You’re planning a trip to the Gulf Coast and everyone keeps telling you the same thing: "Florida is warm all year!" Well, yes and no. If you’re looking at the temperature in tampa in december, you might see a beautiful average of 72°F and think it’s nothing but shorts and flip-flops.
Honestly? That’s only half the story.
Tampa in December is a weather paradox. It’s the month where you can get a sunburn at noon and be shivering by 7:00 PM. It’s a season of "micro-seasons," where the difference between a sunny afternoon and a cold front passing through can be a staggering 30 degrees.
The Reality of Tampa Temperatures in December
Let’s look at the hard numbers from the National Weather Service. Usually, the temperature in tampa in december behaves itself. You’re looking at an average high of roughly 74°F (23°C) and an average low of about 55°F (13°C).
But "average" is a sneaky word.
Last year, in December 2025, we saw days that hit 81°F. It felt like mid-July. Then, a week later, the mercury dipped into the 40s. That’s the thing about Florida winters—they aren't consistent. The humidity, which is usually a swampy nightmare in August, drops to a comfortable 74% or 75%. This makes the air feel crisper. When that dry air hits, 60 degrees in Tampa feels a lot colder than 60 degrees in New York. Trust me on that.
The sun is your best friend here. If you’re standing in direct sunlight at Curtis Hixon Park, 68°F feels like 80°F. The second you step into the shade or the sun dips behind a building? You’ll wish you had a hoodie.
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Cold Fronts: The December Wildcard
Every few weeks, a "Blue Norther" or a standard cold front sweeps down from the plains. These aren't just little breezes. They bring a sharp line of rain followed by a massive drop in temperature.
I’ve seen Decembers where we had a record high of 86°F (back in 2021) and others where it dropped to a record low of 18°F. While 18°F is incredibly rare, seeing a morning start at 38°F isn't out of the question.
- Average Highs: 72°F to 76°F
- Average Lows: 52°F to 58°F
- Water Temperature: Usually hovers around 66°F (Too cold for most locals, just right for Canadians).
- Rainfall: Roughly 2.5 inches. It’s one of the driest months, so you won't deal with the daily 4:00 PM thunderstorms.
Why the "Feels Like" Temp Matters More
In Tampa, the thermometer is a liar.
Because we’re surrounded by water—Old Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, and the Gulf—the moisture in the air holds onto the cold. On a windy day near the Sparkman Wharf, the "wind chill" is a real thing. 13 mph winds off the water can make a 65-degree day feel like 55.
You’ve gotta check the dew point. If the dew point is in the 40s, the air is dry and the nights will be chilly. If it’s in the 60s, it’ll feel like a tropical spring day even if the calendar says it's Christmas.
What People Get Wrong About Packing
Most tourists pack all wrong. They bring three pairs of shorts and one "just in case" sweater.
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Don't do that.
The secret to surviving the temperature in tampa in december is layers. Basically, you want to be able to shed clothes as the sun rises and pile them back on as it sets.
A light puffer vest or a denim jacket is the unofficial uniform of Tampa in the winter. You’ll see locals in Ugg boots and parkas when it hits 60 degrees. We're thin-blooded down here; don't judge us. If you're coming from Minnesota, you’ll probably be the only person in the pool at your hotel. Speaking of pools, make sure yours is heated. An unheated pool in December is basically a giant ice cube.
The Sunset Shift
Sunset in December happens around 5:40 PM. The moment the sun goes down, the temperature falls off a cliff.
If you’re heading to the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park for some outdoor ice skating (yes, we skate on real ice in 70-degree weather), you’ll want long pants. The breeze coming off the Hillsborough River is no joke.
Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim?
Short answer: Kinda, but probably not.
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The Gulf of Mexico cools down significantly in the late fall. By December, the water temperature is usually in the mid-60s. For context, most people find 78°F to be the "comfortable" threshold for swimming.
If you’re heading to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, you’ll see plenty of people walking the shoreline. You won't see many people actually in the water unless they’re wearing a wetsuit or they’re from a climate where they regularly dodge icebergs.
Real-World Activity Guide Based on Weather
If it's a "Hot" December Day (78°F+):
- Hit the ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The animals are way more active in 75-degree weather than they are in the 95-degree summer heat.
- Walk the Tampa Riverwalk. It’s about 2.6 miles of sun-exposed path.
- Check out Busch Gardens. The lines are shorter, and you won't melt while waiting for Iron Gwazi.
If it's a "Cold" December Day (Under 65°F):
- Go to the Henry B. Plant Museum for the Victorian Christmas Stroll. It’s indoors, historic, and very cozy.
- Visit the Florida Aquarium. The penguins won't mind the chill, and you'll stay dry if a front is moving through.
- Oxford Exchange. It’s one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in the city and perfect for a hot tea when it's breezy outside.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
To make the most of the temperature in tampa in december, you need to play it smart.
First, download a hyper-local weather app like Bay News 9’s Klystron 9. General apps often miss the coastal shifts. Second, if you're renting a car, don't worry about an ice scraper—you won't need it—but do check if the AC works. Even in December, you’ll likely need it during the afternoon drive.
Finally, if you’re planning on dining outdoors at places like Armature Works, try to snag a table near a space heater. Most restaurants have them, but they’re the most contested real estate in the city once the sun goes down.
Pack a mix of light cotton shirts and at least one solid windbreaker. You’ll likely use both in the same 24-hour period. Florida weather isn't just a state of mind; it's a logistical challenge that's totally worth it for the 10 hours of daily sunshine you’ll get while the rest of the country is digging out of a snowdrift.