Jacksonville in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Jacksonville
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect holiday atmosphere - downtown Jacksonville transforms with Festival of Lights and holiday boat parades along the St. Johns River, creating magical evening photo opportunities
- Comfortable outdoor temperatures 18°C (65°F) highs make walking tours, beach visits, and outdoor dining pleasant without summer's oppressive heat and humidity
- Golf season peak - courses are lush from fall rains but crowds are lighter than January-March snowbird season, with greens fees 20-30% lower than peak winter rates
- Manatee watching prime time - these gentle giants congregate in warmer springs like Blue Spring State Park, just 2 hours south, with 90% sighting success rates in December
Considerations
- Unpredictable cold snaps - temperatures can drop to 2°C (36°F) overnight, catching visitors unprepared who packed only for typical 'warm Florida' expectations
- Limited beach swimming - Atlantic water temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F), comfortable only for hardy swimmers or those in wetsuits
- Holiday crowd surge - downtown hotels book solid Dec 20-Jan 2, with rates spiking 40-60% and restaurant reservations requiring 2+ weeks advance notice
Best Activities in December
Amelia Island Beach Explorations
December's cooler 18°C (65°F) temperatures make beach walking and shelling perfect without summer's brutal sun. Low tide windows are optimal for finding shark teeth and shells. The island's 13 miles of pristine beaches are nearly empty compared to summer crowds, and morning fog creates dramatic photography conditions.
St. Johns River Holiday Cruises
December transforms Jacksonville's riverfront with holiday lights and decorations best viewed from the water. Evening temperatures around 10°C (50°F) are perfect for deck time with a jacket. The river never freezes, and wildlife viewing includes dolphins, manatees, and winter bird migrations.
Timucuan Ecological Preserve Kayaking
Winter's low humidity and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring 46,000 acres of salt marshes and waterways. December's cooler weather means fewer insects and comfortable paddling conditions. Wildlife is concentrated around warmer shallow areas, improving viewing opportunities.
Cummer Museum and Historic District Walking
December's comfortable walking temperatures make exploring Riverside's historic architecture enjoyable without summer heat exhaustion. The Cummer's gardens are still lush from fall rains, and indoor galleries provide perfect climate-controlled breaks during cooler moments.
Fort Clinch State Park Exploration
The Civil War-era fort on Amelia Island is perfectly comfortable for exploration in December's mild weather. Cooler temperatures make the 6 km (3.7 miles) of hiking trails through maritime hammock enjoyable. December typically features living history demonstrations and fewer crowds than summer months.
Jacksonville Food Tour Adventures
December's cooler weather makes food truck and outdoor market exploration comfortable. Holiday specialties appear at local restaurants, and outdoor seating downtown becomes pleasant again after summer's oppressive heat. The city's barbecue and Southern cuisine scene shines in comfortable walking weather.
December Events & Festivals
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Annual holiday tradition where decorated boats cruise the St. Johns River downtown. Best viewing from Southbank Riverwalk or Main Street Bridge. Free event with food vendors and holiday music along the riverwalk.
Deck the Chairs Beach Event
Neptune Beach's unique holiday celebration where lifeguard chairs are decorated with holiday themes. Family-friendly event with hot chocolate vendors and beach bonfires, weather permitting.
Festival of Lights at Jacksonville Zoo
Zoo transforms with over one million holiday lights, extended evening hours, and special animal presentations. Perfect December weather for outdoor walking between light displays.