December in Florida: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

If you're planning a trip to Florida for the month of December, there's plenty of nice weather to enjoy all of the events, activities, and attractions available for tourists and residents alike during this holiday season. 

Explore the following guide to find out more about December weather in Florida, what to pack for your trip, and the plethora of events happening during this festive month in the Sunshine State.

Seasonal Information

Keep in mind that It does get pretty crowded in Florida around the holiday time, so make sure to plan activities ahead and have your meal reservations set. Christmas through New Year's Day at Disney World is the most crowded, while the week after Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas is the least crowded, and this generally holds true for most other attractions like Universal Orlando as well.

December Weather in Florida

Florida's mild climate extends into the winter, but there is more of a chance for cold temperatures toward the middle to end of the month in Northern and Central Florida. Average temperatures are listed below, and if you're looking for more specific information on these popular Florida destinations, check these links to see what's in store throughout the year and more specifics on what to pack.

• Daytona Beach: High 70 degrees F, Low 50 degrees F
• Fort Myers: High 76 degrees F, Low 55 degrees F
• Jacksonville: High 67 degrees F, Low 43 degrees F
• Key West: High 77 degrees F, Low 67 degrees F
• Miami: High 77 degrees F, Low 62 degrees F
• Orlando: High 73 degrees F, Low 51 degrees F
• Panama City: High 64 degrees F, Low 40 degrees F
• Pensacola: High 63 degrees F, Low 45 degrees F
• Tallahassee: High 66 degrees F, Low 40 degrees F
• Tampa: High 72 degrees F, Low 52 degrees F
• West Palm Beach: High 76 degrees F, Low 59 degrees F

The water temperature for the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) ranges from the mid- to high 60s, and the Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) waters are several degrees cooler; additionally, the beaches to the south are always several degrees warmer than those in North Florida.

What to Pack

You may want to opt for long sleeves, pants, and a light to heavy jacket for evenings, but otherwise usual resort casual wear is appropriate, which includes shorts if you tolerate cooler temperatures well. Don't forget those comfortable shoes for the miles you'll be walking if visiting the theme parks.

You may not be aware that sunscreen is a year-round necessity in Florida. The sun can be intense enough to burn even in December, and you should also bring a bathing suit because, even if the water is too cold, sunbathing isn't necessarily out of the question.

December Events in Florida

December in Florida is full of fun family-friendly activities and lots of holiday cheer. If you're planning to stay in the Orlando area, you will find that all the theme parks have special holiday parties and activities available. Each part of Florida has its own holiday flavor, too. 

• Busch Gardens Christmas Town: On selected dates from mid-November through the end of December, celebrate the spirit of the season with Busch Gardens Christmas Town, an annual celebration of the holidays featuring thousands of lights, Yuletide shows, and even a special performance of "Sam the Snowman," a new production featuring the characters of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
• Christmas at Disney World Resorts: Christmas at Disney World Resorts is one of the most magical ways to spend your Florida holiday vacations. Walt Disney World Resort is aglow in decorations, millions of lights, parades, celebrity appearances, and more. The holidays are a joyous time at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. For more details and photos, visit our guide. 
• Gaylord Palms Resort's ICE!: Gaylord Palms Resort is slightly south of Orlando in Kissimmee and runs annually from mid-November through early January, turning into a winter wonderland for "ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World." This popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical interactive environment with larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. The enormous structure used to house ICE!—dubbed "The Florida Fridge"—is cooled to a chilly 9 degrees making it necessary for the resort to provide over-sized winter coats for visitors to wear.
• Universal Studios Orlando's Holiday Parade and Grinchmas: Universal Studios Orlando's Holiday Parade and Grinchmas are great ways to spend the holidays at Universal Studios Orlando. Macy's will bring the magic and excitement of its world-famous parade daily to Universal Studios Orlando with a brand new parade experience, and the popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is brought to life in "Grinchmas," a live stage show. Enjoy nightly holiday music, and don't miss concerts by top-selling holiday musicians Mannheim Steamroller.
• Epcot's Candlelight Processional: Epcot's Candlelight Processional runs nightly from November 24 through December 30 each year. One of Disney's most beloved holiday traditions, Epcot's Candlelight Processional is a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.
• Nights of Lights: Nights of Lights transform Florida's oldest city, St. Augustine, into a grand celebration of lights and holiday cheer, featuring over two million lights that illuminate the colonial buildings, downtown parks, and historic bay front. The event has grown to include activities that keep visitors busy well into the new year with events running nightly from mid-November through the end of January.
• New Year's Eve Events and Celebrations: Florida celebrates the New Year in style, so don't miss out on ringing in the new year with Florida's best celebrations and fireworks displays, including "New Year at the World," Disney World's premier fireworks display featuring live entertainment and new attraction thrills.