Orlando Weather in December

We like to think of December as two different seasons. There are the weeks leading up to the holidays, and then the holidays. The holiday week is full-on peak season!! So even though the weather is not so different across the entire month, many other things make the holiday week different from the rest of the month. 

We'll take you through the average temperatures, expected rain days, hurricanes, and lots more like crowds, pricing, swimming in December, and more important considerations in addition to the weather to help you decide if December is the time for you to visit Orlando. 

Orlando weather in December can make that a very desirable time to visit the Sunshine State. You can enjoy delightful temperatures in December with average temperatures based on historical averages running at 66 degrees, maximum temperatures running around 72- 75, and minimums in the mid-'50s. December has the least sun, with an average of 6.1 hours of sunshine. 

This makes for very pleasant days in the park unless your preference is for the steamy dog days of Florida sunshine. The average time spent overcast or cloudy is at 43 %. For a point of reference, in July, the cloudiest day of the year, the chance of overcast is 67%. 

December and March are the months in Florida with the least rainfall. A wet day is considered to be one with at least .04 inches of rain. The chance of this in December is consistently around 18%. This compares with the highest day in August, which has a 68% chance of rain. The lowest day is in November at 15%. Humidity, which can run very high in Florida, is at 76% in December. March is the least humid month at 60.3% humidity, and the most humid month is August at 71%. 

The average hours during which the sun is visible in December are 10 hours, 20 minutes. For reference, the longest day of the year is 13 hours and 58 minutes on June 21, so the days are shorter. Sunrise ranges between 7 am on December 1 and 7:17 am on December 31. Sunset is 5:28 on December 1 and 5:39 on December 31. Daylight savings time is observed, but the entire month of December is in standard time. 

The hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30 and typically peaks in August and September. Hurricane activity and strength can be unpredictable, but Northwest Florida, situated on the Panhandle, is the most hurricane-prone area in Florida. It sits on the Gulf of Mexico, which is known for its warm shallow waters. 

December, and particularly the holidays, are a very popular time to visit Orlando. It's a great time to escape the cold, but packing can be tricky. The Florida weather in December can be unpredictable, so it's best to pack items that will be flexible.

Our number one tip? Pack clothes that can be layered. This way, you can handle any weather surprises. Keep an eye on the forecast as your travel approaches. Bring items that can cover summer weather as well as cooler weather. Think about long sleeve shirts, pants, and a light jacket or warm sweater. Orlando can be cool in the mornings and after sundown but warm mid-day. 

You are going to the Sunshine State, and you may want to visit your hotel pool, so pack your flip-flops, swimsuit, and some shorts. The pools are almost all heated. Bring some rain gear such as a light poncho, so you have it handy in case of rain showers. TIP- You can also drape a poncho over your bag to keep it dry too. When all else fails, remember the parks sell plenty of sweatshirts, rain ponchos, and umbrellas. 

Early December can be a great time to visit Orlando for many reasons. The average temperatures are consistently just a few degrees lower than they are in June and the Christmas decor, attractions, and general atmosphere combine to create an enchanting holiday destination! And, while some critics say that the Magic Kingdom is too crowded around Christmas time, the early parts of the month will have smaller crowds so that you will get more ride time and value for your admission tickets. Because it is off-peak, you can also score some great rates and deals too. 

If you go during the holiday season, you will find more magic and fantastic events everywhere. The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show, where the tree comes alive with synchronized music and a light show, is one of the spectacular celebrations.

SeaWorld celebrates Christmas with amazing live shows, entertainment, holiday food, and holiday markets. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays depicts how people celebrate Christmas across the world, including food from many nations, candlelight processions, costumes, fireworks, and much more.

The holiday decor in the parks and hotels is dazzling. There are plenty of parties, fireworks, and more at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Christmas comes early at Universal Orlando Resort when the Universal’s Islands of Adventure® Christmas event begins in November There's lots more to do, see, and experience this time of year at the happiest place on earth.

Learn more about Christmas in Orlando. 

You will have an opportunity to swim in December, but it may not be as appealing as summer, so if you're a water baby, this may not be your time to visit. At least one of Disney's water parks is always open, but one is usually closed for annual maintenance in December. The pools will all be open and are heated so you can enjoy swimming year-round. 

LEGOLAND waterparks are closed at this time, but SeaWorld's Aquatica and Wet 'n Wild are open. Universal's Volcano Bay is typically open all year round. Even when the air is colder, Volcano Bay water stays warm. The pools, rivers, and rides all have the water heated to 80 degrees. The good news? No big crowds! 

December (aside from the holiday weeks) is the low season. That means good pricing on rooms, special offers, dining specials, reasonable airfare, and lots more attractions make it a good time for the budget-minded. You will be paying top prices if you visit during the holidays, but the extra magic and festivities may be worth it. 

The verdict? Does Orlando weather in December make it a good time to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and the many other attractions?

Yes, we think it does! It depends on you, but this is an excellent time for those who want to beat the heat. You'll avoid the peak humidity and rain of the summer, and aside from the holidays, you'll enjoy shorter lines and smaller crowds in the parks. 

If you visit during the holidays, you'll find the parks and resorts extra-magical and dazzling. You can learn about holiday traditions from around the world, enjoy the incredible Disney fireworks, catch Christmas with the Grinch, and enjoy the costumes, pageantry, and themed entertainment and decor that the theme parks and resorts bring. Click for more about the Best Time to Visit Florida.

Keep an eye on the long-term forecasts as you prepare your packing list, always bring clothing that can be layered, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the Florida weather in December.