What the weather is like in December
December is pleasant (26°C) with modest rain from passing fronts. Art Basel (first week) and the Christmas–New Year fortnight are the two most expensive periods of the year; the two weeks between them are quiet and reasonably priced. The Orange Bowl and New Year's Eve on South Beach close the month.
Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with 28mm less rain and 0.4 hours less sun a day.
These December averages are station normals for Miami International Airport (NOAA NCEI normals, 1991-2020); other parts of Miami vary. Full sources below.
Miami in December, on the ground
December is when Miami enters its dry season: sunny days, lower humidity, and comfortable evenings for dining outside. Cold fronts occasionally bring a cool, breezy day.
Crowds and prices in December
The month opens with Miami Art Week, which pushes Miami Beach hotel rates to a peak; mid-December is calmer and better value; then Christmas and New Year bring the year’s busiest week.
What to do in December
- Walk the Wynwood Walls and the Design District galleries, at their liveliest around Miami Art Week (4–6 December in 2026 for the main fair).
- Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks over Biscayne Bay from Bayfront Park.
- Explore the Everglades, where the dry season brings more wildlife to the trails.
Before you book: Hotels on Miami Beach during Art Week sell out and reprice sharply; book months ahead or stay elsewhere.
What to pack for Miami in December
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
What's on in December
- Art Basel Miami Beach (Miami Beach Convention Center and citywide) — First week of December; the single most expensive hotel week of the year.
Is December the right month?
Miami's best month, February, is two 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. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Miami, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Miami, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- South Beach (Miami Beach)$$$The beach and Art DecoThe classic base; loud south of 15th Street, calmer north of 20th. In an evacuation zone — check the forecast in late summer.See hotels in Miami for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Brickell / Downtown$$Restaurants, business travelHigh-rise hotels with better rates than the Beach; a short ride to Wynwood and Little Havana. Prone to street flooding in heavy rain.See hotels in Miami for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Coral Gables / Coconut Grove$$Quieter base, families, tree-lined streetsHistoric, leafy, and calmer, with easy access to the Everglades and the Keys highway. Twenty minutes to the Beach.See hotels in Miami for 12–18 Dec 2026
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Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Miami.
Browse Miami on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Miami International Airport (MIA) 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 Miami.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Miami?
How warm is Miami in December?
Does it rain in Miami in December?
What should I pack for Miami in December?
How far ahead should I book Miami for December?
Sources: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau · NOAA NCEI normals: Miami International Airport, 1991-2020 · NOAA National Hurricane Center · Miami-Dade County Emergency Management. Full provenance on the Miami guide.
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