Florida is one of the top vacation places in the United States. It’s known for its warm year-round weather, amusement parks, beautiful beaches, and wonderful parks and natural landscapes.
It’s an outstanding place to visit throughout the year, December included.
Actually, it is the perfect place to visit in December. As the rest of the northern hemisphere starts getting snow and subzero temperatures, Florida still boosts sunshine and warm weather.
So if you are looking for the warmest beaches in Florida during the month of December, you are in the right place.
Why Visit Florida in December?
Florida is one of the best getaway retreats for people who live in cold climates and need to warm up their bones. It is one of the most visited places in the world, just a Florida fun fact.
Since Florida experiences warm year-round weather, it is famously known as a haven against long, cold winters.
If you’re from a place with constant snow on the ground, you understand the joy of good weather in December.
This is the number one reason people visit Florida in December. Not only is it much warmer than those winter locations that can be so harsh, but the weather is also very fair and comfortable for being outside for long periods of time.
Another reason to visit Florida in December is because of the large number of events, activities, and festivals that occur during December.
Most notably, Christmas-related events are in full force throughout the whole month.
Another thing to keep in mind when considering visiting Florida in December is the prices.
Since it’s not the warmest time of year or even the most popular, prices tend to decrease slightly.
So if you’re looking to save a bit of money, this can be a great time to visit.
December isn’t going to be as pricey as the summer, school vacation, or spring break.
Still, it will be a bit more expensive than other winter months because of holiday celebrations and people visiting during their vacations.
Weather in Florida in December
December is not going to be the warmest time of year in Florida, for some, this is preferred.
So you don’t have to worry about days that are too hot to go outside or sweating beyond repair.
Instead, you can expect cool, dry days that are comfortable and still warm enough to be in your favorite t-shirt and get some fresh, sunny air.
Especially if you’re coming from extremely cold temperatures, December weather will feel extra warm.
The average high in Florida during the month of December is the mid-60s to mid-70s, this is over the whole state. The further south you head the warmer temperatures you can expect.
This isn’t majorly warm weather, but it’s super comfortable weather.
You can also expect dry air and little to no rain at all.
The ocean temperature is another important consideration. Especially in Northern Florida, it might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean without a wetsuit.
However, in Southern Florida, it will be comfortable to swim and spend your days on the beach.
Top 11 Best Florida Beaches in December
Keep reading for the best and warmest beaches in Florida during the month of December:
1. Hutchinson Island, Florida
December is a great time to visit Hutchinson Island. The temperature is very comfortable for enjoying outdoor activities, and it’s not too hot or too cold.
The temperature in this month ranges from the low 60s to mid-70s. Hutchinson Island is made up of two barrier islands considered North and South Hutchinson Island.
It’s a chill, laid-back place to vacation. It’s not too far from Orlando or Miami, so if you want the best of both worlds, you can keep busy and then go to Hutchinson Island for a break from all the hustle and bustle.
2. Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a wonderful place to visit in the month of December. It’s home to Busch Gardens amusement park, where you can enjoy exhilarating rides.
This is an excellent time of year for an amusement park because it won’t be excruciatingly hot when you’re waiting in lines.
Tampa is also well known for its manatee population. The peak season for spotting these ocean cows is from November to April, so December is a great time to visit if this sea animal has always interested you.
3. Key West, Florida
The southernmost place in the United States is Key West, Florida. It’s also the warmest place in Florida since it’s closest to the equator.
Key West is a great place to visit in the month of December when you need to get out of the cold and get under the sun.
What makes Key West so interesting is that it completely feels like you’re on a Caribbean Island and not in your own backyard.
It doesn’t feel like you’re not in the US at all; instead, it feels like you’re thousands of miles away due to its tropical ambiance.
This is the perfect place to visit in December when you need a break and want to enjoy some warm weather. Key West also has some of the clearest water in Florida.
4. Jupiter, Florida
Jupiter is an all-around enjoyable city in Florida to visit, especially in the month of December. This month is a great time to take advantage of fantastic outdoor weather and enjoy all the natural scenery.
This is a good time of year for sports like surfing because the waves are larger and golf, and there are tons of festivals taking place.
It’s also a great opportunity to try exotic fruits if this is something that interests you. Head to any one of the natural and historical landmarks and have yourself a picnic.
5. Delray, Florida
Delray is a fantastic place to visit in the winter month of December. The small city has a big personality and lots of charm.
For starters, Atlantic Avenue, a pedestrian-friendly downtown area full of shops, restaurants, and bars, is the city’s heart.
Delray Municipal Beach is super popular and a great place to swim, relax, play beach volleyball, and enjoy other activities.
You can also rent snorkel gear and paddle boards, and there are a lot of nearby restaurants and places to explore.
The beach is free to visit and has a lifeguard on duty, so it’s a great beach for the whole family. Delray is perfect for your next winter vacation.
6. Orlando, Florida
OK, we know this one is not a beach, but if you have ever wanted to visit Disney World, December is your month. Unless you’re visiting during the week of Christmas.
December isn’t the busiest time of year in the park, so it’s an ideal time to visit if you want to take advantage of shorter lines at Disney, and not scorching hot weather.
The weather is warm and comfortable, making it so much easier to stand in line when it’s not crazy hot and humid.
December is one of the best months to visit the city of Orlando. However, why stop at just visiting Orlando, if you have the time why not jump on a bus and head to Miami another great beach in Florida to visit in December?
7. Naples, Florida
Naples is great in December because the tourist season hasn’t begun to pick up yet, so it’s easy to relax here comfortably.
You can enjoy low humidity and lots of sunshine. Barefoot Beach is a great place to lay under the sun and listen to the ocean waves.
Walk along the Naples Pier, rent kayaks on the water, stroll along the coast, and enjoy quiet days in Naples. It’s a great option to consider when visiting Florida in December.
8. Anna Maria Island, Florida
This barrier island has all the small-town charm you could hope for. You can expect highs in the mid-70s in December, which is the perfect temperature for enjoying the outdoors without getting too hot or cold.
It might be a bit too chilly for swimming, but you can comfortably lie on the beach.
There is a lot surrounding Bradenton Beach, so be sure to check out this strip of powdery, white coastline.
Nearby are many adorable shops and restaurants, and there is also an abundance of bars and nightlife. Golf carts and bicycles are common modes of transportation on this quaint little island.
9. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is known for its beautiful beaches and is an amazing place to visit in December. This is the best place for a quiet and relaxing vacation.
The average high temperature in December is in the mid-70s, and the average lows are in the mid-50s.
You don’t have to worry about rain or other bad weather, either, which is a huge advantage.
Siesta Key also has many festivals and events throughout the month, especially those related to Christmas and the holiday season.
If you’re looking to park on the beach, some of the best beaches include Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.
Be sure to watch the sunset and enjoy the gorgeous views.
10. St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the United States is St. Augustine, and it was first founded in 1565. It’s chalked full of Spanish architecture and lots of history, so it’s a wonderful place to walk around and explore.
It’s a great location all year round, but especially in December when the weather is warm and comfortable.
So if you’re looking for a place to walk around, window shop, take photos, and marvel at some unique buildings, this is it.
11. Miami
Miami is one of the warmest places in Florida in December, other than the Florida Keys. Miami has an average low of the 60s in the month of December, so you don’t have to worry about it getting much cooler than that.
This city is always up for a good time. You can expect the beaches to be rowdy, so be prepared for the parties. However, there are some quiet beaches in Miami if you want to avoid crowds.
If this is the type of vacation you’re looking for, Miami is the right spot.
Miami tends to be busier in December than other cities, especially the closer it gets to Christmas, which is something to keep in mind.
December is a great time to visit Florida. Other than the week of Christmas and the New Year, it’s relatively less crowded, which is a huge plus.
The weather is also very bearable, unlike the summer months when it can be too hot and humid to get anything done or even enjoy the outdoors.
You don’t need to worry about that fear in December because the humidity is not a problem.
You can expect highs in the low to mid-70s, which is perfect for being outside all day.
It might not be warm enough to swim everywhere, but it will be warm enough in the afternoons to relax on the beach under the sun.
You can also enjoy lower prices in early December because it’s not as popular a time to visit as the summer months, which is another huge perk.
There are many great beaches in Florida worth visiting during the month of December.
What to Wear in Florida in December
The mornings can be cool, so be prepared to wear some long sleeves, light jackets, and sweaters.
By noon it warms up, and you might be able to take off your layers and have a T-shirt and shorts on. By sunset, you’ll probably want your second layer back on.
Hopefully, this helps you consider what to pack, but for more ideas check out this Florida vacation packing list.
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