United States, North America

Key West in December

Early December is a sweet spot. The holiday weeks bring peak prices.

BestPleasant, highs near 77F (25C), dry

Key West, United States — Key WestPhoto: Julian Lupyan, CC0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Key West. Early December is a sweet spot. The holiday weeks bring peak prices.

Weather: Pleasant, highs near 77F (25C), dry
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Key West

December brings the dry season back. Highs sit near 77F (25C), skies are mostly sunny, and the humidity is low. The water is still pleasant early in the month, though cold fronts can bring a few cool, windy days. Early December is a sweet spot, with good weather and fair rates. The holiday weeks are another story, with peak prices and a full island.

This month suits couples and families who want a warm break from winter. Early December is ideal for a quieter trip, while the holiday weeks work best for those who book far ahead. If you want the calmest seas and warm water, April and May are still the best.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Key West this month.

The early December sweet spot

The first weeks of December combine dry weather, fair prices, and a relaxed island before the holiday crowds arrive.

Holidays in the sun

Spending Christmas or New Year's in the mid 70s F is a treat for families from cold places. Book months ahead.

Dry days for the Dry Tortugas

Clear skies return, and the ferry trip is great on a calm day. Leave a backup day in case a front rolls through.

What to pack for December

A light jacket for cool nights and windy days
A swimsuit and rash guard
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes

Our timing tip

Book the first two weeks of December for the best mix of weather and price, and avoid the week between Christmas and New Year's if you are on a budget.

Book Key West for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Key West
Opens a hotel search for Key West in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Key West
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Key West
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Key West for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Key West

Full guide

Dry Tortugas National Park

Reach it by the official ferry or seaplane. Book months ahead in winter and spring; seas are calmest from spring into early summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Hemingway's house, with dozens of six-toed cats. Go at opening.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Every evening at sunset. Arrive early for a spot on the dock.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

The best beach on the island, with a Civil War era fort and snorkeling off the rocks.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Truman's winter White House, with guided tours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Reef snorkel trips

Half-day trips to the outer reef. Calmest from late spring through summer on non-stormy days.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book Dry Tortugas ferry seats and Old Town hotels months ahead for January through April.
Come in late April or May for dry-season weather with lower rates.
Walk Duval Street in the morning; it gets rowdy at night, especially during spring break and Fantasy Fest.
Cruise ship days crowd Old Town midday. Check the cruise schedule and plan museums for early morning.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking August through October. Storms can close the Overseas Highway and prompt evacuations of the Keys.
Some small restaurants and shops close for a few weeks in September.
Dry Tortugas ferries can cancel on rough seas, most often in winter cold fronts. Build in a backup day.