West Palm Beach in December

In December, West Palm Beach averages 24°C (76°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (68 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in West Palm Beach, with some rain to plan around.

24°C
Avg high
19°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
68 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in West Palm Beach

11th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
4%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 28 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in West Palm Beach (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (27°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (26°C) and cools 2°C in January (23°C).

December sunrise & sunset in West Palm Beach

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:01 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:29 PM
Day length
10 h 28 min

Times shown for West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:01 AM – 6:41 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:41 AM – 7:41 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:49 PM – 5:49 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:49 PM – 6:29 PM

📅 When to book — West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach'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 West Palm Beach

High season

This is a busy month in West Palm Beach — 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 West Palm Beach

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.3
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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 West Palm Beach — December

26.2°C (79°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year West Palm Beach's sea swings from 24.9°C (February) to 31°C (August) — December sits at 26.2°C.

West Palm Beach in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 23°C / 73°F 17°C / 62°F 79 mm 16
February 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 66°F 68 mm 16
March 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 67°F 53 mm 17
April 27°C / 81°F 21°C / 70°F 102 mm 21
May 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 73°F 146 mm 23
June 30°C / 85°F 24°C / 76°F 195 mm 28
July 30°C / 87°F 25°C / 78°F 188 mm 30
August 31°C / 87°F 26°C / 78°F 206 mm 30
September 30°C / 85°F 25°C / 77°F 243 mm 28
October 28°C / 82°F 24°C / 74°F 129 mm 23
November 26°C / 79°F 21°C / 70°F 99 mm 20
December 24°C / 76°F 19°C / 66°F 68 mm 17

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for West Palm Beach in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is West Palm Beach in December?

In December, West Palm Beach averages a high of 24°C (76°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in West Palm Beach in December?

December is quite rainy in West Palm Beach, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open West Palm Beach on the interactive map

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