You’re sitting in a terminal in Chicago or New York, shivering in a parka that feels like it weighs fifty pounds. You check the weather app. It says 76 degrees. You think, "Perfect. Pure summer." But then you actually land at MIA, step outside, and realize that the temp in miami in december is a bit of a trickster. It isn't just one vibe.
Miami doesn't do "winter" like the rest of the world. There’s no slush. No gray sleet. Instead, you get this weird, beautiful hybrid of tropical warmth and the occasional "Florida cold" snap that sends locals running for their North Face jackets while tourists are still doing cannonballs into the pool.
Honestly, it’s the best time to visit, but only if you know how to play the game.
The Real Numbers Behind the Temp in Miami in December
Let's look at the actual math. According to historical data from the National Weather Service, the average high in December sits right around 76°F to 78°F (24°C to 25°C). The lows? Usually, they hover around 63°F to 66°F (17°C to 19°C).
On paper, that sounds like a dream. In reality, it varies wildly. One Tuesday you might be sweating through a linen shirt in 82-degree humidity. By Thursday, a cold front might roar through, dropping the mercury to 55°F at night.
If you're coming from Maine, 55°F is t-shirt weather. For a Miamian, it's a state of emergency.
Why the Humidity Matters (Even in Winter)
Summer in Miami is like walking into a hot, wet lung. It’s oppressive. December is different because the humidity finally takes a nap. Usually, the relative humidity drops to about 70-72%.
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That might still sound high, but with the breeze coming off the Atlantic, it feels crisp. It’s "windows down on the Julia Tuttle Causeway" weather.
Can You Actually Swim in December?
This is the question everyone asks. The short answer is yes. The long answer is... maybe.
The average sea temperature in Miami during December is about 76°F (24°C). Because the Gulf Stream flows so close to the coast, the water stays significantly warmer than the air on chilly days.
- The Atlantic: It’s warmer than the Pacific ever gets in California during the summer.
- The Pool Factor: Most high-end hotels like the Fontainebleau or The Standard heat their pools. If they don't, that first jump is going to be a shock to the system.
- The Wind: If it’s 72°F outside and the wind is blowing 15 mph, getting out of the water is the problem, not staying in.
What to Wear When the Sun Goes Down
You’ve got to layer. It’s the only way.
During the day, you’re in shorts and flip-flops. No brainer. But once that sun dips behind the skyscrapers in Brickell around 5:30 PM, the temp in miami in december starts to slide.
I’ve seen people get genuinely caught off guard. You’re at an outdoor dinner in Wynwood and suddenly that 64-degree breeze hits. You’ll want a light denim jacket or a hoodie.
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Kinda funny, but the air conditioning in Miami is always set to "Arctic Blast." Even if it's "cool" outside, restaurants will still have the AC cranking at 68 degrees. Pack a sweater just for the indoors.
Rain: The December Surprise
Is it the rainy season? No. That ended in October.
December is one of the driest months in South Florida. You’re looking at maybe 2 inches of rain for the whole month. Compare that to the 8 or 9 inches you get in June.
When it does rain, it's usually a quick "sun shower." It pours for ten minutes, the clouds split, and the sun comes back out like nothing happened. You don't need a heavy raincoat. A small travel umbrella or just ducking into a CVS for ten minutes will do the trick.
Events That Change the Vibe
The weather isn't the only thing heating up. Early December is dominated by Art Basel.
The city gets packed. Traffic becomes a nightmare. But the energy is insane. Because the temp in miami in december is so predictable, the entire art world moves to the streets. Pop-up galleries in the Design District and massive tents on the sand in South Beach depend on that 75-degree sweet spot.
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If you’re here later in the month, you’ve got the Santa’s Enchanted Forest vibe—a massive holiday theme park where you see Christmas lights draped over palm trees. It’s surreal to see "snow" (soap bubbles) falling when it’s 70 degrees out.
Packing List Essentials
Don't overpack, but don't be naive.
- Linen everything: It breathes. It looks expensive. It’s the Miami uniform.
- A "real" pair of shoes: Flip-flops are for the beach. If you’re hitting a club or a nice spot in Coconut Grove, you’ll need actual shoes.
- Polarized Sunglasses: The winter sun in Florida sits lower on the horizon. The glare off the water and the white sand is blinding.
- Swimwear (Duh): Bring two. One to wear while the other dries.
- Light Jacket: For the "cold" snaps and the aggressive AC.
The Verdict on Miami’s Winter
People call it "Winter in Paradise" for a reason. While the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is scraping ice off windshields, you’re sitting at a sidewalk cafe on Lincoln Road.
The temp in miami in december is essentially a perfect late-spring day in the North. It’s warm enough to feel like a vacation, but cool enough that you aren't sweating through your clothes the moment you leave your hotel room.
Just keep an eye on the cold fronts. If the local news starts talking about "falling iguanas," that’s your cue to grab the sweater. Yes, that's a real thing—when it hits 40°F (rare, but it happens), the iguanas lose their grip on the trees and just... drop.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the 10-day forecast exactly 48 hours before you fly. If you see a "low" in the 50s, swap one pair of shorts for a pair of jeans. Book your Art Basel or holiday event tickets at least three weeks out, as the mild weather draws record crowds. Lastly, prioritize outdoor dining; December is the only month you can eat outside in Miami without needing a fan or a towel for your forehead.