Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale in December

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December is when Fort Lauderdale shifts into the version of itself that fills postcards. Hurricane season officially closes on November 30, and within days the demographic composition of Broward County changes. Seasonal residents from New York, New Jersey, and Ontario settle into condos along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the greater Fort Lauderdale area sees an estimated 10-15% population increase through the winter months. The suffocating humidity of summer backs off. Highs sit in the mid-20s Celsius, upper 70s Fahrenheit, with evenings cool enough for a light layer over a t-shirt.

That said, this comfort comes at a cost. Hotel rates along Fort Lauderdale Beach reach their annual ceiling, and restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard fill their weekend tables by Wednesday. The Winterfest Boat Parade, held each December along the New River and Intracoastal, locks up waterfront accommodation weeks in advance. If you're flexible on timing, the first half of the month tends to run slightly cheaper than the stretch from December 20 onward, when holiday visitors arrive on top of the snowbird crowd.

The Atlantic stays warm enough for swimming well into the month, and rainfall drops to roughly a third of September's total. You might catch a 20-minute afternoon shower that clears as fast as it arrives, but the grinding all-day downpours of summer are months past. For anyone stepping off a plane from Boston or Toronto, the warmth hits the moment you walk off the jet bridge.

Why visit in December

Dry-season weather arrives after 6 months of heavy rain and hurricane risk. Nearly all of December's rain falls in brief afternoon showers that clear within 30 minutes, a stark contrast to summer's hours-long downpours.
The Winterfest Boat Parade fills the waterfront with decorated vessels on a single December night, drawing spectators to every bridge, park, and dock along the route. It is one of the largest holiday boat parades in the United States.
Ocean water stays warm enough for comfortable open-water swimming and snorkeling without a wetsuit through the month, while air temperatures make time on the sand pleasant rather than punishing.
Fort Lauderdale rates 8.2/10 for family friendliness (see /research/family-friendliness/), and December's mild daytime temperatures make outdoor attractions like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Butterfly World comfortable for kids of all ages.

Worth knowing

Peak-season hotel rates across Broward County reach their annual ceiling in December. Beachfront properties see the steepest increases, and availability drops fast after Thanksgiving.
Snowbird arrivals increase traffic on I-95 and US-1 noticeably by mid-month. Rush hour on Federal Highway between Oakland Park and Sunrise Boulevard can add 20-30 minutes to a drive that takes 10 in August.
Periodic cold fronts push through, temporarily dropping overnight temperatures well below the seasonal average for a day or two. Visitors who packed only shorts and sandals get caught off guard.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 25° / 18°C 101mm rain · 11 rainy days · 75% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.4h/day · 84% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Light, breathable layers for daytime with a warm layer for evenings and cold-front days. A swimsuit, compact rain jacket, and broad-spectrum sunscreen are essential. If a cold front passes through, you'll want long pants and a proper jacket for a day or two.

December sits at the start of Fort Lauderdale's dry season. The average high reaches 25.0°C (77°F) and lows settle around 18.4°C (65°F), a welcome drop from summer's 31°C highs. Rainfall totals about 101mm spread across roughly 11 days, mostly as brief afternoon bursts that clear within half an hour. Humidity runs around 75%, which feels notably easier than the 85%+ readings of July and August. Cold fronts occasionally push through from the north, dropping temperatures by 8-10°C for a day or two before conditions reset. Mornings near the water can feel genuinely cool, especially when a breeze comes off the Atlantic.

Seasonal caution

Cold fronts cross South Florida 2-3 times in December, occasionally dropping overnight lows to 10°C (50°F) or briefly below. These typically last 24-48 hours before temperatures return to the seasonal average. At least one warm layer is non-negotiable.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Fort Lauderdale
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	24	16	68
Feb	26	18	68
Mar	27	19	85
Apr	28	21	96
May	30	23	117
Jun	30	24	289
Jul	31	25	159
Aug	31	25	198
Sep	30	24	323
Oct	29	23	187
Nov	27	20	120
Dec	25	18	101

Holidays and festivals in December

Public holidays

Christmas Day(Christmas Day)25 December 2026

When is Christmas season in 2026?

27 November to 26 December 2026

Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Fort Lauderdale. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Fluid Art Christmas Ornaments

1 hr
Easy pace

Private Fort Lauderdale Christmas Lights Boat Tour (up to 12ppl)

2 hr
Free cancellation
Private tour
Easy pace

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

2 Hour Holiday Christmas Lights Tour in Fort Lauderdale max 6pax

2 hr
Free cancellation
Private tour
Easy pace

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Headline events

Citywide Free

Winterfest Boat Parade

Second Saturday of December

One of the largest holiday boat parades in the United States, with over 100 decorated vessels cruising a 19 km (12-mile) route along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. The parade draws roughly a million spectators to waterfront parks, restaurants, and private docks across Fort Lauderdale. Free to watch from dozens of public vantage points along the route.

#WinterfestBoatParade

Best things to do in December

Watch the Winterfest Boat Parade from Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

event

The 2.4 km (1.5-mile) Riverwalk linear park along the New River offers some of the best free viewing for the parade. The decorated boats pass close to shore, and the park's open layout means you can find a spot without climbing over fences or paying for reserved seating.

The parade happens once a year in December. No other month offers this event.

Booking tipArrive at Riverwalk by 5:30 PM to secure a riverside spot. The parade typically starts at 6:30 PM. Bring a blanket to sit on.

Snorkel the nearshore reef at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

outdoor

The reef sits about 100 meters (330 feet) offshore in 3-5 meters (10-15 feet) of water. December's calmer seas and reduced rainfall improve underwater visibility to 15-20 meters on good days. Parrotfish, sergeant majors, and sea fans are common sightings off the commercial pier.

Winter brings calmer seas, clearer water, and fewer jellyfish compared to summer. Water remains comfortable without a wetsuit.

Booking tipRental gear is available from shops along Commercial Boulevard. Weekday mornings have the calmest surf.

Dry-season Everglades excursion

nature

The Everglades' dry season begins in November and intensifies through December. As water levels drop, alligators, wading birds, and fish concentrate around shrinking pools and sloughs, making wildlife far easier to spot than during the flooded summer months. Airboat tours leave from the western edge of Broward County.

December marks the early dry season when wildlife congregates at remaining water sources. Mosquito pressure drops significantly too.

Booking tipBook morning departures. Wildlife is most active in the first 2-3 hours after sunrise, and afternoon winds can make airboat rides less comfortable.

Cycle the A1A beachfront path

outdoor

The paved path along State Road A1A runs roughly 11 km (7 miles) from the Bahia Mar marina north past Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. In December, the route is comfortable for cycling from sunrise through midday, with ocean views the entire way and water fountains at regular intervals.

Summer heat makes midday cycling along exposed asphalt miserable. December's comfortable highs and lower humidity make the ride pleasant at nearly any hour.

Booking tipBike rental shops cluster near Las Olas Boulevard and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Half-day rentals are widely available and affordable compared to guided tour alternatives.

Explore Flagler Village galleries during Art Basel week

culture

During the first week of December, Art Basel Miami Beach triggers satellite exhibitions and gallery openings across South Florida. Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale's emerging arts district north of Broward Boulevard, hosts several concurrent shows in converted warehouse spaces. The scene is smaller and less hectic than Miami's Wynwood.

Art Basel runs in early December. The Flagler Village openings cluster around the same dates and don't repeat during other months.

Booking tipMost gallery openings in Flagler Village are free and don't require tickets. Follow individual galleries on social media for exact dates.

Kayak or paddleboard the Middle River

outdoor

The Middle River winds through residential neighborhoods north of downtown, past mangrove-lined banks where herons, green iguanas, and the occasional manatee surface. The river is flat and sheltered, suitable for beginners. Rental outfitters operate near George English Park.

Dry-season conditions mean fewer afternoon thunderstorms interrupting paddling. Lower water flow makes the river calmer, and cooler air temperatures keep the effort comfortable.

Booking tipWeekday mornings are quietest on the water. Weekend afternoons draw local paddlers and small motorboats.

Evening stroll and dinner along Las Olas Boulevard

dining

Las Olas Boulevard stretches about 1.6 km (1 mile) from Andrews Avenue east toward the beach, lined with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. December evenings in the low 20s Celsius make the walk comfortable, and many restaurants extend seating onto the sidewalk for the first sustained stretch since May.

Summer's heat and afternoon storms push outdoor dining indoors for months. December's dry, mild evenings are the first reliable window for comfortable sidewalk seating.

Booking tipReserve dinner for Friday or Saturday by midweek. Walk-in availability is better Monday through Thursday.

What to eat in December

In season: fruit

Florida navel oranges
Florida's citrus belt reaches peak sweetness in December and January. Navel oranges and Honeybell tangerines appear at roadside stands along US-1 and at weekly farmers markets in Victoria Park.

On menus now

Florida stone crab claws
Stone crab season runs October 15 through May 1, and December is peak harvest in the waters off Broward County. The claws are cracked and served chilled with a sharp mustard dipping sauce. The meat is sweet and dense, nothing like snow crab.
Key lime pie
Florida's official state pie benefits from fresh citrus season. The filling is tart and creamy on a buttery graham-cracker crust. The texture should sit somewhere between pudding and cheesecake, never gelatinous.

What to drink

Café con leche
December mornings in South Florida drop into the upper teens Celsius, cool enough that the thick, sweetened espresso cut with steamed milk feels essential. The ventanitas at Cuban cafeterias serve it in small styrofoam cups for pocket change.

Festival food

Lechón asado
South Florida's Cuban and Puerto Rican communities roast whole pigs for Noche Buena on December 24. The garlicky, sour-orange mojo marinade fills neighborhoods across Broward County. Many Cuban bakeries in the area take pre-orders starting early December.

Regular events in December

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park

A drive-through holiday light display at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, featuring themed light installations spread across the park's grounds. The route takes about 20-30 minutes by car and is popular with families.

Late November through late December, nightly

Art Basel Miami Beach satellite events in Fort LauderdaleFree

During Art Basel week, galleries and pop-up spaces across Fort Lauderdale host openings and exhibitions that draw spillover crowds from Miami. Flagler Village and Las Olas Boulevard see the most activity.

First week of December

New Year's Eve on Fort Lauderdale BeachFree

Fort Lauderdale Beach hosts a public New Year's Eve celebration with fireworks launched over the Atlantic, typically visible from the sand between Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevards. Hotels and bars along A1A run ticketed events.

December 31

Victoria Park holiday decorationsFree

Residents of Victoria Park, one of Fort Lauderdale's older residential neighborhoods, go all out on holiday decorations each December. The area's walkable grid of tree-lined streets makes for a pleasant evening stroll past elaborate yard displays, many of them decades-old traditions.

Mid-December through early January

Best places this December

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
state park
Founded in 1941, this 72-hectare (180-acre) coastal park sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, connected to the beach by a pedestrian tunnel under A1A. December's cooler temperatures make the 3 km (2-mile) nature trail through the coastal hammock comfortable, with reduced mosquito pressure compared to summer. Gumbo-limbo trees, sea grapes, and the occasional gopher tortoise appear along the path.
North Beach
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
waterfront park
A linear park stretching along the north bank of the New River through downtown. In December, the Riverwalk puts up holiday decorations and hosts evening events in the lead-up to the boat parade. The path connects several cultural venues, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Evening temperatures in the low 20s Celsius make it ideal for a post-dinner walk.
Downtown
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
museum
Founded in 1958 and housed in a building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, the museum sits at the east end of Las Olas Boulevard. Its permanent collection focuses on post-1945 American art. December visits coincide with Art Basel week programming and occasional extended hours during the first weekend of the month.
Downtown
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
historic estate
A 14-hectare (35-acre) estate on North Birch Road built in the 1920s. The grounds include a freshwater swamp, a shell art collection, and wild monkeys that roam the property. December's dry weather and mild temperatures make the garden walk far more comfortable than the same tour in July, when the humidity and insects are relentless.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library
museum
Founded in 1973, this is one of the largest LGBTQ+ archives in the United States. The museum houses rotating exhibitions on LGBTQ+ history and culture. Admission is free.
Wilton Manors
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach and pier
beach town
A quieter beach town north of Fort Lauderdale Beach, centered on a short commercial pier. The nearshore reef here is one of the closest accessible reef systems in the continental US, reachable by a 100-meter swim from shore. December's calm seas make conditions ideal for entry-level snorkeling.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Butterfly World
nature attraction
Founded in 1988, Butterfly World in Coconut Creek holds the title of the world's largest butterfly aviary. Several thousand live butterflies fill enclosed tropical gardens. The outdoor grounds benefit from December's dry weather, making the full circuit comfortable for younger visitors who tend to flag in summer heat.
Coconut Creek
Amerant Bank Arena
arena
Home to the Florida Panthers NHL team. December falls mid-season, with games running 2-3 nights per week. The arena sits in Sunrise, about 20 minutes west of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Worth checking the Panthers schedule if you're in town on a game night.
Sunrise

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Light sweater or hoodieDecember evenings are notably cooler than daytime, and periodic cold fronts can bring temperatures that surprise visitors expecting constant warmth. You'll reach for a warm layer on at least a few nights. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 30+The UV index in South Florida still reaches 5-6 in December, lower than summer's 10+ but enough to burn exposed skin in under an hour. Broward County encourages reef-safe formulas for ocean swimming. Shop
Compact rain jacketDecember sees regular brief showers that tend to last 15-20 minutes. They arrive without much warning, and a packable jacket saves you from ducking into shops mid-walk. Shop
SwimsuitThe Atlantic stays warm enough for comfortable swimming through December, well above wetsuit territory. You'll want to be ready for the beach on short notice. Shop
Polarized sunglassesThe low December sun angle creates strong glare off the water, especially along the Intracoastal and A1A in the late afternoon. Polarized lenses make driving and waterside walking far more comfortable. Shop
Water shoes or sport sandalsThe reef at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has a rocky entry point. Water shoes protect your feet on the limestone shelf between the sand and the reef. Shop
Insect repellentMosquitoes are reduced in December compared to summer but don't disappear entirely, especially near mangroves and standing water at dawn and dusk in parks like Hugh Taylor Birch. Shop
Reusable water bottleFort Lauderdale's tap water is safe to drink, and parks along the beachfront have refill stations. Staying hydrated is easier than finding a shop when you're midway through the A1A bike path. Shop

Insider tips

The Water Taxi runs a loop along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, and it doubles as one of the best viewing platforms for the boat parade. A day pass costs less than a waterfront dinner and gives you moving views instead of a fixed spot in a crowd.
Restaurants in Wilton Manors tend to run noticeably cheaper than equivalent quality on Las Olas Boulevard, with shorter waits. The drive is 10 minutes north of downtown. Worth the detour on a busy Saturday night.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has its own beach access via a pedestrian tunnel under A1A, which bypasses the parking chaos at Fort Lauderdale Beach entirely. The park charges a modest per-vehicle admission fee, and the beach on the other side is noticeably less crowded.
Fort Lauderdale's free Sun Trolley connects the beach to downtown along Las Olas Boulevard and runs until late evening on weekends. It won't replace a car for anything beyond the central corridor, but it eliminates parking headaches for the most popular stretch.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing only warm-weather clothes. Several December nights will feel genuinely cool after dark, and cold fronts bring temperatures that can surprise visitors expecting constant Florida warmth. At least one proper warm layer is non-negotiable.
Assuming walk-in availability at Las Olas restaurants on weekends. December is peak season, and the snowbird population adds thousands of regular diners to the mix. Without a reservation made by midweek, you could wait 45-60 minutes at popular spots on Friday or Saturday night.
Booking a hotel on the Winterfest Boat Parade route without checking the parade date. The parade's sound systems, fireworks, and crowd noise run until 10-11 PM on parade night. If you want a quiet evening, confirm whether your hotel faces the Intracoastal or New River before booking.
Underestimating distances between Fort Lauderdale's attractions. The beach, downtown, Wilton Manors, Butterfly World, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea are each 15-25 minutes apart by car. Walking between them is not feasible, and ride-share surge pricing tends to run high during peak season.

Practical tips for December

Book hotels at least 6-8 weeks ahead for December stays. Rates climb sharply after Thanksgiving and peak in the final stretch of the month. Rental cars follow the same demand curve, and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport lot fills early on Friday afternoons. Restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal fill weekend reservations by Wednesday, so plan Saturday dinners early in the week. The Sun Trolley is free and connects Fort Lauderdale Beach to downtown on a fixed loop. Most attractions stay open through the holidays with the exception of Christmas Day itself. Sunset drops to around 5:30 PM in early December, so schedule outdoor activities for morning and early afternoon if daylight matters. The dress code at most restaurants is casual, but a few of the waterfront spots on Las Olas expect long pants and closed-toe shoes at dinner.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Fort Lauderdale?

December is one of the strongest months for weather, with comfortable highs and the end of hurricane season. The trade-off is price. This is peak season, and hotel rates, car rentals, and restaurant demand all reach their annual highs. If you can absorb the premium and book early, the weather alone makes the trip worthwhile. If you're budget-sensitive, November or early April offer similar conditions at noticeably lower cost.

Can you swim in the ocean in Fort Lauderdale in December?

Yes. Atlantic water temperatures hold around 24°C (75°F) in December, warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit. Most visitors find it comfortable for 30-60 minutes at a time. The air temperature when you get out, especially on a breezy evening, is the bigger adjustment.

Is Fort Lauderdale crowded in December?

Noticeably more crowded than summer. Seasonal residents from the Northeast and Canada arrive in large numbers starting late November, and holiday travelers add a second wave in the final stretch of the month. The beach, Las Olas Boulevard, and the Intracoastal restaurant strip are all busier than any month from May through October. That said, it is not as packed as February or March during spring break season.

What should I wear in Fort Lauderdale in December?

During the day, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are fine. Evenings call for something warmer. A sweater, hoodie, or light jacket works for most December nights. If a cold front passes through, you'll want long pants and closed-toe shoes for a day or two. Pack a swimsuit regardless of the forecast.

How far in advance should I book a Fort Lauderdale hotel for December?

Beachfront properties fill their preferred rooms first, and rates climb as availability drops. Booking as far ahead as possible, particularly for the week between Christmas and New Year's, can save significantly compared to last-minute rates. Mid-month arrivals have slightly more flexibility, but December across the board rewards early planning.