12 Warmest Florida Beaches In December: Winter Sun Seekers

Do you want to visit some hottest Florida beaches in December? Then South Florida is your place! Florida is home to many famous and lesser-known warm beaches to explore.

Also, when winter’s grip fades away, I recommend exploring these places to visit in Florida in February, the vibrant coastlines await your eager embrace and fun!

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In winter, we all dream of basking in the sunshine, luckily, the Sunshine State is gifted with white sand beaches, gorgeous sun, a tranquil atmosphere, and warm emerald waters.

This blog enlightens you on the beaches in Florida that are warm in December for you to have all the beach salty fun! Some are tourists’ hotspots whereas others are not much known!

So, relax and recharge your soul on the best Florida beaches in December.

Best Florida Beaches in December To Visit

In December, you can soar to new heights by either visiting the tide pools or thrilling bungee jumping spots. Winter is so much fun! For now, I’ll take you through the best Florida getaways in December to enjoy the warm water and a great tan! Let’s start!

1. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Key West

I’m sure you’ve been to Key West many times, but have you heard of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach? It is one of the great day trip destinations from Orlando.

It sits behind the Truman Annex, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. The rock-lined western shore is so amazing that you can spend hours.

Fort Zachary Taylor is a historical site. It has a Civil War fort designed by British and Irish craftsmen. You’ll be amazed by its relic, arches, and collection of armaments.

The water is crystal Caribbean blue, and you can spot corals on the ground. Once you go for snorkeling you spot hundreds of colorful tropical fishes. It’s that clear!

Along the beach under the Australian pines, you can put up your picnic table and have amazing food. However, remember to get your beach coolers.

You can also come to Cayo Hueso Café for affordable snacks and cold beverages. If you’re planning to camp at night make sure to get your jacket and light fleece.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is indeed one of the best warm beaches to visit in Florida in December as the temperature is only 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may like to read more on Key West:

2. Honeymoon Island, Dunedin

Whether you crave a romantic date or an outdoor excursion with your dog on the beach, Honeymoon Island on the western coast of Florida is the best Florida beach to visit in December.

Honeymoon Island State Park is an oasis sitting right across Palm Harbour. Let me enlighten you that Dunedin is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida.

With a reliable compact travel binocular, bird enthusiasts can marvel at the abundant birdlife, from Osprey and Sandwich terns to American oystercatchers, Snowy egrets, Caspian terns, and even majestic Bald eagles.

In winter, the morning feels so easy and breezy that it attracts crowds. However, its solid beauty, the green pine forest is something I love about this place. The beach feels so romantic!

With the fine white-grained sand plus 2.5 miles of hiking trails through pine flatwoods, Honeymoon Island is the best place to hang out and have 2 boxes of pizza!

You can also go to Black Pearl Restaurant and stay the night at “Love Nest”. If you walk more, you’ll find sand dunes, salt marshes, and a broad flat tide pool. Enjoy!

My personal favorite is the North end of the beach. The crowd is fewer, and the beach is narrower, filled with seashells, rocks, and awe-inspiring scenery.

You may like to read more on Honeymoon Island, Florida:

3. Hutchinson Island, Martin County

In search of the best Florida destinations in December without crowds, Hutchinson Island is a true gem with temperatures only 60-70 Fahrenheit.

Also, it is the best Florida beach for a couple to watch the sun set down. The coastline looks very dreamy. For romantic plans, I recommend coming here.

It is a 23-mile barrier island, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian River on the west, offering an unencumbered skyline with a gorgeous view of the ocean.

Hutchinson Island is two barrier islands – North Hutchinson and South Hutchinson. Historically, it is known as the “Treasure Coast”. The island is perfect for surf fishing.

You’ll see baits, shrimps, crabs, and many fishes while surfing. If you reach the causeways in Stuart, Fort Pierce, and Jensen Beach, it is bound to be crowded.

I love the Frederick Douglass Beach Park. Hence, I recommend coming to the middle of the island, near the power plant.

If you dream to open your clothes, come to Blind Creek, a clothing-optional Florida beach. However, remember to get your beach chairs and beach cooler to enjoy the air!

Hutchinson Island, best florida beaches in december — Hutchinson Island

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4. Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach

On Florida’s Space Coast, sits the world-famous Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, a hotspot for locals and visitors in the Sunshine State in December.

This beach has produced renowned surfers, like Kelly Slater. For you, it is a place to enjoy the water, volleyball courts, and shopping centers. But did you know there are sharks in Cocoa Beach?

Locals call Cocoa Beach Pier the best surfing spot on the East Coast. But beware of the sharks in Cocoa Beach. In winter, the temperature is around 72 – 73 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for retirees to relax.

If you’re not a beach bum still Cocoa Beach has things for you. Hop to one of the many waterfront bars to enjoy food, sunset, and the view of the fishing pier.

Cocoa Beach Pier is my favorite Central Florida beach for winter. The restaurant serves mind-blowing fresh seafood from the Atlantic that is sure to add extra flavor to your travel diaries.

Its location, south of Cape Canaveral is ideal to slip your colorful flip-flops and spend the day digging your toes into the white soft sands.

Note: Please do visit and buy souvenirs from The Pier Shop. They’ve great collections.

Cocoa Beach Pier, warm florida beaches to explore in December — Cocoa Beach Pier

You may like to read more on Cocoa, Florida:

5. Tigertail Beach, Macro Island

Macro Island is one of the fastest-growing spots in Florida. A few years back, when Kelvin brought me here, I did not expect to discover such a remote pretty wild beach.

As Marco Island already has a name as one of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, it draws a lot of tourists. Relatively, Tigertail Beach is a “new” and most remote.

This beach was born in 2005 after Hurricane Wilma swept the wind at such a speed bringing sand and creating Tigertail Beach and San Dollar Island.

Today, it is a three miles beach to enjoy the salty air. At this bountiful beach, you’ll find people shelling, kayaking, watching wildlife, or lying down to soak in Vitamin D.

If you’re in search of the warmest water in Florida in December, then no place is greater than Tigertail Beach. The temperature is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the evening or early morning, you’ll be pleased to see ospreys squealing overhead. I suggest going on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

At the end of the beach, there are snack bars, beach umbrellas, and a small playground for kids to sit back and relax.

If you walk across the lagoon, you’ll encounter the untamed beauty of nature and endless birds splashing on the water. The site is such a beauty to forget!

You may like to read more on Macro Island, Florida:

6. Juno Beach Park,

With serene blue water and a pier, Juno Beach is my favorite. The average December and January temperature is mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll definitely want to come here.

The beach is flanked by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean making it one of the ideal attractions to lie back and enjoy.

It is the best beach to shell and watch peaceful sunset! The first time I came here I saw the sunset from the pier and played with my photography skills.

Mostly you’ll find the surfing crowd here. Juno Beach being the warmest beach in Florida in December attracts a lot of water sports adventures.

The interesting fact of the beach is its sand. It’s sticky, dark, grainy, and filled with shells. However, the turquoise ocean water shines like silver.

The Juno Beach Pier is the main hotspot; you’ll see a lot of fishermen in the morning. You can walk to the Pier House, for a snack break and enjoy the view from there.

Remember, the ocean breeze is strong so it’s highly recommended to get an umbrella with anchored. You can also bring your dog here to have great sea time!

Note: The excellent waves make Juno Beach ideal for swimming and kiteboarding.

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7. Fort De Soto Park Beach, St. Petersburg

With a mesmerizing view of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Fort De Soto Park Beach, a 1,100-acre park is one of the best west coast Florida beaches in December to visit.

On the land and water, you’ll see a Spanish-America War era fort, nature trails, kayaking spots, fishing opportunities, a dog park, a ball field, and a camping ground.

Its beauty has made it earn a name as America’s Best Beach in 2009 by TripAdvisor. USA Today named it the Best Beach for Families in 2014. It is one of the few beaches with clear water in Florida.

Consistently ranked for their beauty, the five islands of Fort De Soto Park draw 2.7 million tourists and travelers every year. The stunning white sand is its draw!

A lot of people love North Beach because it has a picnic shelter and it’s near the sanctuary of shorebirds. But, I love Gulf Pier Beach. It is one of the great spots to explore from Tampa for less than $150.

It is all about blue-green water, bridges, mangrove-lined islands, no crowd, and peace. However, through winter 2023, Bay Pier will be closed for reconstruction.

And, on top of that the temperature is around mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the great warmest beach in Florida during December to explore.

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8. Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island

Did you know Travel + Leisure and U.S. News & World Report have ranked Sanibel Island as one of the best beaches in the United States?

Bowman’s Beach sits on the west end of Sanibel, remote, natural, and with no significant development making it one of my favorites. It is one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida.

This is one of great Florida’s warmest beaches in December to feel free like the “big sky”, search for shells, enjoy white sand, and water, and see the clear horizon in all directions.

The temperature goes high up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day which makes it ideal for families, retirees, kids, and dogs to explore winter day!

The walk to reach the beach is so good. People crave adventure and walking along nature trails and hiking trails. The solace here is pretty amazing.

If you walk a little further, you’ll reach The Lazy Flamingo restaurant, a fantastic restaurant with mouth-watering seafood.

If you’re a foodie like me, come to The Santiva General Store to combine amazing drinks with fantastic topping snacks.

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9. South Beach, Miami

Famed for its energetic Ocean Drive, fresh delicious seafood, and pretty hotel lounges, South Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida to visit in December. Miami Beach has all-time fame! Did you visit the peaceful beaches in Miami? You should definitely spend some time there!

Locals love South Beach so much that they offer it as “SoBe” for short! And it’s no wonder why – the water here is clear and calm, and the sand is soft and silky and perfect for basking in the sun.

With its vibrant stunning atmosphere, and water temperature around 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is an ideal spot to kayak or Jet Ski and have a fun active vacation.

Florida’s vibrant coastline boasts some of the best party beaches in the world, where the rhythm of the waves harmonizes with the pulsating beats of good music, you can never miss this place!

The nightlife on Lincoln Road is very lively and you cannot miss it. If you’re the one seeking a quiet environment with more sophistication come to Mid Beach.

Apart from the beach, I recommend exploring Miami in general. Click some amazing photos against the Wynwood Walls, experience the Cuban culture, and visit Little Havana.

In December, the New Year and Christmas celebration in Florida is held with a grand function. You should miss their Orange Bowl and Winterfest Boast Parade festival.

You may like to read more on Miami, Florida:

10. Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton

Are you in search of an offbeat beach? Or, experience varied cultures? Boca Raton is a mixture of everything. It is one of the great spots to live on the East Coast Of Florida.

Nestled within Broward County, Deerfield Beach stands proudly as one of the most magnificent destinations to explore during the winter months. I recommend building your own sandcastles on the beach.

As you set foot upon its sandy shores, you’ll quickly understand why it has earned its esteemed reputation as an award-winning Blue Wave beach, embodying the epitome of Florida’s coastal splendor.

After a day of fun, make sure you grab a delicious lunch at Mizner Park. With its diverse culinary offerings, there’s something for everyone to taste.

For some adrenaline-pumping activities bring along your skateboard for some shredding in the skate park. Or, for an even bigger thrill, you buy tickets to experience the longest cable ski courses in the area.

The first time when I saw the luscious soft golden sand lines and such great quality water, I was in love! Who said, you cannot be in love at first sight?

North of the pier there is a volleyball court. In history, Olympic Sand Volleyball Trails used it to host their sports.

For postcard-worthy photos, come to the International Fishing Pier. The walk on silky sand and the view of the Azure Ocean are seriously breathtaking.

11. Crescent Beach, Fort Myers

Just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier, Crescent Beach is a 2.5-acre beach park facing the stunning Gulf of Mexico. With its calm water and soft white sand, the beach is widely regarded as the most family-friendly beach in Florida.

It is one of the warm places to visit in December in Florida with water temperatures around 80 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a favorite destination among honeymooners too!

It is one of the public beaches from where you get a clear view of the Matanzas Bridge. My favorite spot is the Point of Rocks, a great snorkeling spot in Florida.

Snorkelers, it’s the ideal spot! You can also try shelling here. If you want to spend some family time, I recommend going to Crescent Beach Family Park. Here you can build a sandcastle with your kids or take a swim or just leisurely enjoy the day.

They’ve two sand volleyball courts and also designated picnic areas. However, remember, parking is slightly limited and pets are not allowed.

From here you can visit Somkin Oyster, the family-friendly restaurant to visit with older children and teens. The food is affordable and fresh.

12. Oceanfront Park Beach, Boynton Beach

If you’re looking to escape the winter chill, Oceanfront Park Beach is the perfect destination for you. Even in December, the temperature hovers around mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for sun lovers and swimmers alike.

If you’re a beach person who loves water and hanging out, Boynton Beach is ideal for you. Not only you can enjoy the scenery, but you can also spot artificial reefs and corals, which will make the trip memorable.

Oceanfront Park Beach is indeed a great Florida vacation spot in December with warm water. You can keep yourself busy with various thrilling activities to make the trip memorable.

The best part about it is you can bring your dog here too. In October, you can also spot sea turtles. So pack your bags and head on over to the beach today!

My favorite thing is to grab fresh grilled fish from Two Georges and enjoy it with the view! The crystal clear water is addicting to lose sight of! Don’t, miss out on this incredible place!

If you’re looking for more than just a beach experience, be sure to explore the Seacrest Scrub Natural Area. This gorgeous natural green trail park offers the opportunity to spot varied species of plants and animals.

Conclusion

I hope these collections of warm Florida beaches to explore in December will bring back the warmth you desire in the winter months.

You’ll love the warm sand between your toes and the cute little bikini to flaunt. However, remember to pack your bag properly and apply a lot of sunscreen on your body.

With that, I hope you enjoy the weather and coastal views.

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FAQ: Best Florida Beaches in December

1. Is it warm enough to swim in Florida in February?

A. Yes, you can swim in some Florida water in February where the temperature is around mid-70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Southern Florida water is much warmer and will never give you a chill. Apart from that, you can dip into Cocoa Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, and Deerfield Beach.

2. Is it warm enough to swim in Orlando in December?

A. The resort pools in Orlando have heating facilities so in December or February you can dip into the water without feeling chilling cold. However, if there are weather issues then you might not be welcome in the water pool.

12 Warmest Florida Beaches in December: Winter Sun Seekers

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