Yes it is warm enough to swim in Tampa in December. Not only is the air temperature warm enough but the water temperature is also warmer (68-74 degrees) than you may think. Not many locals will swim but quite a few surfers and diehards will.
The typical water temperatures are around 68 degrees on the Gulf Coast Beaches here in Tampa Bay in the month of September. If the gulf stream is closer to shore or if we have a warmer fall than typical it can get up to the low seventies for average temperatures at the beaches. The typical winter day temperature in Tampa Bay is 75 degrees for a high and 58 degrees at night. Visitors can expect only 4 days of rain in the month of December, low humidity, sunny days and cold water temperature. At least compared to summer.
The beaches will be more crowded when spring brings the water temperature up. Namely in the low to mid seventies. There will be more fish caught at the local piers and fresher fish served at the local restaurants beginning around the end of February in my opinion.
St Petersburg has stunning beaches and there is so much to do there other than swimming. It will be more than warm enough to get a suntan at the beach and you will love the cool temps in the evening. Hot weather during the day and white sand await you. Try visiting the beaches in Tampa Bay in December.
Previous Article
Next Article