Florida December Tips: Outfits & Essentials

December means a break from sweltering temperatures and extremely high humidity, but Florida’s tropical weather never entirely lets up, especially not in the south.

Quick facts for December:
• Average highs are 64-76°F (18-24°C), with Destin coolest and Miami warmest
• The Panhandle is much wetter than the south: Destin gets more than double the rain of Miami
• Mornings and evenings need real layers, even in South Florida
• Air conditioning runs all winter, so keep a sweater in your day bag
• The water is only warm enough for swimming in the far south

If visiting central or north Florida, pack layers and versatile clothing to be prepared for chills and any unexpected weather surprises.

💡 Visiting Florida earlier or later? Check out our other articles:

• Florida Outfit Guide November
• Florida in January

If you visit the south, pack some extra warm clothes, but be ready for shorts and sandals vibes. Non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include an umbrella, poncho, hat, and sunscreen.

Keep reading for a comprehensive December outfit and packing guide for every region!

Our writer, who has lived in Florida for over ten years, provides you with unique tips:

• Are you not 100% sure what to pack for this December?
• Wondering about the best outfits to stay cool and stylish?
• Or maybe you’re curious about changing weather conditions?

Don’t worry; we have all the answers you need to make your Florida trip in December comfortable and fashionable.

In this guide, we cover:

• Christmas in Florida: The Best Places
• Weather Overview for December
• Outfit Guide | Packing Tips
• Can You Still Swim in December?
• Essential Clothing Items
• Personal Experiences and Unique Tips

Our exclusive outfit guide, crafted by a Florida local, is packed with unique and essential tips that you must know.

Christmas in Florida: The Best Places

Florida in December is not just about beaches. There are also some great places to visit for Christmas. Here are five of them, with a few tips to help you plan.

St. Augustine: Nights of Lights

The whole old town is full of white lights. Nights of Lights starts on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues into January.

What I like about St. Augustine is that you can see so much just by walking around. The old town is small. You can stop for a coffee or spend more time in a street you like.

My suggestion is to walk instead of taking a trolley or cart tour. Try to go during the week. Parking can be a big problem, especially between Christmas and New Year. Arrive before sunset and take the free park-and-ride shuttle.

Walt Disney World: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

You need a separate ticket for this Christmas party at Magic Kingdom. It runs from 7 PM to midnight, but only on some nights. Check the dates before you plan your visit.

Here is a useful tip: you can enter the park with your party ticket at 4 PM. That gives you three hours before the party starts. Cookies and hot chocolate are included. You can go back for more, too. They are nothing special, but the kids are usually happy with them.

The parade takes place twice. Try to watch the second one because it is usually much less crowded.

Universal Orlando: Grinchmas and the Holiday Parade

You don’t need an extra ticket for the holiday events at Universal. They are included in your regular park ticket.

What I like here is that the Grinch actually talks and jokes with you. It is not just a quick photo with someone in a costume. You can meet him in Seuss Landing, where he is played by a live actor. These conversations are fun, but they also mean the line moves very slowly.

My suggestion is to go there first if you want to meet him. The parade with the big Macy’s balloons takes place in the evening. At the end, the Christmas tree lights are turned on.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Christmas Town

Christmas Town runs from mid-November to early January. But check the dates before you go, as the event is not on every day. The park is full of Christmas lights. It looks really nice after dark. You don’t need an extra ticket.

For me, the best part is riding the roller coasters in the dark with all the Christmas lights around you. It feels different from going on them during the day.

If you have kids, they will probably love the snow area. Real snow is something special in Florida. Bring a jacket, even if it feels warm when you arrive. It can get quite cool in Tampa after sunset.

Fort Lauderdale: Winterfest Boat Parade

This boat parade takes place on one Saturday in December. More than 100 boats travel along the Intracoastal Waterway, all covered in Christmas lights. Some are small boats. Others are huge yachts.

You can watch for free from bridges and public spots along the route. You can also pay for a seat in the grandstand at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. If you choose a free spot, bring a folding chair and get there early. That is what people who go every year suggest.

Also, park on the side of the water where you want to be after the parade. The bridges stay open for the boats during the parade, so you cannot cross them.

💡 All of these are evening events, and the evening is the coldest part of a Florida December day. You will also be standing still for a long time. Whatever you wear in the afternoon, take one more layer with you for these nights.

Weather Overview

December weather is some of the coolest and driest of the year, bringing along high fog levels and stronger winds. Nevertheless, southern Florida will always be somewhat warm, and it is still a great place to escape the snow and freezing temperatures that winter brings throughout the northern part of the country.

The average high temperature in December is 64-76°F (18-24°C). It is within the dry season, with higher winds, fog, and cooler weather.

💡 There is a major difference between northern and southern Florida. In places such as Tallahassee, Pensacola, Destin, or Jacksonville, it can potentially never surpass 70 degrees in December, making it easy to forget you are even in Florida.

Average highs in December include:

• Miami: 76°F (24.4°C)
• Tampa: 73°F (22.8°C)
• Orlando: 74°F (23.3°C)
• Jacksonville: 68°F (20°C)
• Destin: 64°F (17.7°C)

Rainfall

December takes place during the dry season. This means that rain will be unlikely on most days.

But there is a difference you should know about, because it decides what you pack. In South and Central Florida, rain in December is usually a short shower, maybe 15 minutes to 1 hour, and then it is over. In North Florida and the Panhandle the rain comes with cold fronts, and that kind of rain can fall for several hours at a time.

However, weather is always unpredictable, and we know from personal experience, even thunderstorms can happen during this time of the year.

Wind: While rainfall is rare in December in Florida, the wind is not. Winds will pick up in the mornings, and after the sun sets. It’s a good idea to keep a sweatshirt or jacket available.

How much rain you get depends completely on your destination:

• Orlando: about 2.3 inches, around 8 rainy days
• Miami: about 2.4 inches, around 8 rainy days
• Jacksonville: about 2.5 inches, around 8 rainy days
• Tampa: about 2.6 inches, around 6 rainy days
• Destin: about 4.7 inches, around 11 rainy days
• Pensacola: about 5.4 inches, around 10 rainy days

Look at Destin and Pensacola. They get more than double the rain of Miami in December. So if your trip goes to the Panhandle, the rain jacket is not an optional item, and you want shoes that can get wet. In Tampa or Orlando you will most likely not need them much.

Heat/Humidity

Humidity is constantly high in Florida, however, it’s not as extreme in the winter months. During summer the humidity is unbearable. December and the wintertime, in general, tend to bring a lot more winds. Having higher winds and breezy mornings, lower the effects of the humidity that is still present.

The average humidity in December is around 86% in the mornings, dropping down to 55% by the mid-afternoon and evenings.

Daily Weather Progression

December in Florida is like early fall in most other places. Sweater weather in the mornings, with hot flashes coming throughout the afternoon. Finally cooling back down with chilly and breezy evenings.

Mornings tend to be foggy, with more humidity and cool temperatures until after 9am.

Evenings: winds pick up and temperatures decrease once the sun goes down.

Here is a Daily Progression of a southern location, Miami:

• 8 AM: 67°F
• 11 AM: 73°F
• 2 PM: 75°F
• 9 PM: 69°F

Packing Tips | December Outfit Guide

December in Florida is the month for layering clothes. Wear long sleeves and pants during the chilly mornings and evenings. Additionally, a light jacket is practical. Some afternoons can be sunny and warm enough for shorts and t-shirts. Wear comfortable shoes when visiting theme parks.

The further south you go, the warmer it will be for more hours of the day.

💡 Long sleeves and pants could easily be needed in the mornings and after the sunsets in Florida during December. But be prepared to shed your jacket or sweater by midafternoon, even in the northern region of the state.

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During the month of December, the clothing items in your suitcase should consist of:

• Clothes for layering
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeved undershirt
• Leggings/Jeans
• Shorts (if going south)
• A sweater or sweatshirt
• Bathing suits/cover-up, swim trunks
• Jacket

Local’s Tip: Florida is a tropical place all year long. However, unless you are in Miami or somewhere south, December can be chilly, especially in the mornings and after the sun goes down.

A Typical Day

The typical day will depend on how far north or south you are in the state. Regardless, plan on wearing a variety of layers to be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

9 AM

North Florida: When stepping out in the morning, you will definitely feel some chills from the low overnight temperatures. Opt for breathable jeans or leggings and a T-shirt layered under a sweatshirt or hoodie.

Central Florida: Orlando and Tampa often start the day around 55°F. If you are standing at the theme park gates for opening, you will be cold, and many visitors are surprised by that. Wear jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt you can pack away by lunchtime.

South Florida: While early morning temps won’t be Florida’s typical tropical surroundings, they should be warm and humid enough for you to walk around in shorts and a T-shirt, especially if you come from a snowy climate around this time of year.

If you feel chilly in the lower morning temps, plan on loose-fitting pants and a tank top layered under a sweater or jacket, but keep in mind you will be doing plenty of warming up in the afternoon.

12 PM

North and South Florida: By lunchtime, especially if you are walking around to explore the sights, you should be feeling much warmer than you were in the morning. You might be comfortable peeling off your outermost layer, especially if you are located further south.

3 PM

North and South Florida: Daytime temperatures normally peak at this time. If you are still walking around with all your layers, you will definitely be warm enough to go down to your base layer. If you’re further north, you may still want to keep a light sweater or long-sleeve tied around your waist or in your bag for any possible chills.

6 PM

North Florida: You will be feeling the chill come back on as the sun sets in North Florida. Now is the time to put all your layers back on, or if going back to your hotel to change for your evening activities, plan on wearing trousers and long sleeves layered with jackets, or thick stockings if you plan on wearing a dress.

Central Florida: The sun goes down around 5:30 PM and the temperature drops fast after that. Put the sweatshirt back on. In the theme parks you stay outdoors for hours in the evening, so this is not the day to leave the jacket in the hotel room.

South Florida: If you are further south, your style of attire will not have to change too much from loose or short-sleeved clothing. If you are a colder person, plan on wearing pants instead of shorts. Regardless of how you feel in the outdoor weather, plan on bringing a jacket or sweater for your time indoors.

9 PM

North and South Florida: Wherever you are in the sunshine state, you will want to be wearing a warm outer layer for the late night temperatures.

Should I Bring Jeans?

While visiting the northern part of the state will require a few pairs of jeans and pants, packing your suitcase for South Florida will require more discretion.

If you’re spending time in a very southern city like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, jeans can be a good option for the morning, but keep in mind that you may grow uncomfortable during the warmer, humid afternoons.

That’s why I recommend bringing lighter summer jeans:

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You will likely be more comfortable with a suitcase full of T-shirts and shorts for South Florida, but plan on bringing at least one or two pairs of jeans/pants for when temperatures are cooler in the evenings.

Comfortable Shoes

Please don’t forget comfortable shoes. Many visitors underestimate the amount of walking they’ll be doing, especially in Orlando’s theme parks like Disney or Universal. It’s likely that you will be walking over 10 miles in a day.

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💡 Without comfortable walking shoes, you end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear flip-flops in theme parks, as these also run a risk of flying away on the rides.

Rain Protection

While rain and thunderstorms are unlikely, they are not impossible, especially in South Florida. Keeping a small umbrella handy is always a good idea.

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If visiting the theme parks, we recommend bringing your own poncho. This will keep you and your belongings nice and dry in case of showers. While you can buy a poncho at the park, you will find it much cheaper to buy one outside of the park and bring it in.

Additional items to pack:

• Sunglasses
• Small backpack for day trips
• Comfy walking shoes
• Beach bag
• Hat
• Water shoes (for water sports or boating)
• Water bottle for hydration
• Sunscreen
• Small portable fan
• Cooler
• Mickey Mouse ears for Disney.

Restaurant Tip

When staying in Florida, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outdoors is mainly hot, the air conditioners are on full blast. If you get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.

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This is important to consider if you’re traveling to the southern end of the state and are packing for warm weather. All fans and air conditioning units will be on full blast the further south you go, so even if you’re planning to take advantage of the warm winter weather in shorts and sandals, bring a spare sweater.

Bring A Handy Day Bag

Whether your plans include spending hours at the theme parks, having a beach day, or exploring some of Florida’s historical sites, a fanny pack or small backpack will be an essential item for your trip.

Tip: Make sure you stock your bag with a refillable water bottle, poncho, sunscreen, a phone charger, hand sanitizer, and your Mickey Mouse ears for Disney to be ready for whatever the day brings!

Prepare for Anything

While winter time will make many tourists think they don’t need to worry about heat-related illnesses, many people underestimate the humidity that hangs on the state year-round, especially when they come from colder or drier climates.

💡 Florida’s tropics are always something to consider when you plan to spend the day walking around, going on rides, or resting in the sand.

We suggest always bringing some medicine and electrolytes to treat and prevent headaches and dehydration. People who especially aren’t used to the weather will likely do some sweating, and replacing the salt and minerals your body is losing in your sweat is very important to stay healthy.

Long Sleeves Can Be Safer Than T-Shirts

Especially if you are in central or north Florida, while T-shirts are a great option for layers, we recommend packing more long-sleeved shirts for their versatility. These work well for a bottom layer because they will keep you warm in the afternoons when a thicker outer-layer is unnecessary, but you still feel a little chilly.

Even if you feel rather warm after you peel off all your layers, you can roll your sleeves up or down as much as needed to remain comfortable.

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If you’re visiting South Florida, long-sleeves are great for the mornings – they will provide you with enough coverage to feel warm if the morning is particularly chilly, but you can roll up the sleeves to cool down as the afternoon descends.

However, keep in mind how much time you will be spending outside if you are in the southern part of the state. If you plan on being outdoors all day without a break to go back to your hotel and change, a long-sleeved shirt in the morning will feel fine, but will turn warm and even uncomfortable well into the afternoon.

Sun Protection

Sun protection should still be a priority for everyone, even in December. The Florida sun is different from the rest of the United States – as the southernmost state in the country apart from Hawai’i, the sun’s rays strike Florida at a higher angle, which increases its ability to heat in both the summer and winter.

Tip: Besides sunscreen always bring a baseball hat (see our recommendations above)

This means that even if you’re in a cooler northern city, protecting your skin with sunscreen or long sleeves and pants is a must. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent burning. Also, keep a hat and sunglasses handy!

Tip: Applying sunscreen in the morning before your Florida excursions won’t be enough if you plan on being out all day. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if you are sweating or getting your skin wet.

Can You Still Swim in December?

In the far south, yes. Everywhere else it gets difficult. The water cools down from south to north, and in December the difference is big.

Average water temperatures in December:

• Miami Beach: 73°F
• Key West: 72°F
• Naples: 68°F
• Daytona Beach: 65°F
• St. Petersburg: 64°F
• St. Augustine: 60°F
• Pensacola: 58°F

Miami Beach and the Keys are still fine for swimming. Naples and St. Petersburg are the point where most people only go in for a short time. From Daytona Beach north, and along the Panhandle, the water is cold and you will see the beach used for walking, not for swimming.

Our tip: Pack your swimsuit anyway. Almost every hotel has a pool, and you will want it. But check before you book if the pool is heated. Many are not, and an unheated pool in Orlando or Destin in December is not fun at all.

If you plan to snorkel or stay in the water longer in the northern half of the state, you need a wetsuit, not just a rash guard.

Essential Clothing Items

T-shirts

T-shirts are a great way to stay cool while protecting sensitive areas like your shoulders and back from the sun. They can also be layered with sweaters or jackets if you’re expecting to be chilly.

Sweaters and Long Sleeves

Whether you’re planning for warmer or cooler weather in your Florida destination, packing at least one sweater and a few long-sleeved shirts will keep you safe rather than sorry if you run into cold weather or indoor temperatures.

Trousers or Jeans

Whether it will be comfortable to wear long pants during the day will depend on which part of the state you are visiting. In any case, trousers or jeans can be a great option for nighttime when temperatures go down.

Shorts or Capris

Like with long pants, how many pairs of shorts you should bring will depend on your location. Shorts are a must if you’re spending time in South Florida.

Skirts or a Casual Dress

Loose skirts and sundresses are a great option if visiting South Florida because they can keep you cool but are also versatile enough that you can add layers to keep warm.

If visiting northern Florida, opt for longer dresses or sweater dresses, or pack stockings to layer up.

Sneakers and Boots

Sneakers are essentials, in my opinion!

However, sneakers aren’t your only option for comfortable footwear if you want some variety. There are plenty of boots that are comfortable and can be used in the day or evening time, especially if visiting a very northern part of Florida.

For South Florida visitors, sandals can be an option, but we recommend you opt for sneakers thanks to their versatility for walking and keeping your feet a bit warmer.

Swimwear

While the water of some northern beaches might be too cold for some people to tolerate, the southern beaches are great to swim in year-round. If you’re planning to swim, pack more than one bathing suit so you always have a dry one ready to go!

Beach tip: If you visit the beach and have plans in the area afterwards, most establishments in close proximity to a beach are swim-attire-friendly. Always double-check, but you shouldn’t have any problems if you want to grab a bite to eat after the beach in a swimsuit and cover-up or T-shirt and swim trunks.

Jewelry

Less jewelry is more, especially if you have a busy day of fun planned. Stick to simple chains with a secure clasp, especially when going in the ocean or on theme park rides. Avoid rings, earrings, or other pieces of jewelry that can get lost or caught on something.

Feel free to wear all the pieces you like when exploring the nightlife, especially in Florida’s bustling, bright cities like Miami or Orlando.

Prepare Well for Your Night Out

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes when going out, but that might not be the first option if you want to dress up. If wearing heels, pick a pair with a thicker base or lower heel so you can feel comfortable wearing them all night.

Just in case, bring a pair of thick socks in your bag if you’re wearing uncomfortable heels. Since you likely won’t be able to carry around a spare pair of shoes if your feet get tired, socks will give you the option to retire your heels and keep you from walking around barefoot.

This is especially true if you’re doing a lot of walking in the evening, like bar hopping or going to a concert.

Personal Experiences

Prepare your hair for humidity: If you have long hair, bring extra headbands or hair ties. Even if you go during the “cooler months,” being outdoors all day long means whatever humidity there is will make it feel like your hair is glued to your neck and forehead, and I couldn’t believe how frizzy my curls got no matter how much product I put in them.

I needed to keep my hair in a bun or in a ponytail most of my trip, and I don’t know what I would have done without extra scrunchies and some gel in my suitcase.

Protect your thighs in shorts: I wore some athletic shorts to walk around the Universal and Islands of Adventure theme parks all day. Even though it wasn’t overly hot, it was warm enough to go for shorts instead of leggings, but eventually my thighs were chafing really badly because of sweat.

If you plan on wearing shorts, either wear long biker shorts or bring baby powder and lotion to absorb the moisture on your legs and reduce chafing! It would have saved me a lot of pain. Or, skip the shorts altogether and opt for leggings.

Bring extra shoes: Pack an extra pair of walking shoes!

We saw some rain when I visited central Florida and there were puddles everywhere. I had to splash through some that came up to my ankles when I was running to get out of the rain.

My sneakers were soaked by the afternoon and I didn’t have another pair to walk around in the next day when they were still damp. I had to buy a new pair of shoes – save yourself the expense and bring a spare!

It’s the little things: If there’s one thing I would tell someone to bring that they likely overlooked in their luggage, it’s a small, portable fan!

Even if you’re not expecting very hot or muggy weather, many people find themselves getting overwhelmed by the humidity. I went for a trip to visit family and go to the theme parks, and even though the high temperature each day was in the high 70s, the humidity made me sweat like it was the middle of July.

Bringing a mini-fan I bought on Amazon kept me from being grouchy while waiting in lines to get on the park rides, many of which were outdoors and packed with other people! It wasn’t as strong as air conditioning, but even a little breeze helped me feel better.

Conclusion

December means a break from sweltering temperatures and extremely high humidity, but Florida’s tropical weather never entirely lets up, especially not in the south. If visiting central or north Florida, pack layers and versatile clothing to be prepared for chills and any unexpected weather surprises.

If visiting the south, pack some extra warm clothes, but be ready for shorts and sandals vibes. Non-negotiable items in your suitcase should include an umbrella, poncho, hat, and sunscreen.