Florida Weather In December: A Complete Guide

Wondering about the weather in Florida in December? Expect pleasant sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and less humidity than summer, making it a popular time to visit. This guide details everything from average temperatures and rainfall to what to pack and the best activities to enjoy across the Sunshine State during the winter months.

Key Takeaways

• Mild Temperatures: Expect average daytime highs in the 70s, perfect for outdoor activities.
• Low Humidity: Enjoy comfortable weather with less sticky humidity than the summer months.
• Reduced Rainfall: December is typically a drier month, with less chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
• Popular Tourist Season: Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, especially around the holidays.
• Diverse Regional Variations: Weather differs slightly depending on whether you're in South Florida, Central Florida, or the Panhandle.

Introduction

December in Florida offers a delightful escape from colder climates. The weather is generally sunny and warm, attracting visitors from around the world. However, it's essential to know what to expect regarding temperatures, rainfall, and overall conditions to plan your trip accordingly. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Florida's weather in December, helping you make the most of your visit. — Eagle Pass, TX Weather Forecast Today

What & Why

December in Florida is characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The average daytime high temperatures range from the low 70s to the upper 70s Fahrenheit (21–26 Celsius). Nighttime temperatures can dip into the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10–15 Celsius), especially in North and Central Florida. Rainfall is typically low, with a significantly reduced chance of afternoon thunderstorms compared to the summer months. The pleasant weather draws many tourists, which can lead to higher prices for accommodations and activities.

Why visit Florida in December?

• Escape the Cold: Offers a warm respite from colder regions in the United States and other countries.
• Outdoor Activities: Perfect for enjoying beaches, parks, and other outdoor attractions.
• Festive Atmosphere: Many locations host holiday events and celebrations.
• Wildlife Viewing: Ideal for birdwatching and other wildlife activities.
• Comfortable Climate: Enjoy a break from extreme heat and humidity.

Risks and Considerations:

• Higher Prices: Expect elevated costs for accommodations, flights, and activities due to peak tourist season.
• Crowds: Popular attractions and theme parks can be crowded, especially during the holiday period.
• Occasional Cold Fronts: While rare, cold fronts can bring cooler temperatures, so it's wise to pack accordingly.
• Hurricane Season is Over: December is outside of hurricane season, but it is always wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Planning your trip to Florida in December requires consideration of several factors to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Step 1: Research Regional Variations

• South Florida: Generally warmer, with average highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s Fahrenheit. Less chance of cold snaps.
• Central Florida: Temperatures slightly cooler than South Florida, with potential for cooler nights. Averages in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit.
• North Florida/Panhandle: Temperatures can be significantly cooler, especially at night. Expect temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit during the day, with potential for colder evenings.

Step 2: Check the Weather Forecast

• Before You Go: Monitor the weather forecast a week or two before your trip to understand the expected conditions.
• Daily Forecasts: Check the daily forecast to plan your activities effectively.
• Weather Apps/Websites: Use reliable weather apps or websites (e.g., The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, local news) for accurate and up-to-date information.

Step 3: Pack Appropriately

• Light Clothing: Pack t-shirts, shorts, and lightweight pants for daytime wear.
• Layers: Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and potential cold fronts.
• Rain Gear: Though rainfall is less common, a small umbrella or light rain jacket is a good idea.
• Sun Protection: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Comfortable Shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

Step 4: Plan Activities

• Beach Days: Spend time on the beaches, such as those in Clearwater, South Beach, or Sanibel Island.
• Theme Parks: Visit Orlando's theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or golfing.
• Wildlife Viewing: Visit Everglades National Park, local parks, or sanctuaries for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
• Holiday Events: Attend holiday festivals, light displays, and special events.

Examples & Use Cases

Case Study: A Family Vacation to Orlando A family from the Midwest planned a week-long vacation to Orlando in mid-December. They checked the weather forecast and packed a mix of light clothing and layers. They spent their days at theme parks, enjoying the comfortable daytime temperatures, and their evenings at holiday events, utilizing their jackets when it got cooler. They also scheduled a day trip to the beach to enjoy the sun.

Example: A Couple's Getaway to South Florida A couple from Canada chose to escape the cold for a romantic getaway to South Florida. They packed light clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. They spent their days lounging on the beach, exploring the Everglades, and enjoying outdoor dining. They appreciated the consistent warmth and low humidity.

Use Case: Retirement Community in Central Florida A retirement community in Central Florida organizes outdoor activities and events throughout December. They plan events such as golf tournaments, holiday celebrations, and community gatherings, taking advantage of the mild weather and sunshine to promote socialization and an active lifestyle.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

• Book in Advance: Make hotel and flight reservations early to secure the best prices and availability, especially for the holiday season.
• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the sunshine.
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife in parks and natural areas.
• Check Local Regulations: Be aware of local rules and regulations, especially regarding parking and beach access.

Common Mistakes:

• Underestimating Cold Nights: Packing only summer clothes without considering that evenings can be cooler.
• Overlooking Sun Protection: Not bringing enough sunscreen and sunglasses, leading to sunburn.
• Not Booking Accommodations in Advance: Waiting to book accommodations and finding limited availability or high prices.
• Ignoring Regional Weather Variations: Assuming that the weather will be the same across the entire state and not checking forecasts for specific locations.
• Overpacking: Bringing too many heavy clothes and not utilizing the layers approach.

FAQs

1. What is the average temperature in Florida in December? The average daytime high temperature is in the 70s Fahrenheit (21–26 Celsius), and the average nighttime temperature is in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10–15 Celsius). — Ricky Hatton: What Was His Death Cause?

2. Does it rain a lot in Florida in December? No, December is typically a drier month, with lower rainfall than the summer months. However, occasional showers are possible.

3. Is it hurricane season in Florida in December? No, the official hurricane season ends on November 30th. December is generally outside of the hurricane season.

4. What should I pack for a trip to Florida in December? Pack a mix of light clothing, layers (light jacket or sweater), rain gear (umbrella or light jacket), sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), and comfortable shoes.

5. Are there crowds in Florida in December? Yes, December is a popular time to visit Florida, especially around the holidays. Expect larger crowds at popular attractions and theme parks. — Utah Weather In October: What To Expect

6. What are some fun things to do in Florida in December? Enjoy beach days, visit theme parks, go hiking, biking, or kayaking, visit the Everglades, and attend holiday events and light displays.

Conclusion with CTA

Florida in December provides a wonderful opportunity to escape the cold and enjoy the sunshine. With its mild temperatures, low humidity, and numerous activities, it's a perfect destination for a winter getaway. Plan your trip, pack accordingly, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Book your Florida vacation now and experience the best of what the Sunshine State has to offer!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC