
Key West in December
Great time to visit
Excellent weather returns with manageable crowds until Christmas week. December offers great conditions for outdoor activities, though New Year's Eve brings peak pricing and chaos.
Weather
December brings classic Key West winter weather with low humidity, gentle trade winds, and minimal rainfall. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels perfect for outdoor activities. Occasional cool fronts can bring surprising temperature drops overnight.
25°C high20°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$260/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
- •Key West Holiday festivities
December Tips
- •New Year's Eve rivals Times Square for crowds - book accommodations by September
- •Pack light layers for cool front temperature swings
- •Shoulder season rates apply until Christmas week
All Months
November through April is peak season for good reason. Temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s, humidity drops, and the trade winds keep things comfortable. But you'll pay peak prices — hotels double their rates and restaurants get crowded.
December through March offers the best weather but brings the biggest crowds. Fantasy Fest in October turns the island into a week-long costume party, but it's not for families. The event draws 75,000 people to an island with 25,000 residents.
May through October is hurricane season, which means cheaper hotels but also means rain, humidity, and the occasional evacuation order. June through August feels like living inside a sauna. But here's the upside — you'll have the beaches mostly to yourself, and locals are more relaxed when the tourist hordes thin out.
Avoid Labor Day weekend and Spring Break unless you enjoy crowds and inflated prices.
Key West Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
6/10
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