Early winter · Weather & things to do
Key West in December
Key West edges cooler than November, with highs of 76°F (24°C), lows of 73°F (23°C) and about 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain.
At 87/100 for comfort (6th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 76°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 73°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 1.5 in (39 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 87/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs settle around 76°F (24°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 73°F (23°C).
Humidity averages 79%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
About 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's December.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.2 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around December
December is one of Key West's best months on the climate data.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 29 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (89 → 87/100).
- December sits inside the Nov – Apr window our Miami Beach Getaway route recommends.
- December sits inside the Dec – May window our Florida Keys Adventure route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 76°F
- Quick-dry fabrics79% average humidity
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Key West in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Hemingway's 1930s home with guided tours and dozens of six-toed cats.
Blue Heaven
Bahama Village garden restaurant with roosters underfoot; famous for breakfast and tall key lime pie.
Why now December scores 87/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
The Green Parrot Bar
Locals' bar since 1890 with live music most nights and no TV screens.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Key lime pie on a stick (chocolate-dipped, frozen) and key lime goods.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters
88 steps to the top for views over Old Town, across the street from Hemingway's house.
Why now Highs near 76°F and 1.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pepe's Cafe
Key West's oldest restaurant (1909), serving seafood and steaks under a backyard arbor.
Nearby in December
- Bahia Honda & the Lower Keys in December~33 mi · highs 76°F, 1.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Everglades in December~75 mi · highs 75°F, 1.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Key Largo in December~91 mi · highs 76°F, 1.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Miami in December~130 mi · highs 75°F, 2.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
These averages also cover Old Town & Duval Street.
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.
Key West in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Key West?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 87/100. Expect highs of 76°F (24°C) and 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain. December is inside the Nov – Apr window our Miami Beach Getaway route recommends.
How hot is Key West in December?
Average highs are 76°F (24°C) and average lows 73°F (23°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Key West in December?
Not much: about 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 41.5 in (1054 mm).
What should I pack for Key West in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 76°F), quick-dry fabrics (79% average humidity), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Key West
Routes in season in December
- Miami Beach Getaway Nov – Apr
- Florida Keys Adventure Dec – May
Planning Key West in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.