Sarasota in December
In December, Sarasota averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (65 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Sarasota, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Sarasota
December is one of the coolest months in Sarasota (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (27°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (25°C) and cools 2°C in January (21°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Sarasota
Times shown for Sarasota 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 Sarasota — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Sarasota's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sarasota 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 Sarasota'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 Sarasota
Sarasota 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 Sarasota
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 Sarasota — December
Across the year Sarasota's sea swings from 17.7°C (January) to 31.8°C (July) — December sits at 18.7°C.
Sarasota in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 69°F | 13°C / 55°F | 74 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 23°C / 74°F | 15°C / 60°F | 42 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 62°F | 50 mm | 11 | — |
| April | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 67°F | 70 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 71°F | 91 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 30°C / 87°F | 24°C / 75°F | 159 mm | 27 | — |
| July | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 77°F | 166 mm | 29 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 186 mm | 29 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 169 mm | 27 | — |
| October | 29°C / 83°F | 22°C / 71°F | 56 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 58 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 23°C / 74°F | 16°C / 60°F | 65 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sarasota in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sarasota in December?
In December, Sarasota averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Sarasota in December?
December can be fairly wet in Sarasota, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Sarasota?
December is mild and pleasant. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.