Pensacola in December

In December, Pensacola averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (149 mm total).

High season

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Pensacola. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

18°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
149 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Pensacola

11th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Pensacola (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (24°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (21°C) and cools 2°C in January (15°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Pensacola

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:49 PM
Day length
10 h 12 min

Times shown for Pensacola local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Pensacola — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Pensacola's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:38 AM – 6:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:18 AM – 7:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:09 PM – 5:09 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:09 PM – 5:49 PM

📅 When to book — Pensacola 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 (High season) and Pensacola's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

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.

🎄
US Christmas/New Year Window
Travel surge · high impact

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 Pensacola

High season

This is a busy month in Pensacola — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Pensacola

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
6.6
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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 Pensacola — December

18°C (64°F)
cool
swimmable but bracing — wetsuit helps for long sessions

Across the year Pensacola's sea swings from 16.3°C (January) to 30.4°C (August) — December sits at 18°C.

Pensacola in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 60°F 8°C / 46°F 110 mm 12
February 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 103 mm 15
March 20°C / 69°F 14°C / 57°F 111 mm 15
April 23°C / 73°F 17°C / 62°F 151 mm 15
May 27°C / 80°F 20°C / 69°F 109 mm 17
June 29°C / 85°F 24°C / 75°F 155 mm 24
July 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 77°F 152 mm 27
August 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 78°F 198 mm 26
September 29°C / 84°F 23°C / 74°F 147 mm 20
October 25°C / 78°F 19°C / 65°F 116 mm 12
November 21°C / 69°F 13°C / 55°F 94 mm 10
December 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 149 mm 14

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Pensacola in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Pensacola in December?

In December, Pensacola averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Pensacola in December?

December can be fairly wet in Pensacola, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Pensacola?

December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Pensacola 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 Pensacola for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Pensacola on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.