You've seen the postcards. Everyone looks like they're living in a perpetual summer montage, sipping mojitos in linen shirts while the rest of the country is busy de-icing their windshields. But if you’re planning a trip, you need the ground truth. Is it actually "beach weather" or are you going to be shivering in a windbreaker on Ocean Drive?
The average temperature in miami florida in december is a bit of a moving target.
Honestly, it’s the most unpredictable month of the year for South Florida. One day you’re sweating through a t-shirt at a Dolphins game, and the next, a "blue norther" sweeps through and everyone is suddenly wearing North Face puffers like they’re in the Swiss Alps. It's wild.
The Numbers vs. The Reality
If you look at the official climate data from the National Weather Service, the math seems simple. The daily high sits right around 76°F, while the lows hover near 64°F.
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That sounds perfect, right?
But averages are liars. In Miami, December is a battleground between lingering tropical humidity and the first real cold fronts of the season. According to records from Miami International Airport, it’s not uncommon to see temperatures spike to 83°F in early December. On the flip side, we’ve had Christmases where the mercury struggled to hit 50°F.
In 2022, Miami recorded one of its coldest Christmas Days ever, with a high of only 50°F. People were literally worried about frozen iguanas falling out of trees. It happens!
Why the "Average" Is Only Half the Story
The thing about the average temperature in miami florida in december is that it doesn't account for the "feels like" factor. Miami is humid. Even in winter, the relative humidity stays around 74%.
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When it’s 75 degrees and the sun is beating down, it feels like 80. But when a cold front moves in and that humidity drops, a 60-degree breeze off the Atlantic feels significantly colder than 60 degrees in a dry place like Phoenix or Denver. It’s a damp cold that gets into your bones.
- Early December: Usually stays pretty warm. You’re looking at highs in the upper 70s.
- The "Cold Front" Factor: These usually start hitting mid-month. They last about 48 to 72 hours.
- Nighttime: This is where people get caught off guard. A 62-degree night is chilly when you're dressed for the tropics.
Can You Actually Swim?
This is the big question. Short answer: Yes, but maybe don't expect bathwater.
The Atlantic Ocean in Miami stays surprisingly resilient. The average water temperature in December is about 76°F. For context, that’s warmer than the Pacific Ocean in Southern California during the height of summer. If you’re coming from New York or Chicago, the water will feel amazing. If you’re a local? Forget it. You won't see a "Miamian" in that water without a wetsuit unless they're being dared.
Rainfall and the Sunshine Myth
Most people think Florida equals rain. While that’s true in August, December is actually one of the driest months in the 305.
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We average about 2.2 inches of rain for the whole month. Compare that to the 9+ inches we get in June. You might get a quick, ten-minute "liquid sun" shower, but long, grey, rainy days are pretty rare. You get about 7 hours of pure sunshine a day. The sun sets early, though—usually around 5:30 PM. Once that sun goes down, the temperature drops fast.
What to Actually Pack
Don't be the person who only brings flip-flops and tank tops. You'll end up buying an overpriced "I ❤️ MIA" hoodie at a gift shop just to survive the walk to dinner.
- Layers are everything. Think light sweaters or a denim jacket.
- Long pants for the evening. The breeze on the beach at night is no joke.
- A swimsuit (obviously). Even if the ocean is too brisk for you, most Miami hotels have heated pools.
- Sunscreen. The UV index in South Florida is still high in December. You can get a nasty sunburn in 70-degree weather.
Actionable Tips for Your December Trip
- Check the 10-day forecast religiously. If you see a "L" pressure system moving across the Gulf, a cold front is coming. Pack accordingly.
- Book dinner indoors. While outdoor dining is the "Miami thing," if a front hits, those patio heaters can't always keep up with the wind.
- Visit the Everglades. December is the absolute best time to go. Because the average temperature in miami florida in december is lower and it's the dry season, the mosquitoes are actually tolerable.
- Art Basel prep. If you're coming for the first week of December for the art fairs, wear comfortable, breathable shoes. Those convention centers are massive and usually crank the AC to "Arctic" levels.
Basically, Miami in December is a gamble, but the odds are usually in your favor. It's the only place in the continental U.S. where you can genuinely experience a tropical winter, provided you're ready for the occasional 20-degree swing.