Month guide · Key West · United States
Key West in December
What December is really like in Key West: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Radomianin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Key West. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.6 hours of daylight. Warm and dry with holiday crowds; the end-of-year weeks are especially busy and expensive.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Key West: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with November (27°C (81°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:04
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:41
- Daylight
- About 10.6 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F)
Autumn (September–November). September is peak hurricane season and very quiet; October brings Fantasy Fest and November the start of the dry season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Lighted boat parade at the Historic Seaport (usually December)
- New Year's Eve conch-shell drop on Duval Street (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Street · Old Town and Duval Street
Duval Street
The island's main street runs from the Gulf to the Atlantic, with long-running bars such as Sloppy Joe's and Captain Tony's, galleries, cigar shops and restaurants.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Shopping
- Food
Landmark · Old Town and Duval Street
Southernmost Point buoy
Queues for a photo can be long by mid-morning; come at sunrise or after dark.
- Time needed
- 15–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
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Historic site · Truman Annex
Harry S. Truman Little White House
President Truman spent working holidays at this former naval commandant's house, and it later hosted Eisenhower, Kennedy and Carter.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
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Garden · Old Town and Duval Street
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Wear bright colours; butterflies are more likely to land on you.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Rainy day
- Couples
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Key West.
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 19°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Key West?
One of the best months to visit Key West, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–May. Compare every month.
Key West in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Key West?
It is one of the best months to visit Key West. Warm and dry with holiday crowds; the end-of-year weeks are especially busy and expensive.
+How warm is Key West in December?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Key West in December?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.