Alright, let’s talk about my trip down to Key West one December. I’d been itching to escape the cold up north, and Key West sounded like just the ticket. But December, you know? It’s winter somewhere, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect weather-wise.
Figuring Out What to Pack
My first thought was, “Okay, Florida, so shorts and t-shirts, right?” But then I hesitated. December can be unpredictable. I remember checking a bunch of weather apps beforehand, typical me, always overthinking. They showed highs mostly in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 23-24 Celsius for my international friends) and lows maybe dipping into the mid-60s (around 18-19 Celsius). Seemed pretty good, almost ideal, actually.
So, I started packing based on that:
- Plenty of shorts and t-shirts, obviously.
- Swim trunks, because you gotta hit the water or at least the pool.
- Flip-flops and maybe one pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – super important, the sun felt strong even in December.
But, just in case, I also threw in:
- One pair of long pants (jeans).
- A light jacket or a hoodie. Just something for the evenings.
What It Was Actually Like
When I got down there, the weather was pretty much spot on with what the forecasts predicted, maybe even a bit nicer. The days were fantastic. Warm, sunny, definitely shorts weather. I spent most afternoons wandering around Duval Street, checking out the marina, or just sitting by the ocean. The sun felt great, not scorching hot like in the summer, just comfortably warm.
Evenings were interesting. As soon as the sun went down, you could feel a slight change. It wasn’t cold by any stretch of the imagination, especially compared to back home. But it cooled off enough that I was glad I brought that light jacket. Sitting outside at Mallory Square for the sunset celebration, or having dinner outdoors, that extra layer was perfect. Some nights were a bit breezy too, which made it feel a tad cooler.
Did it rain?
Hardly at all during my trip. I think there was one brief, light shower one morning that lasted maybe 15 minutes, then the sun came right back out. It seems December is generally one of the drier months down there, which was a big plus.
My Takeaway
So, yeah, Key West in December? Pretty awesome, weather-wise. It felt like perfect spring weather to me. Warm enough to enjoy everything outdoors during the day, but comfortable and not too humid. The evenings were pleasant, just needed that light layer sometimes. Honestly, it was a fantastic escape from the winter blues. Just don’t forget that light jacket for the evenings, and you’ll be golden.
