Quick answer: For December racing in St. Petersburg, dress for a starting temperature in the mid-50s°F that climbs into the low-70s°F by mid-morning. Most runners do best in layers they can shed early, since the race starts cool but warms quickly under Florida sun.
What to Expect Weather-Wise
St. Petersburg in December typically sees highs around 72°F and lows around 55°F, with crisp, low-humidity mornings, exactly the range that gives a marathon a real shot at ideal racing conditions. The catch is the swing: a comfortable 55°F start can feel noticeably warmer by the time you’re several miles in and the sun is up.
What to Wear at the Start
- A light long sleeve or throwaway layer. Something you’re comfortable tossing at a water stop once you’ve warmed up, rather than carrying for 26.2 miles.
- Shorts or lightweight tights, depending on personal cold tolerance. Most runners in the mid-50s°F are comfortable in shorts once moving.
- Gloves or a light hat, if you run cold at the start. Easy to remove and stash once the race warms up.
The Layering Strategy
The core idea is simple: dress for how you’ll feel at mile 3, not how you feel standing at the start line. A throwaway layer solves the first cold mile without weighing you down for the rest of the race. If you’ve trained through a full block, this is the same instinct that should already be familiar from cool-morning training runs.
Sun Protection Still Matters
Even with a cool start, Florida sun is real by mid-morning. Sunscreen applied before the race, and a hat or visor if you’re sensitive to sun exposure, are worth the extra minute, especially for runners still out on the course two or more hours in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for the St. Pete Marathon in December?
Dress in layers, a light throwaway top for the cool start, shorts or lightweight tights, and gloves or a hat if you run cold. Plan to shed the extra layer once the race warms up.
How cold does it get at the start of the St. Pete Marathon?
Average lows sit around 55°F at the start, warming to around 72°F by mid-morning, a comfortable range for racing but enough of a swing to plan layers around.
Do I need sun protection for a December race in Florida?
Yes. Even with a cool start, Florida sun is strong by mid-morning. Sunscreen and a hat or visor are worth using, especially for runners on the course longer than two hours.