Sanibel in December

Hi,

I have a trip booked at Sanibel Cottages on Dec 8-Dec 15 of this year. Can anyone give me any info on weather, beach conditions, or opinions on the resort and beach that it is on? I have read reviews and they seem excellent but any added info is helpful. Also, does anyone know the possibility of red tide at that time of year? Thanks!

Sanibel in December

elizabeth70, We usually go down to Sanibel for Thanksgiving week. The weather is usually pretty nice, though it can be a little chilly with day time temps in the low 70%26#39;s and nights into the 50%26#39;s. As for red tide, I believe that%26#39;s more of a warmer weather, rainier time of the year thing...

Sanibel in December

Sanibel Cottages are on West Gulf, so Sue is the best source for beach conditions as your trip gets closer.

As of the last prelim reports, red tide conditions are improving and algae counts are down. So little is understood about how red tide works, there are no prediction models, just real time events. Usually, but not always, the colder weather stops red tide.

Weather in December can vary a lot, but the days are cooler and so are the nights - and I%26#39;ve been very cold down there a few times, but it never seems to last. Gulf temps are still in the 70%26#39;s but again cooling down. Shelling good, especially if a winter storm hits. I collected a HUGE number of shells in the last two mornings of one stay after rather lean pickings. I have run into more seaweed than normal in December, but like most things, it comes and goes. I also got a HUGE number of no-see-um bites while shelling. They were all thru the detritus on the beach.

Can%26#39;t help with condo units other than to say the location is really good. They face southwest. Again, Sue can help there.

Our winter climate is consistently the best in the nation. Sanibel and Captiva enjoy tremendous amounts of sunshine and there is usually little rain in these months. Evening low temperature averages 55 degrees in December and January, while daytime highs average 72. Recently, I think it has been warmer.

Sanibel Cottages are beautiful and located on West Gulf Drive right next to Point Santo. Good Choice. West Gulf Beaches are spectacular.

The island%26#39;s Christmas decorations will take your breath away, and are always up prior to Island Luminary Celebration the first weekend in December. Get in the holiday spirit, tropical-style.

This is a great time to be on Sanibel (good prices at this time too)

Thank you everyone. Temps in the low 70%26#39;s are fine by me, considering I am coming from a place that will probably be in the 30%26#39;s at that time. It is my first time going to Sanibel and I can%26#39;t wait!

You will love it, make sure that you check out sunnydayguide.com/sanibel_captiva/index.html

so you don%26#39;t miss anything!!

Hi-

Sorry to reply to an old post, but I noticed that Rainstorm mentioned the Sanibel and Captiva Luminary Celebration that happens in December. We are planning on having our wedding on Captiva during the first weekend of Dec in 2007 and I was wondering what the traffic/crowds were like during the luminary celebration? Do I need to worry about congested traffic (our rehersal and ceremony would be around dusk) and advise people to leave earlier than normal for the chapel? Thanks for any help that can be offered!

The traffic was not too bad this year. The luminary celebration takes place on the first friday of December on Sanibel and Captiva does it on the first Saturday. It may just add a nice ambiance for your wedding celebration.

Okay, thanks! I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;ll be beautiful! Definitely a far warmer holiday experience than in Colorado!