How warm is the Florida Panhandle in December?

Typical highs are about 65°F and the sea is about 65°F. The water is on the cool side for long swims.

Is there sargassum in the Florida Panhandle in December?

In a typical year seaweed is low in December. It is usually lightest in February and June and heaviest in October and November. Landings vary a lot by year, wind and currents; Veabird's weekly sargassum report and each beach's page have the current forecast.

Is December hurricane season in the Florida Panhandle?

No. Storm risk is very low in December.

How crowded is the Florida Panhandle in December?

Typically moderate, around Christmas & holiday break. The quietest months are usually January and December.

The Florida Panhandle in December

December is one of the weakest months for a beach trip to the Florida Panhandle: a typical day grades C+, the 10th best of the 12 months. Expect highs near 65°F, water around 65°F and about a 31% chance of rain on a given day. Sargassum (seaweed) is usually low in December. Beaches are typically moderate (Christmas & holiday break).

Typical dayC+10th of 12 months

Highs / water65°FSea 65°F

Rain chance31%on a given day

SeaweedLowtypical year

CrowdsModerateChristmas & holiday break

Storm riskVery lowoutside storm season

The Florida Panhandle month by month

Typical grade and high for each month. Higher is better: A+ to F.

November: B+ · December: C+ · January: C-. The best months are usually May, June and October, and the weakest are January and February.

Best beaches in the Florida Panhandle in December

Resorts with the best typical December, and their grades for the next few days.

Beach	Typical Dec	Seaweed	This week
Navarre Beach Resorts	B-	Low	SatB+SunCMonBTueB+WedA-
Portofino Island Resort	B-	Low	SatB-SunCMonBTueBWedB+
Hilton Pensacola Beach	B-	Low	SatB-SunCMonBTueBWedB+
Margaritaville Beach Hotel Pensacola Beach	B-	Low	SatB-SunCMonBTueBWedB+
Mexico Beach Resorts	C+	Low	SatBSunC+MonC-TueB+WedB+
The Pearl Hotel	C+	Low	SatBSunCMonB-TueB+WedB+
Alys Beach Rentals	C+	Low	SatBSunCMonB-TueB+WedB+
Seaside Beach Resorts	C+	Low	SatBSunCMonB-TueB+WedB+

Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.

Better beach options in December

Elsewhere in Florida & the Gulf Coast, Southwest Florida (A-), Florida Keys (A-) and South Padre & the Coastal Bend (B+) usually grade higher in December. Further afield: Huatulco (A), Puerto Vallarta (A) and Los Cabos (A). Every destination in December.

Questions

Is December a good time to visit the Florida Panhandle?: December is one of the weakest months for a beach trip to the Florida Panhandle: a typical day grades C+, the 10th best of the 12 months. Expect highs near 65°F, water around 65°F and about a 31% chance of rain on a given day. Sargassum (seaweed) is usually low in December. Beaches are typically moderate (Christmas & holiday break).
How warm is the Florida Panhandle in December?: Typical highs are about 65°F and the sea is about 65°F. The water is on the cool side for long swims.
Is there sargassum in the Florida Panhandle in December?: In a typical year seaweed is low in December. It is usually lightest in February and June and heaviest in October and November. Landings vary a lot by year, wind and currents; Veabird's weekly sargassum report and each beach's page have the current forecast.
Is December hurricane season in the Florida Panhandle?: No. Storm risk is very low in December.
How crowded is the Florida Panhandle in December?: Typically moderate, around Christmas & holiday break. The quietest months are usually January and December.

Plan it

Florida Panhandle: this week's forecast, beach by beach
Sargassum Report: this week, updated every Monday
Compare dates and beaches on the map

Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 19 resorts here (median resort): 6 years of ERA5 climate normals, the seasonal pattern of the Atlantic sargassum belt, holiday crowd calendars and historical storm tracks. Any given year can differ; check the 16-day forecast before you go.