So, you’re looking at Florida for the holidays. Good choice. But if you’re checking the temperature in Fort Lauderdale in December, don’t just look at the averages and assume it’s all margaritas and tan lines. It's actually a bit more complicated than that.
Weather in South Florida during the winter is a game of cold fronts and humidity shifts. One day you're sweating in 82 degrees at Las Olas, and the next morning you’re hunting for a hoodie because a "norther" blew through and dropped the mercury to 58. It’s wild. Most people think Florida is just "hot" year-round, but December is the month where the subtropics start to show some teeth. It's gentle teeth, sure, but teeth nonetheless.
The Real Numbers Behind the December Heat
Let’s talk raw data. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) climate archives for the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) station, the average high sits right around 78°F. The average low? Usually about 62°F.
That sounds perfect. It is perfect. But "average" is a sneaky word.
In reality, the temperature in Fort Lauderdale in December fluctuates based on the jet stream. If the jet stream dips deep into the South, we get those crisp, clear "bluebird" days where the air feels thin and dry. If the jet stream stays north, we get trapped in a humid, tropical air mass that feels like June lite. You might see 85°F on a Tuesday and then wake up to 55°F on Thursday. Honestly, the 55°F feels colder here because of the damp ocean air. It gets into your bones.
Ocean Temps and the Gulf Stream Factor
You can’t talk about the air temperature without mentioning the water. The Atlantic Ocean is the massive thermostat for the city. In December, the water temperature usually hovers around 76°F.
Why does this matter? Because the Gulf Stream—that warm river of water in the ocean—runs incredibly close to the shore here. It keeps the coastal strip significantly warmer than the inland suburbs like Weston or Sunrise. If you’re staying at a hotel on A1A, you might be five degrees warmer than someone staying twenty miles west near the Everglades.
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Humidity: The Great Disappearing Act
The best thing about December isn't actually the heat. It’s the lack of it.
The dew point drops.
In August, the dew point is a swampy 75. In December, it can drop into the 50s. This is what locals call "the good weather." It means you can sit outside at a sidewalk cafe without looking like you just stepped out of a shower. You’ll actually see people wearing Ugg boots and parkas the second the temperature hits 68°F. We're a bit dramatic down here.
Is it Actually Swimming Weather?
This is the most common question. The answer is: maybe.
If you are coming from Minnesota or Ontario, you will think the temperature in Fort Lauderdale in December is a miracle. You will be the one in the ocean. The water is 76°F, which is warmer than the lakes in the North are during July.
However, the wind is the real factor. December is breezy. If the wind is blowing 15 knots from the North, getting out of that water is going to be a shivering experience. Check the flags at the lifeguard towers. A yellow flag is common, but if you see purple, it means jellyfish or man-o-wars have been blown in by those winter gusts.
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Packing for the Fort Lauderdale "Winter"
Forget the heavy coats. But don't just pack shorts.
You need layers. Think of it as a "tropical layering" strategy. A light windbreaker or a denim jacket is essential for the evenings. When the sun goes down over the New River, the temperature drops fast.
- Footwear: Flip-flops for the day, but bring actual shoes for the evening.
- The "Cold Front" Kit: One pair of long pants and a sweater. Just one.
- Sunscreen: Don't let the 75-degree breeze fool you. The sun is still strong enough to fry you, especially if you're out on a boat.
Real-World Example: The Boat Parade
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a massive deal in December. It’s basically the "Greatest Show on H2O." Thousands of people line the Intracoastal. If you're standing on a dock for four hours watching boats go by, you'll notice the temperature in Fort Lauderdale in December feels much cooler over the water. By 8:00 PM, that 72°F feels like 65°F with the wind chill. Wear the jacket.
Rain: The Short and Sweet Kind
December is actually one of the driest months in Florida. We aren't in the rainy season anymore. You won't get those massive, world-ending afternoon thunderstorms that happen every day in July.
Instead, you might get a quick "passing shower." These are usually driven by the trade winds. They last ten minutes, the sun stays out the whole time, and then they vanish. It’s rare to have a "gray day" where it rains for six hours straight, though it can happen if a stationary front gets stuck over the peninsula.
Historical Outliers: Frost in the Tropics?
It's rare, but it happens. In December 1989 and again in various years in the early 2000s, temperatures in Broward County dropped near freezing. If you see a forecast for the 40s, the local news will go into "Cold Weather Emergency" mode. Farmers out in the western part of the county will be spraying their crops with water to insulate them. Iguanas might even fall out of the trees.
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Yes, that’s a real thing. When the temperature in Fort Lauderdale in December (or any winter month) drops below 45°F, iguanas go into a catatonic state and lose their grip on branches. They aren't dead; they're just "iced." Don't touch them—they bite when they warm up.
Why December is the Peak Season
There's a reason hotel prices triple this month.
The weather is objectively some of the best on the planet. You have the warmth of the Caribbean mixed with the crisp air of the North. It’s the sweet spot. You can play golf at 10:00 AM without dying of heatstroke. You can walk the Hollywood Broadwalk at noon and feel energized rather than exhausted.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
To make the most of the weather, schedule your high-energy activities—like biking through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or kayaking the mangroves—for the mornings. The air is clearest then.
If you're planning a boat tour, like the Carrie B or the Jungle Queen, book a mid-afternoon slot. You'll get the warmth of the sun for the first half and a beautiful, cool sunset for the second.
Monitor the "Cold Front" cycles. Usually, a front hits every 7 to 10 days. If you see a front coming on the weather map, plan your "indoor days" (like hitting the NSU Art Museum or shopping at Sawgrass Mills) for the day it arrives, as that's when the wind and rain are most likely. Once the front passes, the following two days are usually the most stunning, low-humidity days you'll ever experience.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. An "East wind" brings warmth and moisture from the ocean. A "North or West wind" brings the chill and dry air from the mainland. Understanding this simple shift will tell you more about your day than any app ever could. Enjoy the sun, watch for the iguanas if it gets cold, and definitely bring a light sweater for the patio dinners.