Clearwater Beach in December

[drag n' fly]

We are making our first stay at our home resort this Christmas. Before we do that we are spending a few days in Tampa. We want to take the kids to Clearwater Beach. Is it too cool to swim in December? What are the average temps for that time of year?

 

[macman752]

We are making our first stay at our home resort this Christmas. Before we do that we are spending a few days in Tampa. We want to take the kids to Clearwater Beach. Is it too cool to swim in December? What are the average temps for that time of year?

Everyone needs a picture of themselves swimming in the Gulf of Mexico during the winter!

If you intend to take a dip the chances are good that the December water temps will be somewhere between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The December weather is generally mild with lows in the 50's and highs in the low 80's.

That said there have been some really cold Christmases. I'm a 35 year resident of the Clearwater area. I've witnessed snow flurries on Christmas Eve and one 17 degree Christmas morning.

 

[jade1]

Pretty sure it's warmer than the east coast at least. We have been to Clearwater a few times at Spring Break but never over XMAS. The water was fine at SB anyway. Are you staying overnight? It's a changing landscape over there but if the Hilton is still there, it is in the perfect spot right on the beach with 2 pools (1 warmer than the other) and a bar on the beach as well. We like the beach, but dip in the pool instead of the ocean anyway. The hotel itself is on the decline but we have had great times there.

 

[drag n' fly]

Well we are about as tourist as it gets as we are from Calgary, Alberta and live on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains....with that being said 60-70 is too cool for me but who knows eh! I would love to at least see the beaches while there. Can you recommend a nice place to take the kids etc?

We are not staying there but in Tampa for four days so we thought we would go have a lookyloo while in the area.

See our water is almost the same colour as yours....just a wee bit different in temps that's all

 

[mama03]

I too live have lived around clearwater, fl for many years. Umm, too cold for me to swim in December, my blood is thin. I will warn you now, Clearwater beach is still going through alot of rebuilding of motel/condo rehabs. We have a big section of one of the main streets closed down . I would try the Sheraton Sand Key or some place on Reddington Beach (The Ram Sea or the Double Tree). If you have any questions I would be happy to help, if I can.

 

[BigMickeyFan32]

Very, very cold in December.