Caribbean Cruise Weather in December
December cruises can begin in cool, windy Galveston weather before reaching much warmer Mexico and Caribbean ports. Water temperatures, rainfall, and packing needs vary noticeably with how far south the itinerary travels.
Compare December conditions across the departure port, Gulf, Bahamas, Mexico, and Caribbean before choosing activities and packing layers. Schedule links appear only for years with actual December departures recorded in the routes table.
December Caribbean Weather by Cruise Region
Conditions in December are not identical across the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the wider Caribbean. The four charts and table compare long-term regional climate ranges rather than forecasting conditions for a particular sailing.
Ranges show differences among the included ports. A dot shows a single value. These are long-term climate values, not a forecast.
December Daytime Temperatures
Average daily highs (°F)
- ABC Islands
- 87.1°F
- Eastern Caribbean
- 82.9–86°F
- Gulf of Mexico
- 64.4–82°F
- Mexico
- 82–87.1°F
- Panama Canal
- 89.1°F
- Southern Caribbean
- 84.2–87.1°F
- The Bahamas
- 78.1–81°F
- Western Caribbean
- 84–87.1°F
December Nighttime Temperatures
Average daily lows (°F)
- ABC Islands
- 77–78.1°F
- Eastern Caribbean
- 68–75°F
- Gulf of Mexico
- 51.8–69.1°F
- Mexico
- 65.1–69.1°F
- Panama Canal
- 73.9°F
- Southern Caribbean
- 69.8–78.1°F
- The Bahamas
- 64.9–66.9°F
- Western Caribbean
- 65.1–75.2°F
December Sea Temperatures
Typical sea temperatures (°F)
- ABC Islands
- 80.6°F
- Eastern Caribbean
- 80.2–81.9°F
- Gulf of Mexico
- 62.8–75.9°F
- Mexico
- 75.9–80.6°F
- Panama Canal
- 81.7°F
- Southern Caribbean
- 80.1–82.4°F
- The Bahamas
- 75.2–77°F
- Western Caribbean
- 80.6–82.4°F
December Monthly Rainfall
Average monthly totals (inches)
- ABC Islands
- 2.1–3.3 in
- Eastern Caribbean
- 2.4–6.5 in
- Gulf of Mexico
- 0.8–3.7 in
- Mexico
- 0.8–2.7 in
- Panama Canal
- 5.6 in
- Southern Caribbean
- 2.1–13.6 in
- The Bahamas
- 1.7–2.3 in
- Western Caribbean
- 1.7–5.4 in
Monthly totals do not indicate how many days it rains.
| Port or region | Average high | Average low | Precipitation | Water temperature | Humidity | Tropical-weather level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Islands | 87.1°F | 77.0–78.1°F | 2.1–3.3 in | 80.6°F | Moderate to high | Very low |
| Eastern Caribbean | 82.9–86.0°F | 68.0–75.0°F | 2.4–6.5 in | 80.2–81.9°F | High | Outside season |
| Gulf of Mexico | 64.4–82.0°F | 51.8–69.1°F | 0.8–3.7 in | 62.8–75.9°F | Moderate to high | Outside season |
| Mexico | 82.0–87.1°F | 65.1–69.1°F | 0.8–2.7 in | 75.9–80.6°F | High | Outside season |
| Panama Canal | 89.1°F | 73.9°F | 5.6 in | 81.7°F | High | Outside season |
| Southern Caribbean | 84.2–87.1°F | 69.8–78.1°F | 2.1–13.6 in | 80.1–82.4°F | High | Very low |
| The Bahamas | 78.1–81.0°F | 64.9–66.9°F | 1.7–2.3 in | 75.2–77.0°F | Moderate to high | Outside season |
| Western Caribbean | 84.0–87.1°F | 65.1–75.2°F | 1.7–5.4 in | 80.6–82.4°F | High | Outside season |
Regional values are climate ranges assembled from representative cruise ports. They do not predict weather or sea conditions for a specific itinerary.
December Cruises Can Begin in Cool Galveston Weather
December brings winter conditions to the departure side of the cruise. Galveston typically records a high near 64°F, a low near 52°F, and coastal water around 63°F. Individual days can be milder, but a cold front may make the terminal area, sailaway, and the first stretch across the Gulf feel cool and windy.
The trip south can produce a substantial temperature change, so layers work better than a single-season wardrobe. A jacket is useful in Galveston and on exposed decks, while lighter clothing remains appropriate at many destination ports. The Galveston cruise weather guide covers local winter variability in more detail.
December Temperatures Depend on How Far South the Cruise Goes
Mexico and Western Caribbean ports generally reach the low-to-upper 80s in December. Their sea temperatures commonly range from about 76–82°F, with warmer water in the Caribbean than around Progreso. Eastern and Southern Caribbean destinations typically remain in the mid-80s, with water near 80–82°F.
The Bahamas is the cooler tropical option in this comparison. Typical highs range from the upper 70s to low 80s, while water averages about 75–77°F. Swimming remains possible, but wind, clouds, and personal comfort can matter more than they do on a southern Caribbean itinerary.
Drier Weather Returns Unevenly in December
Rainfall generally eases in the Bahamas, Mexico, and much of the Western Caribbean as the drier season returns. That does not make every port dry. Belize, Roatan, and Jamaica can still receive meaningful rain, while individual Eastern Caribbean islands show different shower patterns.
Puerto Limón remains a major wet exception in the Southern Caribbean. The Panama Canal area also stays humid with periodic heavy showers, although its rainfall drops from the November peak in the project records. The forecast for each port is more useful than a general statement that December is dry.
Planning a December Cruise from Winter to the Tropics
December planning combines changeable Gulf weather, warmer destination days, regional differences in water temperature, and busy holiday travel windows.
Use Layers for the First and Last Sea Days
A cold front can affect more than the hours spent in Galveston. Cooler air and stronger wind may continue across the northern Gulf, while conditions farther south remain warm. Pack a layer that is comfortable outdoors rather than relying only on clothing intended for tropical ports.
Compare Water Temperatures by Region
The Bahamas and northern Gulf are cooler than the Caribbean in December. Travelers choosing a cruise mainly for swimming may prefer an itinerary that reaches warmer southern waters, while those satisfied with beaches and port activities have a wider range of options.
Hurricane Season Has Ended, but Rough Weather Is Still Possible
December falls outside the official Atlantic hurricane season. Cold fronts, pressure systems, and local wind can still produce rain or rough water in the Gulf. The calm seas and rough weather guide explains why season and sea state are separate questions.
Holiday Dates Need Their Own Schedule Pages
The general December weather pattern applies across the month, but holiday travelers often need departures tied to specific dates. Use the Christmas cruises from Galveston and New Year cruises from Galveston pages for those windows, or the broader holiday cruises from Galveston page. Selected Disney Magic dates may also be listed as Very Merrytime cruises from Galveston, subject to the current schedule. Seasonal context belongs on winter cruises from Galveston, while dated December links here appear only for years with departures in the routes table.
December Cruise Weather FAQ
Galveston typically records a high near 64°F and a low near 52°F. Some days are mild, while cold fronts can bring cooler temperatures and stronger wind.
Bring a jacket or warm layer for Galveston and the northern Gulf, along with lighter clothing for Mexico and Caribbean ports. Check the departure forecast before choosing the weight of the outer layer.
Caribbean water generally averages about 80–82°F, while the Bahamas is closer to 75–77°F and Galveston is much cooler. Wind and clouds can also affect comfort.
Rain generally decreases in several regions, but Puerto Limón, the Panama Canal area, and parts of the Western and Eastern Caribbean can still be wet. Port-level forecasts remain important.
No. The official Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30. Other weather systems can still affect wind, rain, and sea conditions during December.
December Cruises from Galveston by Year
Climate data describes typical December conditions. Use the year-specific pages below to see the cruises currently scheduled from Galveston, including departure dates, ships, durations, and itineraries.