December in St. Petersburg, Florida is when this Gulf Coast city turns into what the original developers had in mind when they started selling sunshine to northerners back in the 1920s. Average highs settle around 22°C (72°F) with lows near 15°C (59°F), and the rainfall drops to roughly 63mm across about 5 rainy days. For anyone arriving from Chicago, Detroit, or Minneapolis, stepping off at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport feels like crossing a threshold into a different world. The air carries a faint salt tang from Tampa Bay, and the late-afternoon light over the waterfront turns the pink stucco of the Vinoy Renaissance Resort a warm amber by 5pm.
That said, you will not be the only person who had this idea. December marks the official start of snowbird season, and the population of Pinellas County swells noticeably after Thanksgiving. Beach Drive restaurants that took walk-ins easily in October now need reservations for dinner. Hotel rates along St. Pete Beach tend to run 40-60% above their September lows. The trade-off is real, but so is the payoff. You get some of the driest, most temperate weather Florida offers, a full calendar of holiday boat parades and gallery walks, and a Gulf of Mexico that still holds around 20°C (68°F) for the brave.
December also tends to be when St. Pete's arts identity hits full stride. The galleries along Central Avenue in the Grand Central District host Second Saturday ArtWalk on the second weekend of the month. The Dalí Museum runs extended holiday hours. Outdoor dining along Beach Drive NE works comfortably past sunset. If your idea of a Florida trip is scorching sand and 32°C heat, December will disappoint you. If you'd rather walk neighborhoods, eat outside without sweating through your shirt, and catch a Gulf sunset from Pass-a-Grille before 6pm, this is probably the month to book. Sunset falls around 5:35pm, early enough to still have energy for dinner afterward.
Why visit in December
- Dry-season weather with only about 63mm of rain across 5 days, making it one of the 3 driest months in St. Pete's calendar
- Daytime temperatures between 15-22°C (59-72°F) are comfortable for all-day walking, cycling, and outdoor dining without the punishing humidity of a Tampa Bay summer
- Arts and cultural scene peaks with Second Saturday ArtWalk, holiday programming at the Dalí Museum, and lighted boat parades on Tampa Bay
- Direct escape from northern US winter with no passport, no significant time-zone shift, and frequent nonstop flights from major northeast and midwest hubs
- Gulf of Mexico water still holds around 20°C (68°F), warm enough for afternoon swimming on sunny days when air temperatures reach the mid-20s
Worth knowing
- Peak-season hotel rates run 40-60% above summer lows, especially along St. Pete Beach and the barrier islands
- Snowbird arrivals push restaurant wait times, beach parking demand, and Pinellas Bayway bridge traffic to their yearly highs
- Gulf water at 20°C (68°F) is too cool for prolonged swimming for most people, a real downgrade from August's 30°C (86°F)
- Cold fronts sweep through every 7-10 days and can drop overnight lows to 10°C (50°F), catching visitors who packed only shorts and sandals
Best for
Think twice if
December brings St. Petersburg's version of winter, which means dry, mild, and occasionally breezy. Expect about 5 days with measurable rain, usually short-lived afternoon showers that clear within 30-40 minutes. Humidity sits at 77%, noticeably less oppressive than the 85%+ of summer. Morning temperatures start in the 15°C (59°F) range and typically reach 22°C (72°F) by early afternoon. Cold fronts from the north sweep through every 7-10 days, dropping nighttime lows temporarily to around 10°C (50°F). These cold snaps rarely last more than 2 days. Winds off Tampa Bay run 10-15 km/h on average, enough to make waterfront evenings feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 12 | 60 |
| Feb | 23 | 15 | 64 |
| Mar | 25 | 17 | 51 |
| Apr | 28 | 19 | 64 |
| May | 30 | 23 | 63 |
| Jun | 31 | 25 | 154 |
| Jul | 32 | 26 | 128 |
| Aug | 32 | 26 | 206 |
| Sep | 30 | 24 | 153 |
| Oct | 28 | 21 | 103 |
| Nov | 25 | 17 | 54 |
| Dec | 22 | 15 | 63 |
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. Petersburg. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Best things to do in December
Second Saturday ArtWalk in Grand Central District
arts_cultureOn the second Saturday of December, the galleries along Central Avenue between 20th and 29th Streets open their doors for a free evening walk. Live music spills out of storefronts, and local artists set up temporary displays on the sidewalks. The energy is casual, not gallery-stuffy.
December's mild evening temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make the outdoor walking route comfortable, and many galleries debut winter exhibitions timed to snowbird arrivals.Booking tipNo booking needed. The walk runs from roughly 5pm to 9pm and is free to attend.
Sunset at Pass-a-Grille Beach
naturePass-a-Grille sits at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, a narrow strip where Gulf Boulevard ends and the water wraps around on three sides. The beach faces due west with an unobstructed horizon. December sunsets hit around 5:35pm, painting the sky orange and pink for a solid 20 minutes.
December's dry air and low humidity produce sharper, more vivid sunsets than the hazy summer months. The earlier sunset time means you can catch it and still make a 7pm dinner reservation.Booking tipParking fills up by 4pm on weekends. Arrive early or take the free SunRunner bus from downtown.
Dalí Museum visit
arts_cultureThe Dalí Museum on Bayshore Drive SE holds the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside Spain, with more than 2,400 objects including 7 of his 18 large-scale masterworks. The building itself, designed by Yann Weymouth, features a geodesic glass atrium called the Enigma.
December holiday hours extend evening access, and the museum typically runs a special winter exhibition. Snowbird season means more docent-led tours are available.Booking tipTimed tickets sell out on weekend afternoons during peak season. Book online at least a few days ahead for a morning slot.
Kayaking through Weedon Island Preserve
natureWeedon Island Preserve covers more than 3,190 acres of mangrove tunnels, tidal flats, and seagrass beds on the northeast edge of St. Petersburg. Guided kayak tours wind through narrow mangrove channels where manatees, dolphins, and ospreys are common December sightings.
December's cooler water temperatures push manatees into the warm shallow waters around Weedon Island, and the reduced humidity makes paddling for 2-3 hours far more comfortable than in summer.Booking tipGuided tours through local outfitters fill up in peak season. Reserve at least a week ahead for weekend morning departures.
Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Pete
foodThe Saturday Morning Market runs every Saturday from October through May along Al Lang Field on 1st Avenue SE. More than 130 vendors sell produce, baked goods, prepared food, plants, and local crafts. The market stretches several blocks and draws thousands of visitors on a peak December morning.
December brings Plant City strawberries, Florida citrus at peak harvest, and holiday-themed baked goods. The mild 18-22°C (64-72°F) morning weather makes browsing the outdoor stalls pleasant rather than sweltering.Booking tipNo tickets needed. Arrive before 10am for the best selection and easier parking along the waterfront.
Cycling the Pinellas Trail
outdoorsThe Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail runs 75 km from St. Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs, following a converted railroad corridor. The southern section passes through downtown St. Pete, crosses over bridges with Tampa Bay views, and connects to Dunedin and Palm Harbor.
December temperatures between 15-22°C (59-72°F) are close to ideal for distance cycling. Summer rides on the exposed trail in 33°C heat and 90% humidity are punishing by comparison.Booking tipBike rental shops near the Pier and along Central Avenue rent by the hour or the day. Reserve ahead on weekends during peak season.
St. Pete Pier exploration
sightseeingThe St. Pete Pier reopened in 2020 after a major redesign. The 8-hectare waterfront district includes a splash pad, a tilted lawn, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, and multiple restaurants. Pelicans line the railings, and you can often spot dolphins from the end of the pier.
December's clear skies and low humidity give you long sightlines across Tampa Bay. The Pier's outdoor spaces are comfortable all day at 22°C, and the holiday light installations add evening appeal.Booking tipThe Pier itself is free. Parking in the Pier garage fills on weekends, so consider walking from Beach Drive or taking the SunRunner.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market and Art Walk
arts_cultureThe small waterfront village of Gulfport, about 15 minutes south of downtown St. Pete, holds a Tuesday evening market and art walk along Beach Boulevard. Local artists, food vendors, and musicians line the 3-block stretch between the casino building and the waterfront.
December evenings in Gulfport are mild enough to walk comfortably, and the Tuesday market runs through the holiday season with seasonal vendors and live caroling.Booking tipNo booking needed. Street parking along Gulfport's residential blocks is free but limited. Arrive by 5:30pm.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Florida citrus
December is peak harvest for Florida oranges, grapefruit, and honeybell tangerines. Roadside fruit stands along US-19 and at the Saturday Morning Market downtown sell bags by weight. The grapefruit from Indian River County tends to be sweeter than what you'll find in supermarkets up north.
Plant City strawberries
The season starts in late November at farms about 45 minutes east of St. Pete near Plant City. By December the berries hit peak sweetness. The Saturday Morning Market and local grocery stores carry them, and they're noticeably better than the shipped California variety.
On menus now
Stone crab claws
Florida stone crab season runs October 15 through May 1, and December is when supply at local restaurants reaches full swing. The claws arrive pre-cooked and chilled, cracked tableside with mustard sauce. You'll find them at seafood spots along Pass-a-Grille and Gulfport, where the fishing boats offload nearby.
Grouper sandwich
St. Pete's signature seafood order. The local black grouper is available year-round, but December's cooler Gulf water seems to firm the flesh. You'll find it blackened, fried, or grilled at nearly every waterfront restaurant from the Pier to Gulfport.
Smoked fish spread
A Gulf Coast staple made from smoked mullet or amberjack, mixed with cream cheese and served with crackers. The cooler December weather brings mullet runs closer to shore in Tampa Bay and the Intracoastal, and fish markets in Gulfport carry freshly smoked catches through the winter months.
Street food peaks
Cuban sandwich
Tampa Bay's signature pressed sandwich of roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. December's cooler weather makes the hot, crispy bread and warm fillings particularly satisfying. Central Avenue and the Edge District have several reliable options.
What to drink
Hot craft beer from local breweries
St. Pete has more than 30 craft breweries within city limits, and December's mild evenings make brewery hopping along the Central Arts District and the Warehouse Arts District comfortable on foot. Several taprooms release winter seasonals and barrel-aged stouts in late November and December.
Regular events in December
St. Pete Lighted Boat ParadeFree
Dozens of boats decorated in holiday lights parade through the waterfront along Vinoy Park and the downtown marina. Spectators line Bayshore Drive and the Pier for views. The parade typically draws 30,000-40,000 viewers.
Second Saturday of DecemberSecond Saturday ArtWalkFree
Monthly gallery walk in the Grand Central District along Central Avenue between 20th and 29th Streets. Free admission, live music, and temporary outdoor installations.
Second Saturday of DecemberSt. Pete Indie MarketFree
Local makers and artists sell handmade goods, vintage clothing, and crafts at rotating locations around downtown St. Pete and the Warehouse Arts District. December editions lean heavily toward holiday shopping.
Weekends throughout DecemberSnowfest at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field hosts a holiday event with artificial snow, ice skating, and holiday performances in the parking areas surrounding the stadium. It draws families from across Pinellas County.
Early to mid-DecemberHoliday Lighted Stroll at Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens, one of the oldest roadside attractions in the US (opened 1903), strings its tropical plants and walking paths with thousands of holiday lights for evening strolls during December.
Throughout DecemberBest places this December
The Dalí Museum
museumMore than 2,400 objects spanning Salvador Dalí's entire career, housed in a striking concrete-and-glass building on Bayshore Drive SE. The collection includes 7 of Dalí's 18 recognized masterworks.
Downtown WaterfrontPass-a-Grille Beach
beachThe quieter, less commercial southern tip of St. Pete Beach. A narrow strip with Gulf views to the west and Pass-a-Grille Channel to the south. The historic 8th Avenue district has a handful of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the sand.
Pass-a-GrilleSunken Gardens
gardenA 4-acre botanical garden that dates to 1903, set in a natural sinkhole. Tropical plants, flamingos, and walking paths sit below street level. December's holiday light displays transform the gardens in the evening.
Northeast St. PeteThe Imagine Museum
museumA museum dedicated to contemporary American studio glass art, with more than 1,500 pieces across 3 floors. Located on Central Avenue in the Grand Central District.
Grand Central DistrictWeedon Island Preserve
natureOver 3,190 acres of mangroves, tidal flats, and upland habitats on the northeast shore of St. Petersburg. A 3 km boardwalk trail offers elevated views of Tampa Bay, and the Cultural and Natural History Center is free to visit.
Northeast St. PeteSaturday Morning Market
marketSt. Pete's largest open-air market runs every Saturday from October through May along the waterfront near Al Lang Field. More than 130 vendors sell local produce, prepared food, and crafts.
DowntownThe James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
museumA downtown museum with 5 floors of Western American art and wildlife sculpture. The building on Central Avenue opened in 2018 and includes a working artist studio.
DowntownGulfport Waterfront District
neighborhoodA small, artsy beach village about 15 minutes south of downtown St. Pete. Beach Boulevard runs 3 blocks from the casino building to the waterfront, lined with galleries, cafes, and vintage shops.
Gulfport
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Insider tips
The SunRunner bus connects downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach along 1st Avenue and the beaches. It runs every 15-20 minutes and is far less stressful than fighting for beach parking on a December weekend.
The Saturday Morning Market's best finds sell out by 10:30am. If you want Plant City strawberries or fresh-baked bread from the popular vendors, aim for a 9am arrival.
Sunset viewing from the Vinoy Park seawall facing west is less crowded than Pass-a-Grille and offers a view across Tampa Bay with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance. Locals bring camp chairs and arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
December cold fronts clear out fast, usually within 48 hours. If you arrive during one, wait a day before judging the weather. The warm-up after a front often brings the crispest, clearest skies of the month.
Gulfport's Tuesday market is significantly less touristy than the Saturday Morning Market downtown. The vibe skews more local, the crowds are smaller, and parking is easier.
Fort De Soto Park, about 20 minutes south of downtown, has some of the best shelling in the Tampa Bay area. December's lower tides in the morning expose more of the sandbars near North Beach.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and sandals. December cold fronts drop evening temperatures to 10°C (50°F) and the wind off Tampa Bay adds a real chill. At least one pair of long pants and a warm layer saves you from a miserable evening.
- Assuming beach parking will be available after 11am on weekends. Pinellas County beach lots fill early in peak season, and the meter enforcement is active. The SunRunner or a rideshare is often faster than circling for a spot.
- Skipping sunscreen because it's not hot. December UV index in Florida reaches 4-5, and the comfortable temperatures mask how much exposure you're getting during a 3-hour beach walk.
- Booking a restaurant on Beach Drive for Saturday evening without a reservation. Peak season plus the weekend boat parade crowd means 90-minute waits at popular spots. Reserve 3-5 days ahead for weekend dinners.
- Driving to the barrier islands during the St. Pete Beach holiday weekend rush. The Pinellas Bayway and Treasure Island Causeway back up significantly on December weekends between 10am and 2pm.
Practical tips for December
Book accommodations at least 6 weeks ahead for December stays, as peak season plus the holiday premium means availability drops fast across St. Pete Beach and downtown. Rental cars are similarly in demand. If you're planning to visit the Dalí Museum, buy timed tickets online in advance, as weekend afternoon slots sell out during snowbird season. For beach days, check the water temperature forecast before committing to a swim. The Gulf hovers around 20°C (68°F) in December, which feels brisk after the first 10 minutes. Cold fronts pass through every 7-10 days and typically bring 1-2 cooler days followed by a warm rebound. Pack for both scenarios. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) runs the SunRunner bus between downtown and the beaches every 15-20 minutes, which is often faster than driving during peak weekend hours. Sunset is early, around 5:35pm, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and early afternoon if daylight matters.
FAQ
Is December a good time to swim in the Gulf at St. Pete Beach?
The Gulf of Mexico holds around 20°C (68°F) in December. That's warm enough for a quick dip on a sunny afternoon when air temperatures reach the low 20s, but it's noticeably cooler than August's 30°C (86°F). Most people wade and splash rather than swim for extended periods. Hotel and resort pools are heated, which tends to be a more comfortable option for longer swims.
How crowded is St. Petersburg in December compared to summer?
December is significantly busier than summer. It marks the start of snowbird season, when seasonal residents and tourists from the northern US and Canada arrive for the winter. Beach parking fills earlier, Beach Drive restaurants need reservations, and Pinellas Bayway bridge traffic to the barrier islands picks up noticeably. Summer is actually the quieter period in St. Pete, when heat and humidity keep visitor numbers lower.
What should I wear in St. Petersburg in December?
Light layers work best. Mornings start around 15°C (59°F) and afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), so a long-sleeve shirt with a removable layer handles most days. Pack one warm jacket or fleece for cold fronts, which push through every 7-10 days and drop evening temperatures to around 10°C (50°F). A rain jacket covers the occasional brief afternoon shower.
Are there any major holiday events in St. Pete in December?
The St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade on the second Saturday of December is the biggest draw, with decorated boats parading along the downtown waterfront past Vinoy Park. Sunken Gardens runs holiday light displays throughout the month. The Saturday Morning Market adds holiday vendors and seasonal produce. Second Saturday ArtWalk in the Grand Central District coincides with the boat parade weekend.
Is it worth renting a car in St. Pete in December?
It depends on your plans. Downtown St. Pete, the Grand Central District, and the Pier are all walkable, and the SunRunner bus connects downtown to St. Pete Beach every 15-20 minutes. If you plan to visit Fort De Soto Park, Weedon Island, or explore Clearwater and Tarpon Springs, a car is helpful. Beach parking on the barrier islands is tight on weekends, so the bus can actually be faster than driving during peak hours.
Things to Do in St. Petersburg in December
Free cancellation Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area
Outdoor experience — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete
Outdoor experience — 3 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key
Cruise — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours
Outdoor experience — 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Tropical Buffet Cruise in Madeira Beach
Cruise — 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass
Outdoor experience — 3 hours, free cancellation.
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