Dreaming of a December escape to the sunny shores of Key West? While most of the U.S. bundles up, Key West stays warm, breezy, and beach-ready, making it the perfect winter getaway. But packing smart is key—especially for this unique tropical-meets-holiday season.
December weather in Key West is mild and pleasant, but occasional breezes and cooler evenings can surprise unprepared travelers. The mix of beach days, boat tours, and nighttime strolls under the lights means you’ll want a diverse wardrobe and all your island essentials.
Let’s make packing easy with this full, curated list. Whether you’re beach bumming, bar hopping on Duval Street, or sailing at sunset, we’ve got everything you need.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Key West Florida in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
December in Key West is one of the best times to visit—sunny and not too humid!
- 🌡️ Average high: 24°C / 75°F
- 🌡️ Average low: 19°C / 66°F
- 🌅 Warm sunny days, cooler evenings
- 🌬️ Occasional breezes—bring layers for nights
- 🌊 Great season for snorkeling, boating & beach lounging
What to Pack for Key West Florida in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Light, tropical clothes fit perfectly.
- 🧳 Checked bag – For beach gear & souvenirs.
- 🎒 Duffle bag – Great for a weekend trip or boat day.
- 🎒 Daypack – Explore Old Town hands-free.
- 🧺 Packing cubes – Keep swimsuits and dresses sorted.
- 👟 Shoe bags – Keep sandy sandals away from clothes.
- 🧴 Toiletry bag – TSA-ready & waterproof.
- 📂 Document organizer – Tickets, ID, maps all in one spot.
- 👜 Beach tote – Stylish and fits all your beach day needs.
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Salt and sand stay out of your suitcase.
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Avoid overweight fees coming home.
- 🔒 TSA lock – Keep your gear secure.
- 🫙 Accessory pouch – For jewelry and hair ties.
- 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Essential for beach and boat outings.
- 💤 Neck pillow – Comfy for flights or road trips.
- 😎 Sleep mask – Great for bright hotel rooms.
👗 Clothes
- 👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Light and breathable for sunny days.
- 👚 Tank tops – Perfect for hot afternoons.
- 👗 Sundresses (2–3) – Stylish and breezy for day or night.
- 🧥 Light sweater/cardigan – For cool evenings.
- 🧥 Lightweight jacket – In case of a rare chill or rain.
- 👖 Linen pants/jeans – One pair for dinners or breezy nights.
- 🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Go for quick-dry or cotton blends.
- 👙 Swimsuits (2–3) – You’ll live in them!
- 🩱 Swimsuit cover-up – Stylish for beach-to-lunch transitions.
- 🩰 Activewear – Great for morning jogs or beach yoga.
- 🩲 Undergarments – Breathable and moisture-wicking.
- 🧦 Socks – A few pairs for sneakers or travel days.
- 🩴 Pajamas – Lightweight for warm nights.
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cleanser – Gentle for post-sunscreen skin.
- 💧 Toner – Refresh after long sunny days.
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Keep skin hydrated from the salt air.
- 🌞 SPF 50+ sunscreen – Absolute essential.
- 🧽 Makeup remover – Wipes or micellar water.
- 🧴 Exfoliator – Gentle, 2x/week to refresh beach skin.
- 👁️ Eye cream – Soothe tired or sun-exposed eyes.
- 💦 Facial mist – Cool down after long walks.
- 😴 Overnight masks – Hydrate while you sleep.
- 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Avoid chapped beach lips.
- 🩹 Spot treatment – Just in case of breakouts.
💄 Makeup
- 🧴 Tinted moisturizer or SPF foundation – Light and protective.
- 🖌️ Concealer – Hide sun spots or blemishes.
- 💨 Setting powder – Keep shine under control.
- 🌸 Blush – Add that beachy flush.
- 🌞 Highlighter – Glow like the sun.
- 🟫 Bronzer – Enhance your tan.
- 🎨 Small eyeshadow palette – Go for tropical tones.
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Waterproof is best.
- 👁️ Mascara – Also waterproof, because… ocean.
- 🪞 Brow gel – Keep brows in place through humidity.
- 💄 Lip gloss/lip tint – Fresh and simple.
- 💧 Setting spray – Seal it all in.
- 🖌️ Brushes – Bring only essentials.
💇 Hair Care
- 🪮 Comb/brush – Detangle post-beach waves.
- 🌀 Hair ties/clips – Keep it up in the breeze.
- 🧴 Travel shampoo & conditioner – Beach-friendly formulas.
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Great for boat days.
- 🔥 Heat protectant spray – If styling at night.
- 🧴 Styling cream – Define curls or tame frizz.
- 💨 Mini blow dryer – Optional, check hotel amenities.
- 🪞 Flat iron/curler – For fancy nights out.
- 💧 Hair serum – Nourish after saltwater swims.
- 🎀 Accessories – Headbands, scarves, fun clips.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Sneakers – For walking, biking, or exploring.
- 🩴 Flip flops – Essential beachwear.
- 🥿 Dressy sandals – For dinner or dancing.
- 👢 Water shoes – Optional for snorkeling trips.
- 🧢 Sunhat – Wide-brimmed or bucket for protection.
- 🧣 Lightweight scarf – Use as cover-up or style piece.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Polarized if possible.
- 💍 Minimal jewelry – Beach-safe pieces only.
- ⌚ Watch – Water-resistant is best.
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Ideal for wandering Duval Street.
- 🌂 Compact umbrella – Rarely needed, but smart to bring.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 ID or passport – Domestic travel still needs ID.
- 📃 Travel insurance – Peace of mind for any activity.
- 🎟️ Tickets/confirmations – Hotel, tour, flights.
- 📄 Itinerary printout – Especially helpful offline.
- 💳 Credit/debit cards – Alert your bank if needed.
- 💵 Some cash – Tips, taxis, small shops.
- 📍 Maps – Download offline for Key West.
- 🧾 Receipts folder – For expenses & souvenirs.
- 🖊️ Travel notebook & pen – Notes, sketches, memories.
- 👛 Wallet – Waterproof if possible.
- 💎 Valuables – Keep secure in hotel safe or on you.
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Band-aids – Blisters from flip flops happen.
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean cuts or hands.
- 🩺 Gauze pads – For minor injuries.
- 🩸 Period pads/tampons – If needed.
- 🧲 Tweezers – Splinters or ingrowns.
- 🩹 Medical tape – Quick fix for scrapes.
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Just in case of illness.
- ✂️ Travel scissors – Safety-approved.
- 💠 Cotton/Q-tips – Multiple uses.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescriptions – Enough for entire trip.
- 💊 Pain relievers – For sun headaches or cramps.
- 🌸 Allergy meds – New flora may surprise you.
- 🤢 Motion sickness tablets – For boat trips.
- 💊 Daily vitamins – Stay energized.
- 🩲 Feminine products – Bring your own brand.
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Always needed.
- 🧻 Disinfecting wipes – Hotel or rental cleaning.
- 🦟 Bug spray – Mosquitos love warm evenings.
- 🧼 Contraceptives – Be prepared.
- 👁️ Eye drops – Saltwater & wind = dry eyes.
- 🪞 Compact mirror – Touch-ups on the go.
- 🪥 Toothbrush/paste – Travel-sized freshness.
- 🧵 Floss – Post-seafood essential.
- 🧴 Deodorant – Travel-friendly stick.
- 🪒 Razor – For beach-ready legs.
- 💅 Nail kit – Chips happen.
- 🌸 Light perfume – Beachy or citrusy scents.
- 🧻 Tissues – Always handy.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone – For photos, maps, and socials.
- 💻 Tablet/laptop – Optional, if you’re working remote.
- 📷 Camera – Sunsets are magical.
- 🔌 Chargers – Don’t forget your phone cord!
- 🔋 Power bank – Beach days last long.
- 🧵 Cord organizer – No tangled mess.
- 🔌 Travel adapter – Only if visiting from abroad.
- 💾 External drive – Backup your beach photos.
- 🗺️ Offline maps/apps – Save data.
- 📶 SIM card/Wi-Fi device – Stay connected.
- 📖 E-reader – Beach reads await.
- 🎧 Headphones – Tunes by the pool.
- 📱 Waterproof phone case – Essential for beach or kayaking.
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Books – Think: tropical mystery or travel memoir.
- 📺 Downloaded shows/movies – For lazy hotel evenings.
- 🎧 Podcasts/music – Make a beach playlist!
- 📓 Journal – Document your adventures.
- 🎲 Travel games – Great for group fun or downtime.
- 📰 Magazines – Poolside reading.
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – Protein bars or tropical fruit snacks.
- 💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated in the sun.
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Great for souvenirs.
- 🧼 Travel detergent – Wash swimsuits or undies.
- 🧵 Sewing kit – Fix minor fashion mishaps.
- 📢 Whistle – Safety for solo travelers.
- 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Beat that beach shoe smell.
- 🦶 Inflatable footrest – For plane comfort.
- 💤 Sleep aid – For adjusting to new sounds.
🌍 Travel Tips
- 🧳 Confirm airline baggage rules.
- 📲 Download travel & weather apps.
- 👚 Pack first-day outfit in carry-on.
- 💍 Keep valuables in personal item.
- 📸 Photograph luggage in case of loss.
- 🏦 Alert bank to travel dates.
🛂 Visa Tips
- 📅 No visa needed for U.S. citizens.
- 📃 Non-U.S. citizens: check ESTA/visa status.
- 🖨️ Print return ticket confirmation.
- 🖼️ Bring passport photos for ID backups.
- 🚫 Know customs rules for souvenirs.
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 ID/passport
- 📃 Travel insurance
- 📱 Phone & charger
- 💳 Credit/debit cards
- 💧 Water bottle
- 👜 Day bag
- 🗺️ Maps or GPS app
- 🧴 Sunscreen
- 🧥 Light layer
- 👙 Swimsuit
👍 Good-to-Have
- 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
- 🧼 Luggage tags
- 🧺 Laundry soap sheets
- 🛍️ Tote for souvenirs
- 🦟 Bug repellent
- 🌂 Umbrella
- 💤 Travel blanket
- 💇 Travel steamer
