December is a good month for kiteboarding in St. Petersburg, Florida. While much of the country is dealing with winter storms and freezing temperatures, St. Pete riders are watching cold fronts, checking wind forecasts, and sneaking in some clean, somewhat chilly (mid 50s or low 60s early in the morning) sessions.
December Wind Conditions for Kiteboarding in St. Petersburg
Most December kiteboarding sessions in St. Petersburg are driven by cold fronts. Wind is possible at any point in the day, it depends on where the cold front is located.
Before the front passes, it is common to experience warm southerly winds. These winds tend to be best from late morning to mid afternoon. Southerly winds are likely to be under-forecasted and are usually in the 15-20 kt range. The closer the front gets, the stronger the winds become. However, be careful because the front is often associated with strong thunderstorms. Make sure to get off the water long before the storms arrive.
Ideal spots for southerly winds:
- Fort Desoto East Beach
- Skyway Bridge East or West
As fronts pass, winds shift to north, northwest, or northeast. After a front, the best winds tend to be best in the early morning or mid afternoon. Early morning winds will be from the N, NNE, or NE direction. On average, NE winds, after a front, are around 15kts. They last until around 10 or 11am and the best location is the east side of the Skyway Bridge. If the wind is in the afternoon, it is likely out of the NW and the best spot is Skyway Bridge West.
Average Air and Water Temperatures in December
One of the biggest questions riders ask is whether December is “too cold” for kiteboarding in Florida. The short answer: not really.
- Average air temperature: 60–72°F
- Morning lows: mid-50s after a cold front
- Average water temperature: 68–72°F
Once you’re riding, the cooler air actually feels refreshing. Most riders are comfortable in a 3/2 wetsuit, spring suit, or even a shorty on warmer December days.
Most Reliable Wind Forecast
iKitesurf
When it comes to wind forecasting, iKitesurf is our go-to. It’s the tool we check every day because it lets us compare multiple models side by side instead of relying on a single prediction. We pay closest attention to the TRRM, WRF, and GFS models, each for a different reason — TRRM for short-term detail, WRF for regional trends, and GFS for the bigger picture. No forecast is perfect, but using these models together gives us a much clearer idea of when the wind will actually turn on in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay.
One of the most important features we use on iKitesurf is Live Wind. Seeing real-time wind readings from sensors at the actual riding locations makes a huge difference, especially around Tampa Bay where conditions can vary from the forecast. Before loading the car, we always check live wind to confirm the wind is really there, not just forecasted.
Why December Is a Good Month for Kiteboarding in Tampa Bay
December offers a combination that’s hard to beat:
- Steady winds
- Fewer storms and no lightning delays
- Less crowded beaches and launch areas
- Smooth water based on the tides
With a wetsuit, kiteboarding in December is comfortable, even on those chilly mornings.
What Gear to Use for Kiteboarding in December
A typical December kiteboarding setup in St. Petersburg looks like this:
- Kite sizes: 9m–12m – we’ve been using the 12m Cabrinha Switchblade
- Boards: Twin tip, foil board, or surfboard depending on wind strength and location
- Wetsuit: 3/2 full suit or spring suit
- Extras: Windbreaker or neoprene top for cooler mornings
Cold fronts vary in strength, so having a range of kite sizes makes a big difference.
Is December a Good Time to Learn Kiteboarding in Florida?
Absolutely.
The combination of steady winds, and predictable conditions makes December an excellent time for kiteboarding lessons in St. Petersburg. There tends to be a good number of windy days, which makes it possible to make good progression.
Final Thoughts on December Kiteboarding in St. Petersburg
December may not get the hype of fall or spring, but it consistently delivers high-quality kiteboarding in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you catch the timing right, you’ll find steady wind, comfortable water temperatures (with a wetsuit), and some of the best riding Tampa Bay has to offer.
While much of the country is frozen, December in St. Pete proves that winter riding doesn’t have to mean winter conditions.
