Things to Do in Virginia Beach in December

December Weather in Virginia Beach

54°C (130°F) High Temp

37°C (99°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Off-season hotel rates drop 30-50% compared to summer peak, with oceanfront rooms available for $80-120/night instead of $200+
Beach walking and outdoor exploration are comfortable in morning hours (7-11am) when temperatures hover around 40°C (104°F)
Holiday lights festival runs December 15-31 along the boardwalk, creating unique photo opportunities without summer crowds
Local restaurants offer winter seafood specialties including Chesapeake Bay oysters at peak season, with shorter wait times at popular spots

Considerations

Ocean temperature drops to 10°C (50°F), making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits - most beach activities shift to land-based
December weather averages only 10 rainy days but storms can be intense, with afternoon showers lasting 45-60 minutes
Many beachfront attractions operate reduced hours (10am-4pm instead of 9am-9pm) or close entirely for maintenance

Best Activities in December

Virginia Aquarium Marine Discovery Tours

December is ideal for indoor marine exhibits when outdoor beach time is limited. The aquarium maintains comfortable 22°C (72°F) temperature and hosts special holiday-themed exhibits. Winter is also prime time for dolphin watching tours as marine life concentrates in warmer offshore waters.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend visits. Admission typically runs $25-35 for adults, with combo tickets including dolphin tours at $55-75. Indoor exhibits provide perfect backup for rainy afternoons. Check current tour schedules in booking section below.

First Landing State Park Hiking Trails

Cool December temperatures make the 3.2 km (2 mile) Bald Cypress Trail comfortable for extended hiking. Morning fog through the cypress swamps creates dramatic photography conditions impossible in summer heat. Wildlife viewing peaks in winter months as animals are more active during daylight hours.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for trails, park entry $5 per vehicle. Best hiking hours are 8am-2pm when temperatures stay below 46°C (115°F). Guided nature walks available weekends, typically $10-15 per person. See current guided tour options in booking widget below.

Military Aviation Museum Tours

December's dry weather (only 2.5mm rainfall) provides optimal conditions for outdoor aircraft displays and hangar tours. The museum's vintage warbird flights operate year-round when weather permits, offering unique winter aerial views of the coastline without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Standard admission $18-22, flight experiences $150-300 depending on aircraft. Book flight experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as December slots fill with holiday gift bookings. Indoor exhibits provide climate-controlled exploration during peak afternoon heat. Current flight schedules available in booking section below.

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters

December marks prime striped bass season in Chesapeake Bay waters. Cooler air temperatures make full-day charters (6-8 hours) more comfortable than summer trips. Fish are actively feeding before winter, improving catch rates significantly compared to hot weather months.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically $400-600 for groups of 4-6, full-day $800-1200. Book 10-14 days ahead during December fishing season. Charters include equipment and often fish cleaning. Morning departures (6am-7am) avoid afternoon weather variability. See current charter options in booking widget below.

Historic Downtown Norfolk Arts District

December's comfortable walking temperatures allow extended exploration of Norfolk's galleries and historic sites, just 32 km (20 miles) from Virginia Beach. Holiday art shows and seasonal exhibitions provide indoor cultural experiences perfect for December's variable weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Gallery walks are free, guided historic tours typically $15-25 per person. Many galleries host holiday exhibitions in December. Allow 4-5 hours for full district exploration. Public parking $5-10/day, or use Norfolk's Tide light rail. Current guided tour schedules in booking section below.

Kayak Nature Tours in Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

December's cooler morning temperatures (37°C/99°F) make multi-hour kayaking expeditions feasible. Migratory waterfowl peak in December, offering exceptional bird watching opportunities. Reduced insect activity compared to summer months makes wildlife photography more enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically $65-85 per person including equipment, 3-4 hour duration. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend availability. Tours launch early morning (7am-8am) to maximize comfortable paddling time. Self-guided rentals $35-50 per day. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

December 15-31

Virginia Beach Holiday Lights at the Beach

Annual drive-through light display featuring over 650,000 LED lights along 4.8 km (3 miles) of oceanfront roads. The display includes synchronized music and themed sections celebrating local maritime heritage.

December 31

First Night Virginia Beach

Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music, family activities, and midnight fireworks over the Atlantic. Multiple indoor venues provide climate-controlled entertainment during December weather.

Mid December

Chesapeake Bay Oyster Festival Winter Edition

December marks peak oyster season, celebrated with local restaurant specials, shucking competitions, and guided bay tours. Indoor venues accommodate December's variable weather while highlighting winter seafood specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for 70% humidity - avoid cotton which stays damp and uncomfortable

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes outdoors

Lightweight waterproof jacket for sudden afternoon downpours lasting 45-60 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - morning dew and occasional rain make surfaces slippery

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in 54°C (130°F) heat, but warm drinks welcome during cooler mornings

Portable phone charger - battery drain increases in extreme temperatures above 49°C (120°F)

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - essential protection during 8am-4pm high UV exposure hours

Light layers for morning temperatures around 37°C (99°F) that you can remove as day heats up

Waterproof phone case for beach activities and unexpected rain showers

After-sun lotion with aloe - even with sunscreen, reflection off sand and water intensifies UV exposure

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants offer 'winter warrior' discounts (15-25% off) during December to attract off-season diners - ask servers about current promotions

Virginia Beach municipal parking meters switch to free weekday parking after 5pm in December, saving $8-12 daily compared to summer rates

Morning beach walks between 6:30-8:30am offer the most comfortable temperatures and best wildlife sightings before daily heat peaks

Many local surf shops rent wetsuits for $25-35/day in December - essential for ocean activities as water temperature drops to 10°C (50°F)

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations on the oceanfront expecting summer beach activities - many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours, making inland hotels near attractions more practical

Planning full days outdoors without considering afternoon heat peaks and sudden rainstorms - successful December visits require flexible indoor backup plans

Underestimating December sun intensity despite cooler mornings - the UV index of 8 combined with beach reflection causes burns faster than expected