Average Temperature In Key West In December

If you’ve ever scraped ice off a windshield in December and thought, “I bet Key West is nice right now,” you’re not wrong. The average temperature in Key West in December lands around a delightful 73°F. That’s not a typo, and no, you don’t need a parka.

In Celsius, that’s roughly 23°C. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to walk instead of rush. It also makes your relatives in Ohio jealous, which is a nice bonus.

What December Actually Feels Like

The Short Answer

Daytime highs usually sit near 77°F, or about 25°C. Lows dip to around 68°F, or 20°C. So your biggest decision might be whether to wear sandals or sneakers.

Mornings can feel slightly cool if a breeze rolls in off the water. By lunch, you’re peeling off that light layer. By sunset, you might want it again.

This isn’t sweaty summer Key West. December brings softer humidity and a gentler sun. It’s warm without feeling like you’re walking through soup.

Humidity in December usually feels mild, not sticky. You can walk around Duval Street without feeling like you need a towel. That soft air is part of why so many snowbirds show up.

A Day in the Life at 73 Degrees

You wake up, step onto a porch, and sip coffee while the palms rustle. A long-sleeve shirt feels fine for about ten minutes. Then the sun wins, and you’re in shorts.

Around noon, the beach looks like a postcard. You can stretch out on the sand, read a book, and forget what month it is. The ocean is usually in the mid-70s, which is refreshing rather than freezing.

Swimming is definitely on the table. Some locals call the water brisk in December, but visitors from colder states call it perfect. If you’re cold-natured, a quick dip and a warm towel will do the trick.

Evening brings the famous Mallory Square sunset. Street performers do their thing, boats glide by, and nobody is shivering. You might need a light sweater, but that’s mostly for style.

Why It Beats a Snow Shovel

While much of the country deals with icy sidewalks and gray skies, Key West stays mild. Places like Minneapolis, Boston, and Chicago can be brutally cold in December. Key West is over here wearing flip-flops.

Weather Key West in December 2026: Temperature & Climate

No scraping frost. No salt stains on your boots. No seven-minute routine of hats, gloves, and scarves before you can find your keys.

That said, December is peak season in Key West. Hotels and flights cost more, and restaurants are busier. Book early if you want the warm-weather escape without the stress.

You’ll also run into holiday lights, boat parades, and cheerful crowds. Key West doesn’t do a quiet winter hibernation. It does a warm, slightly quirky celebration.

What to Pack for Those Temperatures

Think shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, and sunscreen. Bring a light hoodie or denim jacket for breezy boat rides and air-conditioned bars. Layers are your best friend.

Leave the parka at home. Leave the snow boots, too. You won’t need them unless you’re using them as a weird conversation piece.

Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat. The December sun is softer than summer’s, but it still shows up. A little sunscreen now saves you from a pink surprise later.

A rain jacket can help for quick showers, but it doesn’t need to be heavy. December isn’t the rainy season here. It’s more of a “maybe a sprinkle, then back to sunshine” situation.

Rain, Wind, and Other Small Print

December rainfall averages around 2 inches, which is pretty tame. Showers tend to pass through quickly. You’re more likely to complain about wind than rain.

Florida Keys Climate Data

The trade winds keep things comfortable, especially near the water. That breeze is lovely on a hot afternoon. On a sunset cruise, it can make you glad you brought that extra layer.

A Quick Note on Cold Fronts

Cold fronts do occasionally sneak down from the mainland. When they do, you might get a day in the low 60s. Then the sun returns, and everyone is back in shorts.

Hurricane season officially ends November 30, which is another point in December’s favor. Still, check the forecast before you travel. Weather likes to remind us who’s boss.

Why You Should Care, Even If You’re Not Going

The average December temperature in Key West is a small reminder that winter isn’t the same everywhere. Some places bundle up. Some places bare their shoulders.

If you’re dreaming of a warm escape, that 73°F average is your green light. It’s warm enough for the beach and cool enough for sleeping with the windows open. It’s basically the Goldilocks forecast.

And if you’re stuck in the cold, you can still use this information for good. Send it to a friend who needs a vacation. Or just daydream about it while wearing two pairs of socks.

It’s also a great conversation starter. “What’s the weather like?” becomes a lot more fun when the answer includes palm trees. Especially if the person asking is standing in a snowbank.

So when someone asks about the average temperature in Key West in December, you can say this: around 73°F, with highs near 77°F and lows near 68°F. That means beach days, outdoor dinners, and sunsets that don’t require a thermal blanket.

It’s not just a number on a weather chart. It’s an invitation to trade mittens for sunscreen. And honestly, that sounds pretty great.