From Summerbird to Snowbird

Transition from a Summer to Winter Stay in Your Warm Weather Community

Many times I'm inspired to write about questions I receive seeking insight of the snowbird life. This time our repeat vacation rental guests asked about making the transition from a summer to winter stay. We recently hosted Jen, Steve and their senior dog for two weeks in August. They love it here and said they are now considering returning to the same unit in the winter of 2025. I feel the same way, it's nice to be accustomed to the flow of the set-up, the furniture, location and why change if it's not necessary?

Jen already researched that our unit isn't available for Jan/Feb, but she and Steve wondered about March dates. That's a tricky one. The weather is steadily improving and that means the rates are substantially increasing. Shoulder season rates are early to mid-March and then there's Spring Break rates. Typically the Spring Breakers drive the snowbirds out for two reasons: they pay higher rates for the better weather and the area's population density noticeably increases.

My husband, our Golden Retriever and I were in Northwest Florida during Spring break this year and it's a completely different perspective than the winter months. The college-aged Spring Break students we encountered were very polite, blending in as fellow beach goers having some fun. I didn't see anyone stumbling around or overly loud, but I did see young ladies beautifully dressed up for sunset selfies; students enthusiastically indulging in beach volleyball, enjoying the pools, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying food and beverages in the local establishments and congregating after dark in the sand. We never find snowbirds out on the beach after dark except for the occasional night fisherman.

I don't know anything about Jen and Steve's budget, but March is a viable option if they put their funds into a shorter stay. This could be just the thing they want and need. Summer and winter in the exact same location have some very big differences as I've experienced. Maybe the Jan/Feb weather in Northwest Florida is too drastically different than the hot, humid temps of a Florida summer. Always research the mean temps no matter where you are considering, don't rely on your hunches and intuition, it may or may not be accurate. 

Jen asked me about North Florida vs. South Florida. I told her essentially the same information as I wrote about in this post. 

Location, Location, Location: Peak Vs Off Peak

Other considerations for summer to winter snowbirds and vice versa include your tolerance for busy vs. off season population density. Summer is much busier on the beach, in the restaurants, stores and establishments, other activities, driving in traffic and travelling to/from your destination. You'll likely have construction delays everywhere and you'll probably not stay as long because lodging rates are much more expensive. Beach service is a summer and shoulder season luxury.

Summer in Florida and popular Southern states such as Texas and Arizona is very hot and humid. If you like walking or running to exercise outdoors, it's almost unbearable during the hottest months of the year. Summer options involve swimming pools, lakes and the ocean.

When children are not in school, they are in full force in the locations where families go for vacations. Therefore you can expect to have a lot more activity and noise on the beach, in the pools and in the general community.

Winter is slower in terms of population and much less busy at the restaurants and retail shops, it's a longer season, generally less expensive and a time to get better acquainted and connect with others in your immediate and greater community. Winter snowbirds are much more likely to greet each other and be sociable. There's fewer distractions than the summer crowd.

In the winter, the sun rises and sets for a much shorter day, the temps tend to be cooler, cloudier and/or rainier. Many restaurants and attractions close for the month of January while the staff and owners go on their own well deserved vacations. When dining out, lunchtime is the best option for beachfront dining. You won't see a thing for dinner hour other than complete darkness.

Unless you have access to a heated pool or jetted spa, it's not likely you'll be swimming in the off season. However, with children in school, you'll likely not be encountering toddlers, kids, teens and young adults in the area during the winter. Weekends and holidays are a draw and do bring families during the winter for a refreshing change.

Before committing to changing from summer, shoulder season or winter, think it through, do your research and make an informed decision. It can be drastically different in the exact same location of your summer or winter community. If you're like me, you come to appreciate each season for the changes and make the most of each time you're able to be in your happy place.