Wondering where to go for a fun beach getaway this winter? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
Warm weather and sunshine are hard to come by in December and January. This time of the year isn’t typically considered the ideal beach season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great beaches with temperate weather and plenty of sunshine!
Fortunately, if you’re looking for the warmest beaches in the USA in December, Florida is a great place to visit!
With its warm climate year-round and hundreds of miles of beautiful coastlines with sandy beaches and emerald shores, there are plenty of spots perfect for outdoor activities during December in Florida and you could spend all day on the beach basking in the sun’s rays.
After visiting the ‘Sunshine State’ several times, I decided to help you to escape the cold and soak up some sun. In this post, you will find the 10 warmest beaches in Florida in December that are known for their sunny days and sparkling waters.
Table of Contents
Where to Find the Warmest Beaches in Florida in December
1 – Miami Beach, Miami
Miami Beach has long been a playground for those seeking sunny days and wild nights.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Miami in December, during this time of the year temperatures can reach up to 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 Celsius). It’s the beginning of the dry season, so you can expect blue skies accompanied by a crisp breeze and a little rainfall.
While on Miami Beach, you can bask in the sun, swim on its crystal clear blue water, walk on the boardwalk, rent a jet ski, take a sunset cruise or even better, a private yacht cruise with champagne.
In addition, Miami Beach has an iconic nightlife scene that makes it one of the best places to visit if you want to experience a unique blend of culture and fun!
The average sea temperature in December is 76.50F (24.70C), which makes Miami Beach the warmest Florida beach in December.
2 – Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale
With average highs reaching 76°F (24°C) during this time of year, Fort Lauderdale is another great option if you’re looking to escape cold weather while enjoying a beach getaway.
If you’re looking for a beach that combines both comfort and activity then Ft. Lauderdale is definitely worth checking out.
Its wide stretch of white sand makes it perfect for watersports such as paddleboarding or kayaking along its canal system which connects to the Atlantic Ocean.
Plus it’s close enough to Miami that you can make a day trip to visit both cities during your stay!
Average sea temperature in December: 76.30F (24.60C)
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3 – Key West
Key West has consistently been one of the warmest and most popular beaches in Florida all year round. Still, during December and January, it can get exceptionally balmy with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius).
Not only does Key West have some of the best beach weather, but it also boasts plenty of activities from kayaking and snorkeling to parasailing and sunset cruises.
You can take a day trip from Miami with water activities, but my recommendation it’s to spend a few days in this subtropical paradise.
Average sea temperature in December: 74.60F (23.70C)
4 – Palm Beach
For those who prefer city life with their beach vacation, Palm Beach may be just what you need! Located on Florida’s east coast near West Palm Beach, this bustling city has plenty to offer—from shopping centers and restaurants to golf courses and luxurious resorts.
Palm Beach’s shoreline offers miles of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming or simply relaxing by the shoreline with a good book or your favorite magazine.
It’s another great destination in Florida in December if you’re looking to escape colder temperatures while still enjoying some quality beach time.
The temperature here rarely dips below 70 degrees even during winter months, so it’s always a comfortable place to be no matter what time of year it is!
Average sea temperature in December: 74.30F (23.50C)
5 – Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is an excellent choice if you’re seeking some warmth and sunshine during December without all the crowds that flock to other popular destinations like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Located just south of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach boasts miles of soft white sand perfect for relaxing under sunny skies with average temperatures reaching up into the mid-70s throughout December making it one of Florida’s warmest places this time of year!
With its famous pier offering a wide variety of attractions including live music shows restaurants shops arcades and much more – Cocoa makes it an excellent choice for those hoping to get away from cold weather while still enjoying all that Central Florida has to offer!
Average sea temperature in December: 740F (23.30C)
6 – Tigertail Beach, Marco Island
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is yet another fantastic destination for beachgoers in search of some winter sun and warmth.
This spot features powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and gorgeous views of the Gulf Coast, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit in all of Florida. It also boasts gentle waves perfect for swimming or boating.
Plus, temperatures at Tigertail remain comfortably warm—even in December—with average highs hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal spot to beat the winter blues!
Average sea temperature in December: 71.40F (21.90C)
7 – Delnor Wiggins State Park Beach, Naples
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded and scenic, Delnor Wiggins State Park Beach may be your ideal destination.
Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples offers beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise waters that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, even in December when temperatures average around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 Celsius).
There are plenty of outdoor activities such as nature walks, kayak tours, fishing and bird watching for those who don’t want to just relax by the shore.
The average temperature at the beach in December is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), making it perfect for sunbathing or taking an afternoon stroll along the shoreline.
Average sea temperature in December: 71.20F (21.80C)
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While on the coast of Naples, you can take a Ten Thousand Island Jet Ski Eco Tour, a Sightseeing Boat Tour or go paddling through mangrove tunnels.
8 – Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers
Fort Myers Beach, a town on Estero Island on the Gulf Coast, has been known as one of the warmest beaches in the USA in December with temperatures reaching almost 80°F!
Just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach and easy to reach are the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Any one of these locations can make for an ideal winter vacation spot so don’t forget your sunscreen when you go!
Unfortunately, Fort Myers was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian and it will take at least a year or two for recuperation.
Average sea temperature in December: 70.20F (21.20C)
9 – Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach is considered one of America’s best beaches and was named the nation’s #1 beach by Trip Advisor in 2018.
Clearwater Beach is also one of the warmest beaches in Florida in December and its average highs reach 75°F (24°C), making it ideal for soaking up some sun or playing around in its shallow waters.
But besides its warmth, it offers plenty of exciting activities such as parasailing and deep sea fishing charters. If you are travelling with kids, you can always build sandcastles with them on the shores!
Average sea temperature in December: 68.50F (20.30C)
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10 – Crescent Beach, Siesta Key
Located on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine, Crescent Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida in December.
As temperatures drop throughout the rest of the country, they stay relatively mild at Crescent Beach, where temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
The water temperature stays in a comfortable range as well—averaging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder why this beach is so popular during winter months!
Average sea temperature in December: 68.50F (20.30C)
“The temperatures given are the sea surface temperature (SST) which is most relevant to recreational users.” For more information, visit the website seatemperature.org
If you’re looking to escape winter weather this December but don’t want to travel too far away from home, then consider visiting one of these 10 warmest beaches in Florida!
From Siesta Key to Fort Lauderdale Beach, there are plenty of options available depending on what kind of experience you want out of your getaway—whether that be lounging beachside or participating in water activities like snorkeling or parasailing!
No matter where you decide to go for your winter respite make sure that you wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water throughout your stay so that you can enjoy every moment without feeling overheated or dehydrated!
Safe travels and have fun in Florida!
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- Best Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas
- Best Beaches Towns in the Dominican Republic
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