You're scrolling through flight deals, thinking about a winter escape, and Clearwater Beach pops up. It's Florida, right? Warm sun, white sand, maybe a cocktail with a little umbrella. But then you start wondering if you’ll actually be able to get in the water or if you’ll be shivering in a windbreaker the whole time.
Honestly, clearwater beach fl weather in december is a bit of a wild card if you're expecting tropical heat.
It’s not the Caribbean. It’s the Gulf Coast. One day you’re sunbathing in 78°F heat, and the next, a cold front sweeps down from the Panhandle and you’re reaching for a hoodie because it’s 55°F and breezy. Most people see "Florida" and pack nothing but swimsuits. Big mistake.
The Temperature Rollercoaster
If we look at the averages, a typical day in December hits a high of 71°F (22°C) and drops to a low of about 60°F (15°C). That sounds pretty comfortable, and usually, it is. But "average" is a sneaky word.
What actually happens is a cycle of warming and cooling. You’ll get three or four days of gorgeous, still, 74°F weather. Then a front moves through. The wind picks up—usually from the North-Northeast at about 14 mph—and suddenly the "feels like" temperature is much lower than the thermometer says.
Daytime vs. Nighttime
During the day, the sun is surprisingly strong. Even at 70°F, if the sky is clear, it feels like mid-70s. You can definitely spend time on the sand. Sunbathing is popular, especially for visitors from the Midwest or Canada who think 70°F is basically summer.
But once that sun dips below the horizon around 5:38 PM? The temperature crashes. That 60°F low feels damp and chilly because of the 79% humidity coming off the Gulf. You’ll want layers.
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Can You Actually Swim?
This is the big question. Most locals won't touch the water in December. To them, it's freezing. However, the average sea temperature in December is actually around 76.5°F (24.7°C).
Wait. If the water is 76°F and the air is 71°F, the water is warmer than the air?
Yep.
It’s that weird time of year where getting into the water feels like stepping into a warm bath, but getting out is the problem. That breeze hits your wet skin and you’ll be sprinting for your towel. If you're planning on swimming, do it between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM when the sun is at its peak.
Rain, Clouds, and Sunshine
The good news is that December is one of the driest months. You aren't dealing with those massive 4:00 PM tropical deluges that define a Florida summer.
Average rainfall is only about 1.5 inches for the whole month. You might see a light shower about 8 or 9 days out of the month, but it rarely ruins a whole day. It’s more of a "wait 20 minutes and it’s over" situation.
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Cloud cover does start to creep up as the month progresses. At the start of December, you’ve got about 62% clear or partly cloudy skies. By New Year's Eve, that drops slightly to 58%. You still get plenty of vitamin D, but don't expect 31 days of unbroken blue.
What to Wear (The Real Talk Packing List)
Basically, you need to pack for two different seasons.
During the day:
- T-shirts
- Shorts or light linen pants
- Flip flops
- Sunglasses (the glare off the white quartz sand is intense)
For the evenings or windy days:
- A light jacket or windbreaker
- At least one pair of jeans
- A hoodie or sweater
- Closed-toe shoes
I've seen so many tourists walking Pier 60 at night shivering because they only brought vacation clothes. Don't be that person.
Holiday Events and Vibes
Because the weather is so mild, December is a huge month for outdoor festivities. The Clearwater Beach 12 Days of Christmas runs from December 1st through the 25th. You can walk the "Stroll of Trees" along the beach, which is exactly what it sounds like—themed Christmas trees decorated by local businesses.
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If you’re there around December 9th, you’ll catch the Making Spirits Bright Parade. It travels from North Beach to South Beach and back. It’s a very local, very fun vibe.
Then there are the boat parades. This is a Florida staple. People decorate their yachts and center consoles with thousands of LED lights and cruise through the Intracoastal. The Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade (usually mid-month) is worth the short drive south.
Indoor Backups
If you do get a rare "ugly" day where it's 58°F and drizzling, you aren't stuck in your hotel room.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the go-to. It’s focused on rescue and rehab, and since it’s largely covered, it’s a perfect rainy-day spot. You could also head over to the Countryside Mall or check out a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Honestly, even a "bad" weather day in Clearwater is usually better than a "good" winter day in Chicago.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the 10-day forecast exactly 48 hours before you fly. Florida weather is notoriously fickle, and a forecast older than two days is basically a guess.
- Book a hotel with a heated pool. If the Gulf feels too chilly or the red flag is up due to wind, you’ll want a guaranteed swim.
- Plan your beach time for the morning. The wind often picks up in the late afternoon, making the sand feel much cooler.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Even when it's cool, the 79% humidity can dehydrate you faster than you realize.