Things to Do in St. Petersburg in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in St. Petersburg
Long-run averages for December
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + December delivers St. Petersburg's nearest approximation to crisp weather. The humidity finally lifts. Afternoons feel mild. Evenings turn cool enough for a light sweater on the waterfront.
- + Festival season hits its stride now. The annual Night Lights event anchors early December. Downtown becomes a canvas for light installations. The air carries the smell of roasting chestnuts from pop-up vendors.
- + Northern snowbirds haven't fully arrived yet. Lines at the Dali Museum stay shorter. Parking around the Saturday Morning Market comes easier than in January or February.
- + Sunset cruises on Tampa Bay turn pleasant. Summer makes them sweaty. Now the breeze off the water carries a bite. You can watch the Skyway Bridge lights come on without sauna conditions.
- − Peak tourist pricing begins now. September's deals have vanished. Hotels and vacation rentals command premium rates across the board.
- − The weather pleases. But rain proves unpredictable. You might get flawless sunny days. Or a cold front could bring gray drizzle that chills you to the bone.
- − Gulf water temperature drops significantly to around 66°F (19°C). Most people find this far too cold for comfortable swimming. St. Pete Beach becomes more scenic walk than swim spot.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
St. Petersburg in December delivers a genuine seasonal shift. The tropical intensity fades. Average highs settle at a pleasant 73 degrees, a clear departure from summer's humid peak. Locals reclaim their waterfront parks and bayside trails. They enjoy drier, cooler days with only about three inches of rain, less than half August's downpours. The quieter atmosphere and reliably mild weather create ideal conditions for outdoor life here, from boating on the calm, sun-dappled bay to leisurely strolls past banyan trees draped in Spanish moss. Visitors find a city fully engaged with its natural setting. The winter sun sits lower, casting long, golden shadows across the marina. The tangy smell of saltwater mixes with halyards ringing against aluminum masts. December demands action on the water, not just beside it. Conditions suit kayaking, paddleboarding, and seeking resident dolphin pods. The famous beaches, from St. Pete Beach to quieter Shell Key, are comfortably walkable without intense heat. The sand stays cool underfoot. Gulf waters remain inviting for those who don't mind a slight chill. Plan a full day outside without worrying about afternoon thunderstorms.
Private boat tours for dolphin watching near treasure island
cruiseThis private boat tour slips away from docks near Treasure Island, heading into open Gulf waters where bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents. You'll feel spray as the boat cuts through channels, watching for sleek gray backs and fins breaking the surface in playful arcs. The captain shares knowledge of local marine life, turning a simple cruise into a focused wildlife encounter.
Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour To Shell Key - St. Pete
adventureThis kayak tour navigates serene, intricate mangrove tunnels fringing the coastline, leading to pristine sands of Shell Key. You'll hear gentle paddle dips and mangrove leaf rustles, gliding through quiet waterways where sunlight filters through twisted root canopies. The journey culminates at the isolated barrier island, where you'll feel crushed shell sand underfoot and scan shorelines for seabirds.
Saint Petersburg Paddle Board Tour
guided_experienceThis guided paddle board tour has a stable platform for exploring calm, sheltered bays and canals of St. Petersburg. You'll stand atop the board, feeling subtle wobble as you push off, with views of waterfront homes and overhanging oak trees reflected in still water. The quiet activity lets you hear osprey calls and gentle wave lapping against your board.
Family Sunset Photos - St. Pete Beach
otherThis photography session is timed to capture your family against the dramatic backdrop of a St. Pete Beach sunset. You'll feel warm, fading light on your skin and cool, damp sand between toes as the photographer directs natural poses. Resulting images freeze a moment where sky erupts in bands of orange and purple over the Gulf of Mexico.
Private Boat: Island Cruise and Dolphins
cruiseThis private island cruise combines dolphin watching with leisurely exploration of barrier islands and sandbars near St. Petersburg. You'll smell sea air and feel wind as you cruise past estates on Pass-a-Grille and untouched shores of Shell Key, with the boat's engine cutting to quiet hum when dolphins are sighted. It is a customizable journey focused on relaxation and discovery.
Boat tour with Watersports and snorkeling near st pete beach
adventureThis active boat tour departs near St. Pete Beach, combining sightseeing with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and using provided watersports equipment. You'll taste salt on your lips as you jump into clear Gulf water, then feel adrenaline of bouncing over waves on a towable tube. The boat anchors in select areas where you can see small fish darting around sandy bottoms.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
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