What the weather is like in December
December is pleasant at 25°C with modest rain (55mm), 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.
Against November, December runs 2°C cooler with much the same rainfall.
These December averages are station normals for Key West International Airport (NOAA NCEI normals, 1991-2020); other parts of Key West vary. Full sources below.
Key West in December, on the ground
December brings Key West its dry season: sunny, breezy days and much lower humidity than in summer. A cold front can bring a cool, windy day now and then, which can cancel boat trips.
Crowds and prices in December
Early December is calm and fairly priced; the weeks around Christmas and New Year are among the busiest and most expensive of the year, with hotels on Duval Street full.
What to do in December
- See the Lighted Boat Parade in the harbour in December.
- Count down on New Year’s Eve with one of Duval Street’s famous drops.
- Watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square.
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, April, is four months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for July. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Key West, or where else to go in December.
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)$$$Walkability, guesthouses, restaurantsThe classic base — conch houses, courtyard pools, everything on foot. Loud within two blocks of Duval; quieter toward the cemetery and Truman Annex.See hotels in Key West for 12–18 Dec 2026
- New Town / North Roosevelt$$Chain hotels, parking, lower ratesFifteen minutes by bike or bus from Old Town. Better value, especially in winter, and easier parking.See hotels in Key West for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Middle Keys (Marathon) as a base$$Quieter beaches, families, Bahia HondaAn 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.
Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Key West.
Browse Key West on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Key West International Airport (EYW) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for US installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See US plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Key West.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Key West?
How warm is Key West in December?
Does it rain in Key West in December?
What should I pack for Key West in December?
How far ahead should I book Key West for December?
Sources: Florida Keys & Key West Tourism (fla-keys.com) · NOAA NCEI normals: Key West International Airport, 1991-2020 · NOAA National Hurricane Center · Monroe County Emergency Management. Full provenance on the Key West guide.
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