Key West in December
In December, Key West averages 24°C (76°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (56 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Key West, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Key West
December is one of the coolest months in Key West (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (26°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (26°C) and cools 1°C in January (23°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Key West
Times shown for Key West local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Key West — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Key West's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Key West in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Key West's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Key West
Key West is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Key West
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Key West — December
Across the year Key West's sea swings from 24.2°C (January) to 31.4°C (August) — December sits at 24.7°C.
Key West in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C / 73°F | 20°C / 69°F | 52 mm | 16 | — |
| February | 24°C / 74°F | 22°C / 71°F | 30 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 24°C / 76°F | 23°C / 73°F | 34 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 26°C / 78°F | 24°C / 76°F | 40 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 25°C / 78°F | 93 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 29°C / 83°F | 27°C / 80°F | 116 mm | 24 | — |
| July | 30°C / 85°F | 28°C / 82°F | 91 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 30°C / 85°F | 28°C / 82°F | 109 mm | 25 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 27°C / 81°F | 159 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 28°C / 82°F | 26°C / 79°F | 132 mm | 25 | — |
| November | 26°C / 78°F | 24°C / 75°F | 76 mm | 19 | — |
| December | 24°C / 76°F | 22°C / 72°F | 56 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Key West in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Key West in December?
In December, Key West averages a high of 24°C (76°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Key West in December?
December can be fairly wet in Key West, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Key West?
December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Key West in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Key West for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.