Key West in December 2026
Lighted boats, historic home tours, three New Year's Eve drops — and no hurricane season.
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 2, 2026
December is when Key West dresses up: lit boats in the harbor, historic homes open for tours, and a New Year's Eve with three different midnight drops on and near Duval Street. Hurricane season is over, and it's one of the drier months.
December at a glance
- Average high
- 78°F
- Average low
- 68°F
- Average rain
- 2.2 in
- Sunset
- 5:37 PM → 5:49 PM
- Hurricane season
- No
Weather: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Key West International Airport. Sunset times calculated for Key West. Today's live forecast, tides & sunset
Holiday events
The 35th Lighted Boat Parade circles the harbor on Saturday, December 12 at 8pm, with the judges' stand at Schooner Wharf. The Old Island Restoration Foundation's 67th Key West Home Tours open five historic homes on December 29–30, 1–4pm.
New Year's Eve, three ways
Sloppy Joe's drops a giant conch shell at midnight (33rd year; no cover, first come, corner of Duval and Greene). Bourbon St Pub at 724 Duval holds its 29th high heel shoe drop. Schooner Wharf lowers its pirate wench at midnight. All three are on or near Duval, so walk or bike rather than drive.
Weather and water trips
December is drier and a little cooler than the fall, with evenings in the upper 60s on average — bring a light layer for a sunset sail. Sunsets come early, so sunset trips leave earlier in the day.
Eat what's in season
Stone crab and spiny lobster seasons are both open.
Events in December
Key West Lighted Boat Parade
Sat Dec 12, 2026 · 8pm
The 35th annual parade of lit-up boats around the harbor; the judges' stand is at Schooner Wharf.
Official siteBight Before Christmas
Held around December — 2026 dates not announced yet.
The Historic Seaport's holiday lighting of the Harborwalk; in 2025 it started on Thanksgiving Eve and the lights stayed up through New Year's Eve.
Official siteKey West Home Tours (Old Island Restoration Foundation)
Dec 29–30, 2026 · 1–4pm
The 67th annual tour of five historic Key West homes, docent-led and self-paced. Tickets $45 members / $55 non-members (organizer, checked Oct 2, 2026).
Official siteKey West New Year's Eve drops
Thu Dec 31, 2026
Three midnight traditions on and near Duval: the 33rd conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe's (Duval & Greene, no cover, first come), the 29th high heel shoe drop at Bourbon St Pub (724 Duval), and the pirate wench lowering at Schooner Wharf.
Official site
Dates checked against organizer sites; confirm with them before you plan around an event.
In season: Stone crab (Oct 15 – May 1) and spiny lobster (Aug 6 – Mar 31) seasons are open. FWC
Common questions
What's the weather like in Key West in December?
On average, highs of about 78°F, lows of about 68°F and about 2.2 inches of rain for the month (NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Key West International Airport).
What time is sunset in Key West in December?
About 5:37 PM at the start of the month and 5:49 PM at the end (Key West time, calculated).
When is the Key West Lighted Boat Parade 2026?
Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 8pm, with the judges' stand at Schooner Wharf (schoonerwharf.com).
What happens on New Year's Eve in Key West?
Three midnight drops: the conch shell at Sloppy Joe's, the high heel shoe at Bourbon St Pub and the pirate wench at Schooner Wharf — all on or near Duval Street (organizers' sites).
Is December hurricane season in Key West?
No. The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30.
When are the Key West Home Tours?
December 29–30, 2026, 1–4pm, run by the Old Island Restoration Foundation (oirf.org); tickets $45 for members and $55 for non-members as of October 2, 2026.