Things to Do in Jacksonville in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Jacksonville
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
67°F (19°C)
High Temp
52°F (11°C)
Low Temp
2.6 inches (66 mm)
Rainfall
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The St. Johns River sheds its summer swampiness. The water turns glassy under crisp skies. Perfect conditions for kayak tours. You can hear the splash of a mullet jumping. No mosquitoes to swat. Just clean air and quiet.
- + Jacksonville's beaches empty out. Walk for miles on Atlantic or Neptune Beach. Only shorebirds join you. The rhythmic hiss of retreating waves. No crowds. No noise. Just space.
- + Sunsets come early. Around 5:30 PM. The downtown skyline burns with tangerine and violet. Colors reflect off the river's surface. Brief but vivid. Catch them while you can.
- + The parks hit their stride. The massive Treaty Oak in Jessie Ball duPont Park. Spanish moss drapes the lanes of Memorial Park. Damp earth and fallen pine needles underfoot. Cool air makes walking pleasant. Finally.
Considerations
- − Ocean water drops to 64°F (18°C). Swimming becomes a polar plunge. Locals call it refreshing. You will want a wetsuit. Anything longer than a toe-test demands protection. The cold bites.
- − Daylight runs short. Sun sets before work ends. Sightseeing gets squeezed. Pack outdoor activities into limited hours. Plan tight. Move fast.
- − The city stays calm. But Christmas to New Year's brings families. Major attractions see short queues. Where none usually exist. Book accordingly. Expect waits.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
In Jacksonville, December brings a distinct shift. The air loses its summer heaviness. It turns crisp and clear, with average highs around 19 degrees Celsius and lows near 11. The light slants lower. It casts long shadows across the broad St. Johns River and the wide, flat beaches. You'll see bundled-up locals sipping coffee outside cafes in neighborhoods like Riverside. You'll hear the crunch of dry oak leaves underfoot in city parks. You'll feel a cool, dry breeze coming off the Atlantic. It carries the faint, clean smell of saltwater. This is when outdoor life in Jacksonville continues comfortably. It is free from the humid, saturated air of the preceding months. The city settles into a quieter, more reflective pace. The focus falls on waterfront strolls, al fresco dining under heat lamps, and enjoying the outdoors without the crowds of peak season. The rainfall, averaging 66 millimeters, is at its annual low alongside November. This makes it one of the driest and most reliable months for exploration. The search for things to do in Jacksonville during the Christmas season and throughout December is common. The answer lies in this comfortable climate. It is good for the activities that define the area: exploring the intricate waterways by boat, kayaking through silent creeks, and walking along expansive shorelines. The cooler temperatures make physical exertion pleasant. This holds whether you're pedaling through historic districts or solving puzzles in an immersive game. For families, the mild weather is good for introducing children to the beach without the intense summer sun. This guide focuses on specific, bookable experiences that capture the essence of Jacksonville and its surrounding natural areas in December. These range from the maritime charm of Amelia Island to the urban energy of the St. John's Town Center.
CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach
cruiseYou'll depart from the historic docks of Fernandina Beach. You'll feel the spray of brackish water as you speed past working shrimp boats and grand riverfront homes. You'll hear the cry of ospreys circling above the salt marshes. The guide points out bottlenose dolphins that often surf the boat's wake. Their gray fins slice through the dark water.
This tour offers an intimate, pilot-your-own adventure on the water. It provides access to scenic vistas of Cumberland Island that are typically only seen from larger, less maneuverable vessels.
Insider tip: Dress in layers you do not mind getting damp. The open cockpit and river chop can lead to a cool, misty ride even on a sunny December day.
This month: The cooler air and lower humidity of December make the exposure on the open water refreshing rather than oppressive.
Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek
adventureThe still surface well reflects the overhanging canopy of cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. You'll hear the gentle dip of your paddle and the distant chatter of woodpeckers. You'll smell the damp, earthy scent of the swamp. You'll feel the cool, shaded air that lingers under the trees even at midday.
This kayak tour immerses you in a pristine, protected waterway. It feels worlds away from the city, showing the quiet, raw beauty of Florida's coastal ecosystems.
Insider tip: Request a tandem kayak if you're with a child or a less confident paddler. The current is gentle but steering requires some coordination.
This month: December's dry weather means lower water levels in the creek. This can concentrate wildlife along the banks and make for easier paddling.
The Escape Game at St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville
otherEvery object, sound, and hidden clue is part of a narrative puzzle you must solve within sixty minutes. You might hear the ticking of a vintage clock. You might feel the texture of a faux leather-bound journal. You might see the gleam of a brass key under a blacklight.
This experience transforms a standard shopping trip into a collaborative, brain-teasing adventure. It is good for groups seeking indoor engagement.
Insider tip: Book your session for a weekday evening. This avoids the weekend crowds from the adjacent mall and secures a more focused, private atmosphere.
Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville
guided_experienceYou'll ride from the cobblestone lanes of Old St. Augustine Road to the grand, columned homes of Springfield. You'll see the intricate stained glass of early 20th-century churches. You'll feel the smooth assist of the motor on gentle inclines. You'll hear the guide's stories about the architects and families who shaped the city's core.
This tour covers more ground and architectural history than a walking tour could. It allows you to appreciate the scale and variety of Jacksonville's often-overlooked urban fabric.
Insider tip: Wear close-fitting pants and secure shoes. Loose fabric can get caught in the bike's chain even with the motor assist.
This month: The crisp December air is good for extended outdoor cycling. The holiday decorations in neighborhoods like San Marco add a festive visual layer to the architecture.
Kid-Friendly Beach Rides
otherYou'll lead a gentle horse that is specially trained for first-time riders and children. You'll feel the cool sea breeze. You'll hear the rhythmic crash of waves. You'll see the wide, empty stretch of beach. You'll smell the sharp, salty tang of the Atlantic.
It provides a safe, memorable, and quintessentially Floridian way for families to connect with the coastline. This is far removed from the noise of amusement parks.
Insider tip: Schedule your ride for within an hour of sunrise or sunset. This gives you the most serene atmosphere and the softest golden light on the sand.
This month: The beaches are notably less crowded in December. This has a more peaceful and private riding experience.
Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure
adventureYour guide will point out the rustling grasses that hide nesting birds. You'll notice the pluff mud that releases a sulfurous scent at low tide. You'll taste the salt on your lips. You'll see the swift dart of a mullet fish. You'll feel the kayak tilt as you round a bend into a narrow, hidden channel.
This tour emphasizes the ecological workings of the estuary. It teaches you how to read the water and identify species that define this "Real Florida" landscape.
Insider tip: Choose a tour time that coincides with an incoming tide. This allows for easier paddling and better access to the smaller creeks.
This month: December's cooler temperatures often mean fewer biting insects in the marsh. This makes the exploration more comfortable.
Where to Stay in Jacksonville in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
From $158 / night
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Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
New Year's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Jacksonville Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Skip the advertised light displays. Locals know Ortega neighborhood wins. Drive slowly down streets off Ortega Boulevard after dark. Old Florida grandeur awaits.
Shop the week before Christmas. The St. Johns Town Center offers the best deals then. Crowds thin out after November. Stores push hard for final sales.
Find a riverside shack for real local December eating. Order low country boil or frogmore stew. It's a steaming, communal pile of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, seasoned with Old Bay, eaten with your hands. Good for cool nights.
Don't cancel when it drizzles. Go to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Their permanent collection is superb. Wander the Italianate gardens under ancient live oaks. Listen to rain patter on the river. Better than you'd expect.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't pack only summer clothes. That 67°F (19°C) high feels different with Atlantic or river breeze. Layer up.
Don't write off beach activities. The beaches shine for walking, biking, or photography in December. Just skip the swimming.
Don't overplan after 5:30 PM. Early sunset means night activities need scheduling. You can't just pop over to the beach for sunset views unless you're already there. Plan ahead.
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