Temperature in Destin Florida in December: Weather Overview

07/17/2024 Jennifer

Temperature in Destin Florida in December – As winter sets in across the U.S., Destin, Florida stays mild and pleasant in December. The average high is a cozy 62°F¹. The low drops to about 47°F¹². Expect moderate rainfall, with an average of 4.6 inches¹. The sea temperature stays warm, averaging 66.7°F¹. This makes December in Destin perfect for beach fun, outdoor activities, and holiday events.

December Weather in Destin

Destin, Florida, gets milder and more pleasant in December as winter comes. The average high is a comfy 71 degrees Fahrenheit³. But, it can sometimes hit the 80s³, making it a nice break from the cold.

December sees steady rain, with a 28% chance of it⁴. Expect more clouds as the month goes on. December 24th is likely to be the cloudiest⁴.

Average High and Low Temperatures

Temperatures in Destin drop by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in December. Highs go from 67°F to 62°F⁴. Lows fall from 52°F to 47°F⁴.

Expect highs to be between 50°F and 70°F⁴. And lows to be between 30°F and 55°F⁴.

Probability of Precipitation

December sees a steady chance of rain, about 28%⁴. The average rainfall is around 4.0 inches⁴. The cloudiest day has a 45% chance of being overcast⁴³⁵.

Destin’s Sunny December Days

Even with more clouds in December, Destin, Florida, still gets a lot of sunshine⁶. On the best day, December 3rd, there’s a 60% chance of clear skies⁶. By the end of the month, overcast skies become more common, reaching 45% on December 24th⁶.

Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours

December in Destin brings sun and clouds together⁶. The high temperature stays around 62 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows at 47 degrees⁷. Even with more clouds, Destin gets about 10 hours of daylight in December⁷.

Destin’s mild winter weather attracts visitors looking to escape the cold⁸. With temperatures in the mid-60’s Fahrenheit, it’s great for enjoying the outdoors⁸.

December in Destin is great for outdoor fun. You can walk on the beaches, hike trails, or just enjoy the views⁶. With fewer people and lower prices, it’s a perfect time to visit and see what Destin offers⁶.

temperature in destin florida in december

In December, Destin, Florida has mild and pleasant temperatures. Highs range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, around 18-23°C⁹. Lows drop to the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, 4-15°C⁹. Sometimes, it can even get into the 80s, making it a nice break from the cold elsewhere³.

Destin’s temperature usually goes from 46°F to 88°F all year. The coldest season is from December to March¹⁰. January is the coldest month, with lows around 46°F¹⁰. The weather is mild, making December a great time to visit and enjoy the outdoors¹⁰.

December in Destin is usually nice, but watch the weather forecast. Be ready for rain or even a hurricane⁹. The wettest months are June to September, with July having 17.5 days of rain¹⁰. But, from September to June, it’s drier, with October having the least rain, 6.6 days¹⁰⁹³.

Daylight Hours in Destin

Destin, along the Emerald Coast of Florida, has pretty consistent daylight hours in December. The shortest day is December 21, with 10 hours and 11 minutes of daylight¹¹. Daylight hours stay steady, from 10 hours and 13 minutes to 10 hours and 19 minutes all month¹¹.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

The earliest sunrise is at 6:25 AM on December 1, and the latest sunset is at 4:56 PM on the 31st¹¹. Destin follows daylight saving time, so it’s in this time zone all month¹¹. The December solstice, the first day of winter, happens at 3:20 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024. It has 3 hours and 56 minutes less daylight than the June solstice¹¹.

The earliest sunset is on either December 1 or 2, not on the winter solstice¹¹. Twilight times for December 2024 in Destin are given, showing the day’s light cycle¹¹.

The sun’s directions, altitudes, and distances are listed for December 2024 in Destin. This gives insights into seasonal changes¹¹. Solar noon and precise sunrise and sunset times are detailed, giving a full view of Destin’s daylight hours¹¹.

In summer, Destin has longer daylight hours. For example, in July 2024, daylight lasted from 5:47 AM to 7:52 PM, for 13 hours and 59 minutes¹². Twilight times were longer too, lasting about 17 hours, 12 hours, and 14 hours and 59 minutes, respectively¹².

Daylight Hours Comparison	December	July
Sunrise	6:25 AM – 6:43 AM¹¹	5:47 AM¹²
Sunset	4:44 PM – 4:56 PM¹¹	7:52 PM¹²
Total Daylight Hours	10 hours 13 minutes – 10 hours 19 minutes¹¹	13 hours 59 minutes¹²
Astronomical Twilight	N/A¹¹	4:11 AM – 9:28 PM¹²
Nautical Twilight	N/A¹¹	4:46 AM – 8:52 PM¹²
Civil Twilight	N/A¹¹	5:20 AM – 8:19 PM¹²
Solar Noon	N/A¹¹	12:50 PM¹²
Sun Altitude	N/A¹¹	82.6°¹²
Sun Distance	N/A¹¹	94.507 million miles¹²
Day/Night Length	N/A¹¹	14 hours 4 minutes¹²

This data shows how daylight hours, sunrise and sunset times, and other solar info change in Destin, Florida, throughout the year¹¹¹².

Water Temperature in December

In December, the water in Destin, Florida is quite pleasant, but not ideal for long swims¹³. It averages around 67°F, with temperatures ranging from 62°F to 71°F¹³. The water stays a comfortable 68°F in the first and middle of the month, then drops to 67°F by the end¹³.

The mild water and air temperatures in the 60s make December great for beach activities¹⁴. Destin’s average high is 62°F, and the low is 47°F¹⁴. The water is just right for wading, short dips, and relaxing on the beach.

Over the past few years, Destin’s December water temperature has been steady, between 64°F and 69°F¹³. This means visitors can count on similar conditions, making December a good time to visit¹⁴.

Be aware of June Grass, an algal bloom that affects water clarity¹⁵. It starts in June and can last until the water cools down¹⁵. June Grass isn’t toxic but can be slimy and unpleasant for swimmers¹⁵. Crab Island in Destin is usually clearer during high tide, offering a better spot for clear waters¹⁵.

The water in December in Destin is comfortable and great for enjoying the coast, with fewer summer crowds¹³¹⁴.

Destin’s Mild Winter Climate

Destin, Florida, is famous for its mild winter weather. It’s warmer here than in many other Florida cities during the cold months. This is thanks to its spot on the Emerald Coast¹⁶.

In December, Destin’s highs are about 67°F, and lows are around 49°F¹⁶. Nearby Panama City Beach is colder, with highs of 64°F and lows of 46°F¹⁶. Destin’s weather is just right, making it great for festive activities with temperatures in the 60s during the day and 50s at night¹⁷.

Comparisons to Other Florida Cities

Destin has a warmer winter than many Florida cities. Tampa and Jacksonville often see highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s¹⁸.

Destin’s winters are consistently warmer, making it perfect for a getaway. Being close to the Gulf of Mexico helps keep the weather mild¹⁸.

Destin’s mild winter draws snowbirds and visitors looking for a break from the cold. It’s great for outdoor fun, nature, or just enjoying the sun¹⁸.

What to Pack for Destin in December

Planning a trip to Destin, Florida in December means packing for mild yet variable weather. Daytime highs are around 67°F¹⁹. But, it gets cooler at night, so bring a light jacket or sweater.

Comfortable shoes are key for walking on Destin’s beaches, parks, and trails¹⁹. The weather can be unpredictable, with rain showers possible. So, an umbrella or a light rain jacket is smart to pack.

The water is still warm enough for wading and short swims¹⁹. But, it’s wise to bring your swimsuit and a light cover-up. The sun’s rays are strong, even in cooler months, so sunscreen is a must¹⁹.

Here’s what you should pack for Destin’s December weather:

Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, or light jackets for layering
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sandals
Swimsuit and lightweight cover-up
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
Chargers for your electronic devices
Necessary toiletries and medications

With a versatile wardrobe and the right accessories, you’ll enjoy your Destin vacation, rain or shine¹⁹²⁰²¹.

Outdoor Activities in Destin

When the weather gets cooler in Destin, Florida, it turns into a dream spot for outdoor lovers. December is perfect for enjoying the mild weather and fewer people. It’s a great time to check out Destin’s lovely beaches, parks, and nature trails²².

Beaches, Parks, and Nature Trails

Henderson Beach State Park and Crystal Beach are perfect for beachcombing, walking, and wading in the 60-degree waters²². For those who love adventure, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park has beautiful trails and great spots for birdwatching²³.

Destin’s fishing is top-notch all year, so you can catch different fish even in winter²³. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is also a must-visit, with live shows, demos, and a big aquarium²³.

For a special beach evening, try the 30A Beach Bonfire packages. They come with tables, chairs, a fire pit, and s’mores²³. Horseback riding along 30A is another way to connect with nature all year²³.

Destin’s mild winters mean you can do lots of outdoor activities. From beachcombing and hiking to fishing and seeing wildlife, it’s a great place for a winter trip²².

Indoor Attractions in Destin

Destin is not just about the outdoors. It has many indoor activities for winter visitors²⁴. The city hosts festivals and events during Fall and Winter²⁴. These events help the local economy during the off-season²⁴. You can check out the Destin History & Fishing Museum or the Emerald Coast Science Center for fun²⁵.

The HarborWalk Village is perfect for indoor fun with dining and shopping options²⁴. Destin West Beach & Bay Resort offers a private beach for guests²⁴. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been sharing marine life with visitors since 1955²⁵.

For families, Urban Air trampoline park has dodgeball, a ropes course, and more²⁵. Destin Commons is great for shopping and eating with brands like H&M and Bass Pro Shops²⁵.

Destin’s indoor spots offer a lot for visitors wanting to see more than the beaches²⁴. Whether you like history, science, or fun activities, there’s something for you in winter²⁴²⁵.

Indoor Attraction	Description	Key Fact
Destin History & Fishing Museum	Preserves the area’s history and fishing industry	Opened in 2005²⁵
Emerald Coast Science Center	Interactive science exhibits across 8,000 sq ft	Covers 2 acres of property²⁴
HarborWalk Village	Offers dining, shopping, and entertainment	Provides indoor alternative on cooler days²⁴
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park	Allows visitors to connect with marine life	Operating since 1955²⁵
Urban Air Trampoline Park	Family-friendly activities like dodgeball, ropes course	Features laser tag, warrior course, and VR²⁵
Destin Commons	Outdoor shopping center with popular brands	Includes H&M, Bass Pro Shops, local boutiques²⁵

Destin’s Holiday Events

As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, Destin, Florida, lights up with festive celebrations in December²⁶. The Destin Christmas Boat Parade is a highlight, featuring boats of all sizes decorating the harbor at dusk²⁶. Spectators gather along the HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point beaches to watch²⁶.

Christmas Boat Parade and Celebrations

The Destin Christmas Boat Parade is a cherished tradition, showing off the local boating community’s holiday spirit²⁶. You can watch from restaurants and bars on the HarborWalk Village or from the beaches²⁶. After the parade, a fireworks display lights up the night, making it magical²⁶.

Destin also celebrates New Year’s Eve with a beach ball drop and live music at the HarborWalk Village²⁶. The night ends with a stunning fireworks display, welcoming the new year with a bang²⁶.

Destin has more holiday events, like the Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series Holiday Edition, with a different band each week²⁶. Families can enjoy the Polar Express Movie Night at Baytowne Wharf, diving into the holiday classic’s magic²⁶.

Destin’s mild winter makes it perfect for a holiday getaway²⁷. The area’s beautiful beaches and green waters set a festive scene²⁷. Plus, there’s fresh seafood and top-notch golf courses for added fun²⁷.

Destin has something for everyone during the holidays, from cozy family events to lively celebrations²⁶. So, pack your bags for a magical Destin holiday season²⁷²⁶²⁸.

Where to Stay in Destin

Visiting Destin, Florida in December means I have many places to stay. The city has beachfront hotels and condos close to the beach. They offer pools and spas too³. For a private stay, Destin’s vacation rentals range from small cottages to big family homes.

If luxury is what I want, Pelican Beach Management has it. They offer condos with amazing Gulf views²⁹. The Terrace at Pelican Beach has even bigger condos with stunning Gulfside views²⁹. Guests love the easy booking, great cafe, and tiki bar, and are very happy with their stay²⁹.

For a unique getaway, Harmony Beach Vacations has rentals in Destin and 30A. They offer many amenities at good prices³. Whether it’s a quiet weekend, a family vacation, or a romantic trip, Destin has the right place for me²⁹. With its mild winter, I know I’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy Destin’s beauty and holiday events this December.