marcel Chartier, food and beverage director at Diamondhead, said, “I think I woke up in the middle of the night last night, going, oh my, it’s gonna be 40 degrees in the morning tomorrow. What can we do to please the guests around the beach and give them a place to go?”

By mid-morning, as temperatures rose, outdoor amenities like the resort’s beach bar reopened, allowing guests to enjoy sunshine while staying comfortable.

Timeline of Weather Events

Thursday Night: Temperatures drop overnight into the low 40s across Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Early Friday Morning: Cold snap fully impacts Southwest Florida, prompting resort adjustments.
Late Morning to Afternoon: Sunshine returns; outdoor activities resume.
Friday Evening: Temperatures remain cooler than average but are expected to rise over the weekend.

Public Reaction Across Fort Myers and Nearby Areas

Locals expressed mixed reactions to the unusual cold. Many saw it as a brief novelty, while others noted challenges in keeping outdoor services operational.

Tourists largely embraced the mild winter conditions. Visitors from colder U.S. regions highlighted the stark contrast between Florida winters and their home climates, finding the chill refreshing rather than uncomfortable.

For residents, the cold snap provided a reminder of the occasional variability in South Florida weather patterns, emphasizing the need for flexible tourism and hospitality planning.

Weather Forecast and What’s Next

Forecasters say temperatures are expected to climb back into the 70s by the weekend, offering relief for locals hoping for warmer conditions. Sunshine is expected to dominate, with minimal chance of precipitation.

The weekend forecast suggests that Southwest Florida residents and visitors will return to more typical winter weather, ideal for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor dining.

Officials encourage travelers and residents to enjoy the sun while it lasts, as winter patterns can be unpredictable even in tropical climates.

NEWS SUMMARY TABLE

Key Detail	Information
Event	Rare cold snap hits Southwest Florida
Location	Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel (Lee and Collier Counties)
Date	Friday, Jan. 16
Who Is Affected	Locals, tourists, resorts, beach businesses
Current Status	Temperatures in the 40s–50s; resorts adjusting services; expected warm-up over weekend
What Readers Should Know	Mild by national standards; light chill for Florida residents; sunshine expected; outdoor activities largely unaffected

FAQ SECTION

1. How cold did it get in Southwest Florida?

Temperatures dropped into the low 40s in Fort Myers and nearby areas on Friday morning.

2. Which areas were affected?

The cold snap impacted Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and parts of Lee and Collier Counties.

3. Did the cold affect tourism?

Tourists from colder regions found the temperatures mild and continued beach activities.

4. How did resorts adapt to the cold snap?

Some resorts temporarily closed outdoor cabanas, opened indoor warming areas, and adjusted services for guest comfort.

5. When will temperatures return to normal?

By the weekend, highs are expected to climb back into the 70s across Southwest Florida.

6. Is snow or frost expected?

No. Florida’s winter cold snaps rarely bring frost or snow, and none is forecast for this event.

7. How should visitors prepare for these cold snaps?

Light layers and flexibility for outdoor activities are sufficient; locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sunny breaks.

CONCLUSION

A rare winter cold snap brought unusually cool temperatures to Southwest Florida on Friday, creating mild disruptions for resorts and local businesses but little impact on tourism. Visitors from colder U.S. regions enjoyed sunny beach conditions, while locals adapted with indoor warming areas and service adjustments. Temperatures are expected to rise back into the 70s over the weekend, returning Southwest Florida to typical winter warmth.