Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk cools off: highs slip to 71°F (22°C), from 75°F in November, with lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
At 90/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (65 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What December feels like
Warm afternoons near 71°F (22°C) make long days outdoors easy.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 55°F (13°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.6 in (65 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is one of Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: January highs fall to 68°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 14 min of daylight.
- Comfort improves from 86/100 in November to 90/100.
- Our Tampa New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Armature Works
Food hall and event space in a restored 1910 streetcar barn on the river in Tampa Heights.
Bern's Steak House
South Tampa steakhouse since 1956 with one of the world's largest wine lists and an upstairs dessert room.
Tampa Riverwalk
2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River through downtown, the free viewing area for the midnight fireworks over the water.
Why now December scores 90/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Jackson's Bistro
Waterfront restaurant on Harbour Island with a big deck facing downtown, host of a ticketed New Year's Eve party.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 2.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Downtown St. Petersburg in December~16 mi · highs 71°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Walt Disney World in December~63 mi · highs 72°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Winter Park in December~81 mi · highs 73°F, 2.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- St. Augustine in December~151 mi · highs 67°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 90/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December?
Some: about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 56.7 in (1441 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk
Routes in season in December
- Tampa New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.