We know the question on your mind, Lakelanders — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.
You may not need as many sweaters after all.
Map via NOAA
Temperature
Think warm. This winter, Lakeland has a 50-60% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
Precipitation
Expect below average precipitation. Lakeland has a 50-60% chance of seeing below-normal rainfall amounts this winter.
Drought
Drought conditions are likely to develop this season.
December’s deal
Typically in December, average temperatures will only fluctuate between 55.4° and 72.5°. Pro tip: December has the shortest days of the year and is the month with the least amount of sunshine, so midday is the best time to get outdoors at your favorite parks.
Jumping into January
Break out your scarves. We probably won’t see any snow, but the first month of the year is usually also the coldest. Average high and low temps will likely be between 68.5° and 50.9°, though they could go even lower thanks to several cold fronts + an Arctic blast expected at the beginning of the month. January also has the fewest days of rainfall, with an average of around 4.3 rainy days.
The forecast for February
Temperatures will start to climb back up in February. Average highs will reach 72.9°, and lows will grow to 54.3°. We can start preparing for springtime strolls by Lakeland’s 38 lakes with 7.8 average hours of sunshine each day and a cloud cover of 37% — the highest of the year.
Make the most of the cool weather
There’s no shortage of things to do in Lakeland this winter. Here are just a few of the events our team is eyeing.
Light Up BSP | Saturday, Dec. 14-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | The park will become a winter wonderland nightly, with light displays and fun for the whole family.
New Year’s Eve Party | Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $15+ | Party + dance until midnight with live music by the Sofa Kings.
PlatformKIDS Art Festival | Saturday, Feb. 15 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum | $16+ | Polk County students will showcase their art, from visual media to film, fashion, music, and performance art.
