What the weather is like in December
December is pleasant at 24°C with modest rain (78mm), mostly from passing fronts. Rates climb through the month to the Christmas–New Year peak, when Old Town guesthouses sell out and minimum stays apply. Early December is the value pick.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Key West; other parts of Key West vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Key West in December
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
Is December the right month?
Key West's best month is April; the toughest is September. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for July. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Key West.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Key West, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Old Town (Duval and the historic district)$$$Walkability, guesthouses, nightlife
The classic base — conch houses, courtyard pools, everything on foot. Loud within two blocks of Duval; quieter toward the cemetery and Truman Annex.
See Old Town (Duval and the historic district) hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - New Town / North Roosevelt$$Chain hotels, parking, lower rates
Fifteen minutes by bike or bus from Old Town. Better value, especially in winter, and easier parking.
See New Town / North Roosevelt hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Middle Keys (Marathon) as a base$$Quieter beaches, families, Bahia Honda
An hour up the highway. Calmer, cheaper, closer to the best swimming beach in the Keys; Key West becomes a day trip.
See Middle Keys (Marathon) as a base hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Key West?
December scores 84/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Exceptional" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is one of the best months to visit Key West — strong conditions and the reason many travellers pick this window. It is also one of the most expensive: book early, and expect holiday-week rates.
How warm is Key West in December?
Expect daytime highs around 24°C (75°F) and overnight lows near 22°C (72°F), with about 9.2 hours of sun a day.
Does it rain in Key West in December?
December sees roughly 78mm of rain — moderate rainfall; a packable rain layer helps.
What should I pack for Key West in December?
For December, pack: Light layers for warm days; A light jacket for the evenings.
Sources
Every claim on this page is backed by an authoritative source. Atlas Ranger synthesizes data from multiple references so you can see exactly where each fact came from.
- Florida Keys & Key West Tourism (fla-keys.com)Used for: Official visitor information, event dates
- Open-Meteo Historical Climate Data (ERA5)Used for: Monthly temperature, rainfall, sunshine averages (5-year)
- NOAA National Hurricane CenterUsed for: Atlantic hurricane season climatology and historical Keys landfalls
- Monroe County Emergency ManagementUsed for: Evacuation zones, visitor evacuation orders, alert registration
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