You’re thinking about Florida in December. You’re probably picturing yourself in a swimsuit, drink in hand, under a relentless sun while your friends back home are shoveling driveways in Ohio.
And you’re mostly right. Mostly.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: What the Map of Portland Maine Doesn't Tell You
But Florida is a massive peninsula, and "December weather" in Pensacola is a completely different universe than "December weather" in Key West. If you pack nothing but bikinis and flip-flops for a trip to Destin in mid-December, you are going to have a very bad, very chilly time. Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is treating the whole state like a monolithic tropical paradise.
The Great North-South Divide
The Florida climate is basically split in two during the winter. Once you get south of Lake Okeechobee, you're in a tropical or subtropical zone. North of that? It’s humid subtropical, which sounds warm until a cold front from the Arctic decides to pay a visit.
In North Florida (think Jacksonville, Tallahassee, or Pensacola), December is actually quite brisk. You’re looking at average highs in the mid-60s and lows that frequently dip into the 40s. It’s not "snowing" (usually), but it’s definitely "light jacket and jeans" weather. In fact, in December 2024, Tallahassee saw temperatures drop to 25°F. That is a hard freeze, folks.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is Actually a Wild Experiment
Central Florida—the land of Mickey Mouse and Universal—is the middle ground. Orlando averages around 73°F or 74°F for a high, but it can swing wildly. One day you’re at a water park; the next day you’re buying a $60 Disney-themed hoodie because you’re shivering in line for Space Mountain.
South Florida is where the dream lives. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Keys stay reliably warm. We’re talking highs in the high 70s and lows that rarely drop below 60°F. If you want a guaranteed beach day in December, you’ve got to head south of Jupiter.
Can You Actually Swim?
This is the million-dollar question.
The answer depends entirely on your cold tolerance and which coast you’re on. The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico behave differently.
- The Atlantic Side: The Gulf Stream—a warm ocean current—hugs the southeast coast. This keeps the water in Miami and the Keys around 73°F to 76°F even in late December. For a Floridian, that’s "freezing." For someone from Chicago, that feels like a bathtub.
- The Gulf Side: The Gulf of Mexico is shallower and loses its heat faster. By late December, water temps in Clearwater or Siesta Key often hover in the mid-60s. It’s doable for a quick dip, but you aren't lounging in there for hours without a wetsuit.
- The Springs: If the ocean is too cold, head to the natural springs like Crystal River or Blue Spring. They stay a constant 72°F year-round. It’s actually warmer than the air on a chilly morning, which is why the manatees huddle there in December.
Why the Jet Stream Matters (The La Niña Factor)
Florida's December weather for Florida visitors is heavily dictated by the ENSO cycle—El Niño or La Niña.
Right now, we are looking at La Niña conditions. For Florida, this is generally a good thing for vacationers. La Niña typically means the winter is warmer and drier than average. While El Niño years bring constant "gray" days and frequent rainstorms to the Sunshine State, La Niña tends to push those storm tracks further north.
However, there’s a catch. La Niña winters often lead to more extreme "swings." You might have two weeks of gorgeous 80-degree weather followed by a "backdoor cold front" that sends temperatures plummeting 20 degrees in three hours.
The Humidity and Rain Reality
One of the best things about December in Florida is the lack of "swamp heat." The oppressive humidity that makes July feel like walking through warm soup is largely gone. Average humidity drops to around 70% to 75%, which feels crisp and refreshing when combined with a breeze.
December is also one of the driest months. While summer features daily afternoon thunderstorms you can set your watch by, December rain usually comes in the form of fast-moving cold fronts. You might get a day of rain, followed by three days of crystal-clear blue skies and lower temperatures. In December 2024, cities like Tampa and Orlando saw significantly below-average rainfall, leading to some "abnormally dry" conditions, which is great for your golf game but less great for the local grass.
What to Actually Pack
Stop bringing heavy parkas, but stop bringing only shorts. Layering is the only way to survive a Florida December without spending a fortune on overpriced souvenir sweatshirts.
- The "Base Layer": T-shirts and shorts for the midday sun. It will still hit 75-80°F in the sun, and you will sweat.
- The "Evening Layer": A light fleece, denim jacket, or a windbreaker. As soon as the sun sets (which is around 5:30 PM), the temperature drops fast.
- The "Emergency Layer": If you’re heading to Orlando or North Florida, bring one pair of actual pants and a hoodie. You’ll thank me when the wind kicks up at the beach.
- Sunscreen: This is non-negotiable. The sun is lower in the sky, but it’s still powerful enough to fry your skin, especially if you’re out on a boat.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the 10-day forecast exactly 48 hours before you leave. Florida weather is notoriously fickle; a front that looks "weak" on Monday can turn into a "Polar Plunge" by Thursday.
- Book a heated pool. If you are staying in a rental home in Orlando or Tampa, ensure the pool heat is turned on. An unheated pool in December is basically a giant ice cube.
- Aim for the first two weeks. Early December is the "sweet spot." The weather is usually stable, the hurricane season is officially over (ends Nov 30), and the massive holiday crowds haven't arrived yet.
- Go Manatee Spotting. If a cold front does hit, don't mope. That is the best time to visit places like Blue Spring State Park, as hundreds of manatees will congregate in the warm water.
Florida in December isn't a guaranteed tropical oven, but it beats the northern winter every single time. Just respect the North-South divide, plan for a cold snap, and you'll be fine.