Marco Island in December.
The first three weeks are some of the quietest of the season. The last ten days are the busiest. Plan which December you want — they are not the same island.
December at a glance
- Avg high
- 76°F
- Avg low
- 59°F
- Gulf water
- 72°F
- Rainy days
- 2 days
- Crowds
- High
- Beachfront /night
- $320–$600
Comparing months? See all twelve side by side.
Weather
Highs 74–78°F, lows in the high 50s. Water cools to 70°F by Christmas. Almost no rain. Sunsets at 5:30pm — the golden hour is short and lovely.
Prices
December 1–18: shoulder pricing, very reasonable. December 19 to January 2: peak‑of‑peak, often the most expensive week of the entire year. Book that holiday week 6+ months out.
What to book first
- The Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade — a local tradition, free to watch from the bridge or Esplanade.
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner — most places book out by November.
- A sunset cruise on a calm evening — the December light is the best of the year.
What to skip
Driving anywhere on December 26 or 27. The island gridlocks. Walk or bike.
One local note
Christmas morning on the beach is genuinely magical — quiet, soft sun, almost nobody around because everyone is opening presents. Go early.
Quick answers
Common questions about December.
- What is the weather like on Marco Island in December?
- Marco Island in December averages highs around 76°F and lows around 59°F, with Gulf water temperatures near 72°F. Expect roughly 2 days of measurable rain across the month. Cool, clear, festive. Prices climb after the 20th.
- Is the water warm enough to swim on Marco Island in December?
- Gulf water off Marco Island sits around 72°F in December. Most visitors find anything above 75°F comfortable for a long swim; in the low 70s the water is swimmable but bracing for the first few minutes, and locals tend to wait for the afternoon.
- How busy and how expensive is Marco Island in December?
- December crowd levels on Marco Island are high, and beachfront rentals typically run $320–$600 per night. Rates and availability move fast around holidays and weekends, so book earlier than you think you need to.