One of the best things about holiday events in South Florida is the weather. December falls in the dry season, nights are usually mild, and outdoor events are possible when much of the country is snowed in. But “usually” isn’t a plan. Here’s how South Florida holiday weather affects outdoor events and laser shows, and how to prepare.
What December is typically like in Miami-Dade
- Temperatures: Typical December days are in the mid to upper 70s °F, with evenings in the 60s. Cold fronts can occasionally bring evenings down into the 50s.
- Rain: December is one of the drier months, but passing showers still happen, especially ahead of a cold front.
- Humidity: Lower than summer, but still enough to help laser beams show up in the air.
- Hurricane season officially ends November 30, so it’s rarely a factor for December events.
Always check the official forecast from the National Weather Service Miami office in the days before your event.
Sunset and show times
In Miami, the sun sets around 5:30 p.m. in early to mid December, the earliest sunsets of the year, and about 5:40 p.m. by late December. It takes roughly half an hour more for the sky to get fully dark. Lasers look best in true darkness, so:
- Plan the first laser show no earlier than about 6:15–6:30 p.m.
- Use the dusk period for arrivals, food, music and stage performances
- Do laser checks after dark on show day, not in the afternoon
Wind: the biggest factor for laser shows
For a laser show, wind matters more than almost anything else. Beams are only visible when there’s haze in the air, and wind blows the haze away. A light breeze is manageable, but steady, strong wind can thin the beams dramatically. Our explainer on how laser light shows work explains why.
Ways to plan for wind:
- Place haze machines upwind of the audience
- Choose a site with some natural wind protection if possible
- Design part of the show around graphics projected on a surface, which don’t depend on haze
- Secure tents, banners and signs, since cold fronts can bring gusts
Rain
Professional show equipment can be protected from light rain, and drive-in events handle drizzle well because guests are in their cars. Heavy rain, though, is hard on guests and equipment, and lightning is a firm stop. A solid weather plan includes:
- A decision time, such as noon on event day, to go ahead, delay or move to a backup date
- A backup date reserved with the venue and vendors in advance
- A lightning policy: pause outdoor activities when lightning is nearby and wait for it to pass
- Clear communication: know how you’ll notify guests by social media, email or text
Cold front nights
When a cold front comes through, South Florida evenings can feel surprisingly chilly to locals. Remind guests to bring a sweater, consider hot cocoa or coffee vendors, and keep drive-in guests comfortable in their cars.
Before you sign contracts
Ask every vendor about their weather policy. How are rain delays handled? Is there a fee to move to a backup date? Who makes the final call? Our list of questions to ask a laser show company includes these.
Planning a holiday event?
Use our month-by-month planning timeline, browse event ideas, or tell us about your event.