Beach Vacation in December: Key West Weather and Things to Do
Short answer: Key West can be a good beach vacation in December, with average highs near 78°F, mild evenings and a regional November–April sea-temperature average of about 74°F. You can swim and spend time on the sand, but winter cold fronts can bring cooler, windier days, so plan beach time alongside town activities.
Is Key West warm enough for a beach vacation in December?
Yes, Key West is generally warm enough for a December beach trip, especially for families who want outdoor time without relying on a full day of swimming. National Weather Service climate normals put the average December high at 77.7°F and the average low at 68.3°F. December is also within the Florida Keys’ dry season, which runs from December through April.
Those figures describe monthly averages, and winter cold fronts can still affect the Keys. You may get a cooler or windy spell during your stay, so build in options such as a town walk or historic-site visit alongside beach time.
The National Weather Service lists average December precipitation in Key West at 2.16 inches. Check the forecast close to your dates and again before committing to a boat trip.
For another warm-weather seasonal comparison, see our guide to Florida beaches in November. If you are planning around the holidays, our list of family Christmas vacation ideas in the US can help you compare trip styles.
Can you swim in Key West in December?
Swimming is possible, but comfort varies with wind and personal preference. The regional sea temperature averages about 74°F from November through April, rather than representing a December-only reading; the Florida Keys weather information provides regional climate details.
Kids who are happy to splash may enjoy a short swim, while children who get cold quickly may prefer sand play and a quick dip. Pack swimwear, towels and a dry change of clothes. At Fort Zachary Taylor, the beach has a rocky sea bottom, and the state park recommends water shoes. The park also says lifeguards are not on duty, so keep close supervision in your plans.
Which Key West beaches are best to visit in December?
Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor offer different setups for a December beach day. Choose based on the facilities your family needs, how much time you want to spend at the beach and whether you would like to add a historic site or snorkeling.
- Smathers Beach: The city describes this as Key West’s largest public beach, about half a mile long. It is open from sunrise to sunset, and the listed restroom hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Paid parking is listed at $5 per hour as of 2026-10-29. The city lists paid hours as Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, noon to midnight.
- Higgs Beach: This city beach has a wide sandy area, shallow water, a pier, restrooms and showers. Chair and umbrella concessions are listed among its amenities, which can be useful if you do not want to bring every beach item with you.
- Fort Zachary Taylor: This state park combines beach time with a historic fort. It is open from 8 a.m. until sundown year-round, while the fort closes at 5 p.m. The beach offers swimming and snorkeling; snorkeling gear can be rented at the beach concession. Bring water shoes for the rocky bottom and remember that no lifeguards are on duty.
For current details, check the city’s Smathers Beach hours, facilities and parking. Fort Zachary Taylor admission is listed at $6 per vehicle as of 2026-10-29. The park’s official page has current hours and admission information.
What are the best things to do in Key West in December?
Mix a beach visit with a historic site, a sunset stop or a seasonal event rather than building every day around swimming. That gives families options if a cold front makes the water less inviting.
- Visit Fort Zachary Taylor: Pair the beach with a visit to the fort. Since the fort closes at 5 p.m. and the park closes at sundown, check the day’s timing and arrive with enough time for both parts.
- Walk to South Beach: The city places South Beach at the southern end of Duval Street and notes that it is within walking distance of downtown shopping and restaurants. It can suit families looking to combine a short beach stop with time in town.
- Watch the sunset at Mallory Square: The City of Key West identifies Mallory Square as the site of the Sunset Celebration. It is an outdoor evening activity to add to a day away from the beach.
- Look for the lighted boat parade: The Schooner Wharf organizer lists its 2026 Lighted Boat Parade for December 12. Confirm the date and event details with the event organizer before traveling, as schedules can change.
- Consider a Dry Tortugas day trip: Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West and can be reached by ferry, private or charter boat, or seaplane. December through March is the park’s winter stormy season, with windier conditions and rougher seas. The National Park Service advises visitors to monitor weather and plan ahead; the remote park has no visitor services.
The Dry Tortugas entrance fee is listed at $15 per person, with children under 16 exempt, as of 2026-10-29. That is the park entrance fee, not a transport price. Review the National Park Service information on getting to Dry Tortugas and seasonal conditions before you plan the excursion.
For a road-based trip to the Keys, our winter road trip checklist covers car preparation and packing for cold-weather driving.
Is Key West crowded or expensive around Christmas and New Year’s?
December is part of the Florida Keys’ high-demand season, and holiday events add to the appeal. Expect more competition for popular dates around Christmas and New Year’s. Plan and book key parts of the trip early when your dates are fixed, especially if your family needs a particular room setup.
Hotel and flight costs vary by travel dates and booking lead time, so compare prices for your own dates. Smathers Beach parking is listed at $5 per hour, and Fort Zachary Taylor admission is $6 per vehicle, both as of 2026-10-29. Dry Tortugas’ listed entrance fee is $15 per person as of 2026-10-29; children under 16 are exempt, and transport to the park is separate.
With kids, account for costs that can add up across a day, such as hourly parking, beach concessions and any boat or seaplane transportation you choose. Verify current rates and event information before your trip.
What should you pack for Key West in December?
Pack for warm afternoons, cooler evenings and the chance of a windy front. A practical family list keeps beach basics handy without assuming every day will be a swimming day.
- Swimsuits, towels and a change of dry clothes for each child.
- Water shoes for Fort Zachary Taylor’s rocky sea bottom.
- Light layers for cooler evenings or a cold-front day.
- Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, for time outdoors.
- Comfortable walking shoes for town and the historic fort.
- A small day bag for water, snacks and any beach items your family needs.
- If considering Dry Tortugas, check the latest park and transportation guidance before packing for the outing.
Keep the schedule flexible: pick a beach, check conditions, and decide whether a swim makes sense when you arrive. Shorter beach visits can be easier to manage with young children, while older kids may enjoy adding snorkeling or a longer walk when conditions cooperate.
Is Key West in December a good choice for families?
Key West is a good December option for families seeking mild weather, beach access and activities beyond the water. Choose a beach with amenities that suit your children, bring layers and water shoes, and treat swimming as one possible activity rather than the only reason to go.
If your trip falls around a holiday, plan for high demand and confirm event details before setting your itinerary. For regional climate information, check the National Weather Service Florida Keys climate page.
Frequently asked questions
How warm is Key West in December?
Key West’s December climate normals show an average high of 77.7°F and an average low of 68.3°F. Winter cold fronts can still bring cooler conditions.
Is the ocean warm enough to swim in Key West in December?
Swimming is possible, but comfort varies with wind and personal preference. The regional sea-temperature average is about 74°F for November through April, not December alone.
What does it cost to visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park?
Admission is listed at $6 per vehicle as of 2026-10-29. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, and the fort closes at 5 p.m.
Is there a Key West boat parade in December 2026?
Schooner Wharf lists its Lighted Boat Parade for December 12, 2026. Confirm the date and event details with the organizer before you travel.
