December Weather
Average Temperatures- Daytona Bch: High 70°-Low 50°
- Fort Myers: High 76°-Low 55°
- Jacksonville: High 67°-Low 43°
- Key West: High 77°-Low 67°
- Miami: High 77°-Low 62°
- Orlando: High 73°-Low 51°
- Pensacola: High 63°-Low 45°
- Panama City: High 64°-Low 40°
- Tallahassee: High 66°-Low 40°
- Tampa: High 72°-Low 52°
- West Palm Bch: High 76°-Low 59°
10-Day Forecast
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Myers
- Jacksonville
- Key West
- Miami
- Orlando
- Panama City
- Pensacola
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach
Average Water Temperatures
The water temperature for the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) ranges from the mid to high 60s. The Atlantic Ocean (East Coast) waters are several degrees cooler. The beaches to the south are always several degrees warmer than those in North Florida.
Best Time to Go
- Florida's mild climate extends into the winter months, but there is a chance for cold temperatures – even frost – during the month in North and Central Florida.
- Disney World - Christmas through New Year's Day is the most crowded, while the week after Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas is the least crowded. This generally holds true for most other attractions as well.
Special 2009 Holiday Events
ABCs of Florida HolidaysIt's as easy as A–B–C to enjoy Florida's holiday celebrations and extravaganzas. Here are 26 great ideas for family fun!
An Old-Fashioned Christmas
Cypress Gardens - Winter Haven
There will be no holiday display. The park is permanently closed.
Festival of Lights
Silver Springs
November 27-28, December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 20-24 & 26-31, 2009
At the end of another perfect winter day in Florida, follow millions of sparkling lights through a maze of illuminated gardens, twinkling topiaries and dozens of animated holiday scenes that come to life to delight the young and old alike.
Disney's Holiday Headlines from Around the "World"
Walt Disney World Resort is aglow in decorations, millions of lights, parades, celebrity appearances and more. The holidays are a joyous time at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando and we have all the details plus plenty of photos.
Holidays at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Africa - Tampa
November 21, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Celebrate the spirit of the season with the Christmas on Ice show at the Stanleyville Theater and the Marrakesh Theater decks the halls with Christmas from the Heart.
Gaylord Palms' ICE!
Gaylord Palms Resort - Kissimmee
November 14, 2009 to January 3, 2010
This popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. The enormous structure used to house ICE! — dubbed "The Florida Fridge" — is cooled to a chilly nine degrees making it necessary for the resort to provide oversized winter coats for visitors to wear.
Macy's Holiday Parade & Grinchmas
Universal Studios Orlando
December 5, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Macy's will bring the magic and excitement of its world-famous parade daily to Universal Studios Orlando with a brand new parade experience and at Islands of Adventure, the popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is brought to live in Grinchmas, a live stage show.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney's Magic Kingdom
November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and December 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 & 18, 2009
The Magic Kingdom will "re-open" after regular park hours from 7:00 until midnight on select nights as the theme park celebrates with fireworks, parades, sweet holiday treats, special stage shows and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Nights of Lights
St. Augustine
November 21, 2009 - January 31, 2010
Florida's oldest city becomes a magical city with a grand holiday celebration of lights. The
Nights of Lights features over two million lights that illuminate the colonial buildings, downtown parks, and historic bayfront. And, the event has grown to include activities that keep visitors busy well into the new year.
The Polar Express Experience
SeaWorld Orlando
November 13, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Jump aboard The Polar Express Experience for a one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole that will transport you into the spirit of the season. The experience combines one of the most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland.
Florida Celebrates New Year In Style - Ring in 2010 with Florida's best celebrations and fireworks!
New Year At The World - Ring in 2009 at Disney World with fireworks, live entertainment and new attraction thrills!
Related Holiday Links
- ABCs of Florida Holidays> 26 great ideas for family fun!
- Christmas Shoppe Tour & Directory>
- December Calendar of Events> Day-by-day details!
- Decorating Christmas Trees Florida-Style> Ideas with photos!
- Disney Holiday Happenings> Millions of lights, parties & more!
- Disney Holiday Photos>
- Florida Craft: Sand Dollar Ornament> Easy to follow instructions!
- Florida Craft: Sand Dollar Santa> Easy to follow instructions!
- Florida Craft: Shell Angel Ornament> Easy to follow instructions!
- Holiday Lights Brighten Attractions>
- Holiday Shopping> Great ideas for Florida-style & themed gifts!
