Things to Do in Jacksonville in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Jacksonville
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime outdoor weather with minimal rainfall - December typically sees only about 10 rainy days and barely 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) total, meaning you can actually plan beach days and outdoor activities without constantly checking the forecast
- Comfortable humidity levels at 70% make this one of Jacksonville's more pleasant months - you won't get that oppressive stickiness you'd find in summer, though you'll still want breathable fabrics
- Holiday atmosphere transforms the Riverside Arts Market and downtown areas with seasonal events, plus local crowds thin out mid-month as many Jacksonville residents travel elsewhere for the holidays, giving you easier access to popular spots
- Excellent conditions for the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve trails - cooler mornings around 113°F (45°C) are perfect for the 3.2 km (2 mile) Spanish Pond Trail without the brutal summer heat
Considerations
- Temperature extremes are genuinely challenging - highs reaching 153°F (67°C) are dangerously hot and require serious heat precautions including limiting outdoor exposure during midday hours from 11am-3pm
- Peak holiday pricing hits accommodations from December 20-31, with beachfront hotels in Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach running 40-60% higher than early December rates, and minimum stay requirements of 3-4 nights common
- Variable weather conditions mean you might experience everything from perfect beach days to sudden temperature swings, making it harder to pack efficiently - layers become essential despite the overall warm trend
Best Activities in December
Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach coastal activities
December's relatively dry conditions with only 10 rainy days make this ideal for beach time, though you'll want early morning sessions from 7-10am or late afternoon after 4pm to avoid the extreme midday heat. The 70% humidity is actually manageable compared to summer months, and the Atlantic water temperature hovers around 66°F (19°C) - refreshing but swimmable with a wetsuit for extended time. The 22.5 km (14 mile) coastal stretch from Mayport to Ponte Vedra offers everything from surfing spots at Jacksonville Beach Pier to the quieter stretches near Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
St Johns River kayaking and boat tours
The river is particularly scenic in December with lower water levels revealing sandbars and wildlife congregating at predictable spots. Morning departures between 8-10am give you the best wildlife viewing - manatees migrate into the warmer river waters this time of year, and you'll spot herons, ospreys, and occasionally dolphins near the river mouth. The variable weather actually works in your favor here since overcast days reduce glare on the water. Self-guided kayak routes from the Riverwalk to Treaty Oak Park cover about 4.8 km (3 miles) and take 2-3 hours.
Timucuan Preserve hiking and historical exploration
December is genuinely the best month for the preserve's 73 km (46 miles) of trails - summer heat makes these routes brutal, but December mornings start cool enough at 113°F (45°C) that you can comfortably tackle longer hikes. The Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation are both here, giving you a mix of nature and history. The Spanish Pond Trail (3.2 km/2 miles) and Willie Browne Trail (5.6 km/3.5 miles) are the most rewarding, with minimal elevation change but dense maritime forest. Worth noting that the preserve closes certain trails after heavy rain, though with only 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) expected in December, this is rarely an issue.
Downtown Riverside and Five Points neighborhood exploration
The walkable urban districts are actually more pleasant in December than the scorching summer months, though you'll still want to plan outdoor walking for morning or late afternoon. The Riverside Arts Market operates Saturday mornings under the Fuller Warren Bridge with 150-plus vendors - December brings holiday craft selections you won't find other months. Five Points is about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from the Riverwalk, easily covered on foot or by free Skyway monorail to avoid the midday heat. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens provides excellent air-conditioned refuge with riverside gardens that are actually enjoyable to walk in December.
Amelia Island day trips
Located 48 km (30 miles) north, Amelia Island makes an excellent December day trip with significantly less humidity than summer and those same dry conditions. Fort Clinch State Park offers 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of pristine beach plus the historic fort with living history demonstrations on weekends. The island's historic Fernandina Beach downtown has Victorian architecture and waterfront dining. December is ideal because you can actually enjoy the 9.6 km (6 mile) beach drive without the oppressive heat, and parking is easier with fewer summer tourists.
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game experience
December means football season, and TIAA Bank Stadium hosts home games with that distinctive Florida football atmosphere - warm weather tailgating without the summer heat exhaustion. Games typically kick off at 1pm or 4pm, and the open-air stadium is actually comfortable in December conditions, though you'll want sun protection for day games with that UV index of 8. The stadium holds 67,000 and sits right on the St Johns River downtown. Even if you're not a huge football fan, the experience gives you a genuine slice of Jacksonville culture that you won't find in guidebooks.
December Events & Festivals
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Typically held mid-December on the St Johns River, this parade features decorated boats cruising from the Acosta Bridge area through downtown. Best viewing spots are along the Riverwalk and Friendship Fountain - arrive 45-60 minutes early for prime spots. The event is free and genuinely popular with locals, giving you that community atmosphere. Boats start around 6pm and the parade runs about 90 minutes.
Deck the Chairs Beach Holiday Celebration
Jacksonville Beach hosts this quirky event where lifeguard chairs get decorated with holiday themes. It runs throughout December with judging typically in mid-month. You can walk or bike the beach checking out the decorated chairs - it covers about 3.2 km (2 miles) of beachfront. Free to experience and makes for unique photo opportunities you won't find at other beach destinations.