December in St. Augustine is defined by one thing above all else. Nights of Lights, the city's annual display of over 3 million white LED lights draped across buildings, bridges, and trees throughout the Historic District, transforms the old town into something that feels genuinely different from any other month. The display runs from mid-November through January 31, but December is the heart of it, when the lights overlap with holiday crowds, horse-drawn carriages along Bay Street, and cool evenings that actually make walking the narrow streets comfortable. Expect daytime temperatures around 19.8°C (68°F) and lows near 13.3°C (56°F), which for northeast Florida counts as properly crisp.
This is also the driest stretch of the year. December averages only 44mm of rain across roughly 6 rainy days, a welcome change from the 163mm that August tends to dump. The humidity sits around 81%, which sounds high on paper but feels manageable at these temperatures. You might get the occasional chilly morning where you want a proper jacket, though frost is rare.
To be fair, the tradeoff is crowds and pricing. Nights of Lights pulls visitors from across the Southeast, and the Historic District on a Saturday evening in mid-December can feel congested, particularly around the Plaza de la Constitución and St. George Street. Hotel rates in the 32084 zip code tend to run 30-50% above the annual average. That said, weekday visits and early mornings still offer breathing room, and the quality of the experience, walking past the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine under a canopy of white lights on a 15°C evening, tends to justify the premium.
Why visit in December
- Nights of Lights turns the Historic District into one of the top holiday light displays in the southeastern United States, recognized by National Geographic as one of the best in the world.
- December is the driest month of the year at 44mm of rainfall, a fraction of the 163mm that August averages.
- Temperatures between 13°C and 20°C make walking the compact downtown comfortable without the oppressive summer humidity.
- Oyster season peaks in Florida's cooler months, and St. Augustine's waterfront restaurants source from nearby Matanzas River beds.
- Fort Matanzas National Monument and Anastasia State Park are pleasant for outdoor exploration without summer heat or mosquito pressure.
Worth knowing
- Hotel rates in the Historic District run 30-50% above annual averages, with premium waterfront properties commanding the steepest markups on weekends.
- St. George Street and the bayfront become genuinely crowded on December weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings during Nights of Lights.
- Sunset arrives before 5:30 PM, which limits daylight hours for outdoor activities and beach time on Anastasia Island.
- Wind chill off the Matanzas River can drop perceived temperatures to single digits Celsius on some evenings, which catches visitors in light clothing off guard.
Best for
Think twice if
December in St. Augustine tends to feel like a mild autumn day in the mid-Atlantic states. Mornings typically start cool, around 13°C, and warm into the high teens or low 20s by early afternoon. Humidity at 81% is noticeable but not oppressive at these temperatures. Rain is unlikely on any given day, with only about 6 rainy days across the month. When rain does arrive, it's usually brief. The occasional cold front pushes through from the northwest, dropping nighttime lows toward 5-7°C for a day or two before bouncing back. Wind off the Intracoastal Waterway adds a chill that the thermometer doesn't always reflect.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 10 | 52 |
| Feb | 20 | 13 | 61 |
| Mar | 22 | 15 | 84 |
| Apr | 25 | 18 | 82 |
| May | 28 | 21 | 80 |
| Jun | 30 | 24 | 127 |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 154 |
| Aug | 30 | 25 | 163 |
| Sep | 28 | 24 | 201 |
| Oct | 25 | 20 | 91 |
| Nov | 22 | 16 | 98 |
| Dec | 20 | 13 | 44 |
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 St. Augustine. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Headline events
Nights of Lights
Nightly from mid-November through January 31, lights on at dusk
Over 3 million white LED lights blanket the Historic District from mid-November through January 31, covering buildings, trees, the Bridge of Lions, and the Plaza de la Constitución. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world. The lights switch on at dusk each evening. Walking tours, trolley tours, and boat tours along the bayfront operate nightly throughout December.
Best things to do in December
Walk the Nights of Lights route through the Historic District
sightseeingThe roughly 3-kilometer loop from the Plaza de la Constitución south along the bayfront, through the narrow lanes around the Cathedral Basilica, and back along St. George Street is the core Nights of Lights experience. Over 3 million white LED lights cover coquina facades, live oaks, and the Bridge of Lions. The walk takes about 90 minutes at a comfortable pace with stops.
The display runs mid-November through January, but December is peak programming with the largest crowds and the most tour operators running nightly.Booking tipNo booking needed for the walking route itself. Guided trolley and boat tours fill up on December weekends, so reserve a few days ahead.
Tour Castillo de San Marcos at sunset
historyThe 17th-century Spanish stone fortress on the Matanzas Bay waterfront is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built between 1672 and 1695. The coquina walls glow in the late afternoon light, and in December the Nights of Lights illuminate the surrounding area as soon as the sun drops. The fort's upper deck gives an unobstructed view of the bayfront lights.
December's early 5:20 PM sunset means you can time a late-afternoon visit to catch the transition from daylight to lights without staying out past dinner.Booking tipManaged by the National Park Service. Arrive by 3:30 PM to explore the interior before the last entry.
Kayak the Matanzas River at dawn
outdoorPaddling the Matanzas River south of the Bridge of Lions in the early morning offers flat water, resident dolphins, and views of the Castillo de San Marcos from the water. December's cooler air means less wind chop than summer afternoons, and the low-angle winter sun hits the bayfront at a golden angle.
Water temperatures around 17°C keep casual swimmers away, so the river is quieter. The cooler air also reduces afternoon thunderstorm risk to near zero.Booking tipSeveral outfitters along Avilés Street and Vilano Beach rent kayaks. Morning launches before 8 AM get the calmest water.
Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
sightseeingThe 1874 lighthouse on Anastasia Island stands 50 meters tall, with 219 steps to the top. The view from the observation deck takes in the Historic District, the Matanzas Inlet, and the Atlantic. The attached maritime museum covers 500 years of local seafaring history.
December's clear skies and low humidity give the best visibility from the top. You can see north past Vilano Beach and south to Marineland on a good day.Booking tipLess crowded on weekday mornings. The climb is not strenuous but the spiral staircase is narrow.
Explore Fort Matanzas National Monument
historyThis smaller Spanish fort sits on Rattlesnake Island at the southern end of Anastasia Island, accessible only by a free NPS ferry from the visitor center on A1A. Built in 1742 to guard the Matanzas Inlet, the coquina watchtower is a 20-minute ferry ride through the salt marshes.
December's dry weather and cool temperatures make the open-air ferry ride and the exposed fort comfortable. Summer visits involve heat, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorms that cancel ferries.Booking tipThe ferry runs on a first-come basis every 30 minutes. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to avoid a wait.
Browse the Colonial Quarter living history area
cultureThe Colonial Quarter on St. George Street is a 2-acre living history complex covering St. Augustine's Spanish, British, and American periods. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, musket firing, and 18th-century cooking. The December programming adds holiday-themed activities tied to the city's Minorcan heritage.
December holiday programming features special demonstrations and seasonal crafts. The cooler weather makes the outdoor exhibits more comfortable than summer visits.Booking tipAllow 2-3 hours. Weekday mornings draw fewer school groups.
Walk the beach at Anastasia State Park
outdoorThe park's 6.4-kilometer stretch of undeveloped Atlantic beach on Anastasia Island is one of the longest natural beaches in northeast Florida. The dunes, sea oats, and tidal pools are largely empty in December. The park also has 4 miles of nature trails through maritime hammock and tidal marsh.
December's 19°C highs are comfortable for long beach walks without sunburn risk. Shorebird watching peaks as migratory species winter along the Atlantic flyway.Booking tipThe park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for parking.
Take a Nights of Lights boat tour on Matanzas Bay
sightseeingSeveral operators run evening boat tours from the Municipal Marina along the bayfront during December. The 75-minute cruises follow the seawall from the Bridge of Lions past the Castillo de San Marcos and south toward the lighthouse, with the Nights of Lights display reflected in the water. The perspective from the bay is different from the walking route.
The boat tours operate only during the Nights of Lights season. December evenings in the 13-15°C range are cool enough for blankets on deck but not uncomfortably cold.Booking tipTours sell out on December weekends. Book at least a week ahead for Friday or Saturday evening departures.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Satsuma oranges
Florida citrus season runs November through March, and satsumas peak in December. The small, easy-peel mandarins show up at roadside stands along US-1 and at the St. Augustine Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Sweeter and less acidic than grocery store navels.
On menus now
Minorcan clam chowder
St. Augustine's signature dish, a tomato-based chowder made with datil peppers brought by Minorcan settlers in the 1700s. The warm, slightly spicy broth is at its most appealing in the cooler December evenings. You'll find it at nearly every restaurant along St. George Street and the bayfront.
What to drink
Warm spiced cider
Several cafes along St. George Street and Cathedral Place serve warm cider through December, typically spiked with cinnamon and clove. It pairs well with walking the Nights of Lights route on a cool evening. The San Sebastian Winery on King Street also offers a mulled wine version.
In markets
Fresh oysters from Matanzas River
Florida oyster season peaks in the cooler months when bacteria counts drop and flavors concentrate. December oysters from the local harvest areas tend to be briny and firm. Several raw bars along Avilés Street and the waterfront serve them on the half shell.
Datil pepper hot sauce
The datil pepper is native to St. Augustine, likely brought by Minorcan colonists in the 18th century. Local producers bottle it year-round, but December holiday markets at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Colonial Quarter stock a wider selection from small-batch makers than you'll find at other times.
Regular events in December
St. Augustine Christmas ParadeFree
The annual Christmas parade runs along King Street and San Marco Avenue in early December, featuring floats, marching bands from local high schools, and holiday-themed entries from community organizations.
First Saturday of DecemberSt. Augustine Farmers MarketFree
The weekly Saturday morning market at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A features local produce, baked goods, and crafts. December brings satsumas, pecans, and holiday-themed baked goods from area vendors.
Every Saturday morning, year-roundRegatta of LightsFree
Decorated boats parade through the Matanzas Bay and along the bayfront, typically on a Saturday evening in early December. The boats launch from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina and cruise past the seawall.
Early December, one eveningHoliday concerts at the Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine on Cathedral Place hosts choral and orchestral holiday concerts throughout December. The acoustics inside the 18th-century Spanish colonial church add to the atmosphere.
Multiple dates throughout DecemberBest places this December
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
historic siteThe oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. The coquina walls and bayfront location make it the most photographed site in St. Augustine, particularly during Nights of Lights when the surrounding area is illuminated.
Historic DistrictPlaza de la Constitución
landmarkThe central square of the Historic District since the 1573 Spanish colonial era. The plaza is the hub of the Nights of Lights display, with a large decorated tree and lights covering the surrounding buildings and live oaks.
Historic DistrictSt. George Street
streetThe pedestrian-only main street of the Historic District, running north from the Old City Gate to the Plaza. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. December crowds peak on weekend evenings but mornings are manageable.
Historic DistrictAnastasia State Park
natureA 1,600-acre state park on Anastasia Island with 6.4 kilometers of undeveloped beach, nature trails through maritime hammock, and a tidal lagoon. Quiet in December compared to summer.
Anastasia IslandLightner Museum
museumHoused in the former Hotel Alcazar, built by Henry Flagler in 1888. The Gilded Age building holds decorative arts, Tiffany glass, and period furnishings. The interior courtyard and architecture are worth the visit alone.
Historic DistrictFort Matanzas National Monument
historic siteA small 1742 Spanish coquina watchtower on Rattlesnake Island, accessible by free NPS ferry. The surrounding salt marshes and Matanzas Inlet provide a quieter counterpoint to the Historic District.
South A1ASan Sebastian Winery
food and drinkA working winery on King Street that offers free tours and tastings. The rooftop bar has views over the Historic District and is a good spot to watch the Nights of Lights from above.
King StreetAvilés Street
streetConsidered the oldest European-established street in the United States, dating to the 1565 founding. Now lined with galleries, restaurants, and the Colonial Quarter entrance. Less crowded than St. George Street.
Historic District
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Insider tips
The Nights of Lights are best photographed in the first 30 minutes after the lights switch on, during the blue-hour window when there's still color in the sky. Pure darkness flattens the scene into white dots on black. The bayfront seawall near the Bridge of Lions gives the widest angle.
Weeknight visits to the Historic District between Monday and Wednesday are dramatically less crowded than weekends. You can walk St. George Street at a normal pace and find restaurant tables without a wait.
The free NPS ferry to Fort Matanzas stops running in weather above a certain wind threshold. Check the Fort Matanzas National Monument website or call the visitor center on the morning of your visit, particularly after a cold front passes through.
Vilano Beach, north of the Historic District across the Tolomato River, has significantly fewer visitors than Anastasia Island's beaches. The drive from downtown is about 10 minutes.
The St. Augustine Distillery on Riberia Street offers free tours and tastings in a restored 1907 ice plant building. It's a 15-minute walk from the Historic District core and rarely has the wait times of the more visible St. George Street attractions.
Avoid these mistakes
- Driving into the Historic District on a December weekend evening. Street parking near the bayfront fills by late afternoon, and traffic along Avilés Street and Cathedral Place slows to a crawl. The city parking garage on Castillo Drive or lots along San Marco Avenue are better options.
- Assuming December in Florida means beach weather. Atlantic water temperatures drop to around 17°C (63°F), and afternoon highs in the low 20s with wind off the ocean make Anastasia Island's beach more of a walking destination than a swimming one.
- Booking a Friday or Saturday Nights of Lights boat tour or trolley tour at the last minute. These fill up weeks ahead in December. Weeknight departures are easier to get.
- Wearing flip-flops in the Historic District. The coquina and tabby sidewalks are uneven and slippery when damp. Closed-toe shoes with some grip save a lot of grief.
- Skipping the areas south of King Street. Most visitors cluster on St. George Street and the bayfront, but the blocks around Avilés Street, the Ximenez-Fatio House, and the Oldest House Museum Complex are less crowded and hold some of the city's best-preserved colonial architecture.
Practical tips for December
December hotel availability tightens considerably from mid-month through New Year's. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead for weekend stays is standard practice. Properties in Vilano Beach and along US-1 south of downtown tend to offer lower rates than the Historic District bayfront. For dining, restaurants along Charlotte Street and Avilés Street take reservations while many St. George Street spots are walk-in only, so plan accordingly for weekend evenings. The Nights of Lights trolley and boat tours are the first things to sell out. If your dates are fixed, book those before flights. Street parking in the Historic District is metered and limited, particularly on the narrow streets south of the Plaza. The city parking garage on Castillo Drive is the most reliable option. December daylight runs from about 7:10 AM to 5:25 PM, so front-load outdoor activities and save museum visits and indoor dining for late afternoon.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit St. Augustine?
December is one of the best months, largely because of Nights of Lights and the comfortable walking weather. Daytime highs around 19-20°C and low rainfall make exploring the Historic District pleasant. The tradeoff is higher hotel rates and weekend crowds, particularly around the light displays. Weekday visits sidestep most of the congestion.
How cold does it get in St. Augustine in December?
Average lows sit around 13°C (56°F), with occasional cold fronts pushing nighttime temperatures toward 5-7°C for a day or two. Frost is rare but not unheard of. Most days warm to the high teens or low 20s by early afternoon. Wind off the Matanzas River makes evenings feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Can you swim at the beach in St. Augustine in December?
Atlantic water temperatures drop to around 17°C (63°F) in December, which is too cold for most swimmers. The beaches on Anastasia Island are still worth visiting for walking, shelling, and birdwatching, but pack a windbreaker rather than a swimsuit.
When do the Nights of Lights start and end?
Nights of Lights runs from mid-November through January 31, with the lights switching on at dusk each evening. December is the peak month for visitor traffic and associated programming, including trolley tours, boat tours, and special events at the Colonial Quarter and Cathedral Basilica.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for December in St. Augustine?
Booking 4-6 weeks ahead is standard for December weekends, especially the last 2 weeks of the month around Christmas and New Year's. Weeknight stays are easier to find last-minute. Properties outside the Historic District, particularly in Vilano Beach, tend to have more availability.
Things to Do in St. Augustine in December
Free cancellation Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine
Cruise — 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine
Cruise — 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation St. Augustine Live Music Sail with Drinks & Sunset Option
Cruise — 1.8 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Red Boat Tours - Dolphin Odyssey and Sightseeing Tour
Cruise — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Red Boat Tours - Adults-Only & Family Friendly BYOB Sunset Cruise
Cruise — 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine
Cruise — free cancellation.
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