Florida In December: 15 Best Florida Beaches To Visit

Why Visit Florida’s Beaches In December?

Florida shines as a haven of warmth in December. It provides a welcome escape from the winter chill gripping other parts of the United States. This time of year signifies the dry season, ensuring bright days with minimal rainfall, which is ideal for beach excursions. The smaller crowds create a peaceful setting, and guests can enjoy Florida’s beauty.

A Close Look At The Florida Weather In December

Florida has diverse weather in December due to different fronts and climatic patterns. Here’s a closer look at the weather in Florida in December.

Temperature. Enjoy a comfortably warm climate, with temperatures ranging from 64℉ to 76℉ (18℃ to 24℃). The southern regions offer milder conditions, perfect for delightful beach activities.
Rainfall. December brings dry weather, with an average rainfall of about 2 inches. It ensures clear skies for your beach plans.
Wind. While gusty winds may occur, especially in the mornings and evenings, they seldom disrupt daily activities.
Humidity. Mornings may feel humid. Humidity lessens later, creating pleasant weather.
Ocean temperatures. Dive into inviting waters, with temperatures ranging from 80℉ to 83.3℉ (27.1℃ to 28.5℃). It’s ideal for water sports and swimming.

Best Florida Beaches To Visit In December

Are you planning a Florida escape with your loved ones this December? Florida features an array of beautiful beaches, each with its distinct allure and activities. Florida’s coastlines offer tranquility, water adventures, and mesmerizing sunsets. Everyone can enjoy this paradise.

Florida features an array of beautiful beaches, each with its distinct allure and activities.

South Beach — Miami

South Beach is a lively social hub in the sun. It’s a top spot for sunny December days, boasting Florida’s inviting beaches year-round. Miami Beach combines shorelines with vibrant nightlife and diverse dining.

The sandy beaches offer a perfect winter retreat. Play beach volleyball, swim, or relax in a beach chair. Nature lovers can explore West Island Nature Park or Simpson Park.

Key West

Key West, the southernmost U.S. point, has the warmest Florida beaches in December. Its palm-lined shores and top-notch coral reefs create a snorkeler’s paradise.

Key West offers pleasant December temperatures. It’s the perfect place to relax under the gentle winter sun. Calm sea waves and golden sands embrace the location.

Clearwater Beach

Discover the essence of Florida beach life at Clearwater Beach—a true gem with crystal-clear waters. It’s a serene sanctuary with tranquil waters and pristine sands. Enjoy beach activities like volleyball, rollerblading, or biking on the scenic promenade.

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which actively dedicates itself to rescuing marine life. Conclude your day at Pier 60, where you can watch the stunning sunset and participate in evening events. The 1,080-foot pier, lit up at night, is popular with anglers.

Siesta Key

Located off the Sarasota coast in the Gulf of Mexico, this barrier island is a coveted Florida spot. Siesta Beach is known for its 8-mile white sand and clear waters. The area offers diverse dining, shopping, and nightlife.

Crescent Beach, another gem of Siesta Key, offers powdery sands and scenic views. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility. While spring break can get crowded, December visits are more peaceful. Turtle Beach is ideal for those seeking seclusion, leisurely walks, easy parking, and seashell hunting.

St. Augustine

Embrace the festive spirit with a Christmas celebration in St. Augustine while escaping the winter cold. This historic gem boasts over 40 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and numerous pristine beaches. While exploring St. George Street, visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Additionally, consider kayaking or birdwatching at Anastasia State Park.

If children are coming along, they’ll surely enjoy the splash pad and gentle waters of St. Augustine Beach. Just a short four-mile journey northeast of downtown, Vilano Beach pier is ideal for surfing or fishing.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a premier winter beach destination on the Atlantic coast. It offers various adventures, whether you’re leisurely exploring Worth Avenue or honing your golf skills at its top-notch courses.

The upscale resort town is around 70 miles north of Miami. The area has beautiful beaches with white dunes. It also offers upscale dining, historic estates from the Gilded Age, and elegant art galleries.

Be sure to visit Municipal Beach for sunbathing and swimming or venture to Phipps Ocean Park for shell collecting and snorkeling.

Fort Walton Beach

Experience the clear waters of Fort Walton Beach for an unforgettable coastal trip. Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination known for its serene beaches and family-friendly attractions, including aquariums, parks, and golf courses. Deep-sea fishing is also a popular activity there.

Discover Okaloosa Island’s beautiful beaches, which include a fishing pier, promenade, and stunning views. Enjoy white sand beaches and picnic areas at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island.

Delray Beach

Delray Beach, popularly called Florida’s “Village by the Sea,” entices visitors seeking quaint charm and city allure. While the Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Morikami Museum are must-see spots, it’s just as tempting to head straight to the beach.

For a serene beach escapade, explore Atlantic Dunes Park’s natural beauty. After exploring the beach, stroll along Atlantic Avenue for shopping and nightlife.

Marco Island

Marco Island, located 20 miles south of Naples, Florida, attracts visitors with luxury resorts and natural habitats. Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach Park is famous for its Gulf Coast shorelines. Wildlife lovers, fossil seekers, and kayak enthusiasts are attracted to the park. Marco Beach has resorts and condominiums, offering space for sunbathers and swimmers.

Islamorada

Explore further south of South Beach to discover Islamorada Key. This serene haven comprises six islands between Key Largo and Key West. The islands are renowned for top-notch deep-sea fishing charters and saltwater fly-fishing.

Beach lovers enjoy picture-perfect beaches. Adventurers can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the Islamorada sandbar. Thrilling swimming and snorkeling experiences await.

Amelia Island

Discover the tranquility of Amelia Island, a coastal gem brimming with old-world vibe. The island spans 13 miles of pristine beaches. Amelia Island State Park and Main Beach Park are popular spots for fishing and biking. The island offers an idyllic escape. Don’t miss out on an equestrian riding tour, tee off on top-tier golf courses, or simply meander around the island for a leisurely exploration.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach stretches 26 miles along Florida’s northwest coast. It’s renowned for its sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil beach vibes on the emerald coast. Recent visitors recommend this coastal community for those searching for pristine beaches with a serene ambiance. Santa Rosa Beach is a top destination for swimming, sunbathing, exploring dunes, and bodysurfing.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton, situated beneath West Palm Beach and Miami, features two miles of beaches. South Inlet Park is a peaceful fishing spot. The vast Red Reef Park provides swimming, snorkeling, and surf fishing opportunities. Visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to enjoy sea turtle treks and participate in hatchling release programs.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a top global diving spot in the upper part of Florida Keys. It features stunning reefs, shipwrecks, and landmarks. In December, it’s a popular choice among warm Florida beaches.

Don’t miss the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or Cannon Beach’s historic dunes. Far Beach is a must-see with its palm-fringed shores and calm waters.

Destin

Families love Destin for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear waters, and sunny skies. This paradise offers thrilling activities, including adventure parks. December is a great time to visit, with lower accommodation rates than summer.

White-sand spots like June White Decker Park and Crystal Beach are close to resorts. Head to Henderson Beach State Park to enjoy the serenity and quartz sands. Look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and wildlife during beach explorations.

Each destination has its unique charm and compelling reasons to visit. Florida’s beaches are a fantastic option for those seeking to escape the December chill elsewhere.

The woman is exploring Florida beaches in December.

What Should You Do On The Florida Beaches In December?

Exploring Florida’s beaches in December offers warm weather activities and holiday festivities. The temperate climate sets the stage for a plethora of outdoor adventures:

Swimming and sunbathing. The water remains warm enough for a leisurely swim, while the sun offers a serene setting for sun-seekers.
Exploring dunes and bodysurfing. Winter offers adventure and relaxation on uncrowded beaches. The season is ideal for dune exploration and bodysurfing.
Taking boat tours. Winter is ideal for boat excursions. You can see wildlife, fish, and enjoy sunsets over water. Consider a Boca Raton yacht charter to level up the fun on the water.
Enjoying water sports. Serene waters are ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking. Challenging waves on some coasts are perfect for surfing and other water sports.
Beachcombing and shell collecting. Cooler weather and stormier seas bring many seashells, making it ideal for beachcombing.
Participating in local festivities. Coastal communities host holiday celebrations with seasonal joy and beachside revelry.
Enjoying nature walks and hikes. Crisp temperatures are perfect for exploring coastal nature trails. These trails are ideal for hiking, bird watching, and immersing in local flora and fauna.
Fishing. With fewer tourists around in December, fishing becomes a delight as many fish species remain active in the warmer coastal waters.
Photography. December is a photographer’s paradise with winter skies, stunning sunsets, and tranquil beach vistas.

December in Florida offers activities for beach lovers and adventurers. The state boasts diverse natural and urban landscapes.

Embrace The Sunshine: Florida’s December Beach Escape

Florida’s beaches offer a delightful escape from winter’s chill in December. With warm temperatures, little rain, and many activities, the Florida weather in December is the perfect holiday getaway. Florida promises an unforgettable beach adventure during the festive season. It is up to you whether you seek a serene retreat or a vibrant escapade.

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About The Author

Hello! I’m Corinne, a proud nursing graduate from Riverside College with a particular flair for writing. My mission is to deliver top-notch, flawless web content that’s well-researched and engaging. I have a strong penchant for many various topics, so my writing is targeted towards people from all walks of life.