You've probably seen the postcards. Palm trees draped in tinsel, Mickey in a Santa hat, and everyone looking breezy in short sleeves. It looks like a tropical Christmas miracle. But honestly? The weather on Orlando in December is a fickle beast.
If you show up with nothing but flip-flops and tank tops, you might end up spending your souvenir budget on a $75 Disney sweatshirt just to stop shivering during the fireworks. I’ve seen it happen. Hundreds of tourists huddled together in Tomorrowland, teeth chattering, because they trusted the "Sunshine State" nickname a little too much.
Central Florida in December isn't exactly "winter" by New York or Chicago standards, but it's not a consistent heatwave either. It is a month of wild transitions. You can wake up needing a parka and be sweating in a t-shirt by lunchtime.
The Reality of Central Florida Temperatures
Basically, the average high sits around 73°F or 75°F, which sounds like perfection. The problem is that "average" is a sneaky word. It hides the fact that a cold front can sweep down from the north and plunge the mercury into the 40s overnight.
Last year, we had days where the morning low was a crisp 52°F.
Think about that for a second. That is chilly. If you’re standing in a 90-minute line for Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure at 8:00 AM, that damp Florida air is going to bite. On the flip side, some years see record-breaking heat where it hits 82°F and the humidity crawls back up to remind you that you’re basically in a swamp.
📖 Related: Cities in West Texas: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Humidity Matters Less (Sorta)
In the summer, Orlando’s humidity is a physical weight. In December, the humidity levels drop significantly, usually averaging around 76%. While that sounds high, it doesn’t feel like the "walking through soup" vibe of July. It actually makes the cool air feel a bit sharper. When the sun goes down, that lack of cloud cover means the heat escapes fast.
Rain in December: Will You Get Soaked?
Good news here. December is historically one of the driest months in Orlando. While August sees daily afternoon monsoons that could wash away a small car, December only averages about 2.0 to 2.4 inches of rain for the whole month.
You’ll likely see maybe six days of actual rain.
But don't get cocky. Winter rain in Florida is different from summer rain. Summer storms are loud, violent, and over in twenty minutes. December rain is often a result of a cold front, meaning it can be a gray, drizzly, annoying mist that hangs around all day and drops the temperature even further.
- Summer Rain: Hot, fast, followed by steam.
- December Rain: Cold, lingering, followed by a jacket.
Can You Actually Swim in December?
This is the question every parent asks. "Is it too cold for the pool?"
The short answer: No, but the "walk of shame" back to your hotel room will be brutal.
Most major resorts, including Disney and Universal properties, heat their pools to a balmy 81°F or 82°F. It’s like a giant bathtub. You’ll be fine while you’re submerged. The second you step out into that 60-degree evening breeze? You’ll regret every life choice that led you to that moment.
As for the water parks, Disney usually keeps one open (like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) while the other undergoes maintenance. They will close if the air temperature doesn't hit a certain threshold—usually around 60°F. If you’re planning a day at Volcano Bay, check the forecast. If the high is only 68°F, you might find the park empty, which is great for lines but tough on the soul.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Chang River on a Map: Why You’re Probably Looking for the Yangtze
Packing Strategies That Actually Work
Forget fashion. You need layers.
I’m talking about a base layer, a middle layer, and a "just in case" layer. A typical December day in Orlando looks like a frantic striptease.
7:00 AM: Jeans, hoodie, maybe a light scarf.
11:00 AM: Hoodie comes off, tied around the waist.
2:00 PM: You’re wishing you wore shorts because the sun is beaming.
6:00 PM: The sun disappears. The chill returns. You put the hoodie back on.
9:00 PM: You're considering buying a second hoodie to wear over the first one.
The Essential "Don't Forget These" List
- Ziploc bags: For your phone and socks if you go on a water ride like Jurassic Park River Adventure. Getting wet when it's 65 degrees is a recipe for a miserable afternoon.
- Moisturizer: The swing from indoor AC to dry outdoor air wreaks havoc on your skin.
- Real shoes: Sandals are fine for the pool, but your toes will freeze during a nighttime parade.
- Sunscreen: Yes, even in December. The Florida sun doesn't care that it's nearly Christmas; it will still burn you.
Understanding the "Microclimates" of Theme Parks
It sounds crazy, but the weather on Orlando in December feels different depending on which park you’re in.
Take EPCOT, for example. The World Showcase is built around a massive lagoon. That water creates a breeze that can feel 5 degrees colder than the rest of the park. If you’re waiting for Luminous The Symphony of Us, that wind coming off the water is no joke.
Conversely, the Magic Kingdom has a lot of "tunneling" effects between buildings in places like Main Street U.S.A. It can feel warmer and more stagnant when the crowds are thick, but the moment you move into a more open area like Liberty Square, the temperature drops.
👉 See also: How to Say Uruguay Without Sounding Like a Total Tourist
Actionable Tips for Your December Trip
If you want to master the weather and the crowds, follow these specific moves:
- Check the 48-hour forecast, not the 10-day. Florida weather changes faster than a toddler's mood. A "sunny day" in a 10-day forecast can easily become a "gloomy cold front" by the time you land.
- Rent a locker. Don't carry four jackets around the park all day. Pay the $10 or $15 for a locker near the park entrance. Stash the heavy layers there and grab them once the sun starts to dip.
- Prioritize outdoor rides for midday. If there's a ride you want to do that's mostly outdoors (like Big Thunder Mountain or Expedition Everest), do it between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun is at its peak.
- Book indoor dining for the evening. If the forecast looks particularly chilly, grab a dinner reservation at an indoor spot like Be Our Guest or Mythos. It gives you an hour of climate-controlled recovery time.
- Bring a poncho anyway. Even if it doesn't rain, they are great windbreakers and keep you dry on water rides.
The bottom line is that December is arguably the best time to visit Orlando if you're prepared. The air is crisp, the holiday lights are incredible, and you won't melt into a puddle of sweat while waiting for a churro. Just respect the cold fronts, pack your layers, and don't assume that "Florida" always means "Tropical."
Go ahead and pack that extra sweater. You'll thank me when you're watching the Christmas parade at midnight and everyone else is shivering.