South Padre Island not only has some of the warmest weather, it has the warmest water for a December vacation. Water temperature lingers in the mid-60s through the end of the month before dipping down to just below 60 during the coldest month of January. You can expect outdoor weather to range from 67 to the low 70s on the island, with nights in the mid-50s. The island's sandy beach is renowned for surf fishing, viewing Kemp's Ridley sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Surf, ride personal watercraft or visit Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on the southernmost end of the island.
Corpus Christi's bay beaches provide gentle waters suitable for kids right in the city. North Beach and Corpus Christi Beach are walking distance from hotels and restaurants just across the harbor bridge and McGee Beach lies adjacent to downtown. The beaches are closed to traffic and allow leashed pets. Average daytime temperatures hover in the upper 60s throughout the winter, with nights in the mid to upper 40s. The water averages 60 degrees in winter, but watch out for jellyfish that sometimes wash into shore at the two northern beaches.
Rockport is Texas' first Blue Wave Beach, regularly monitoring bacteria levels to ensure safe swimming and clean beaches. The town is also home to some of the warmest water in February, when temps average 63 degrees. The temperature out of the water averages 65 degrees in the winter months, with nights at 47 degrees. The beach is a favorite of families with children due to its cleanliness and recreational facilities, which include a playground, volleyball courts, saltwater swimming pool, bird observation area, trails and picnic areas. The beach lies 30 miles north of Corpus Christi.
Camp in the warm sun along 6.3 miles of beach belonging to the city of Port Aransas. Found 30 miles east of Corpus Christi on Mustang Island, the beach enjoys temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s in December and February, with temperatures dropping about 5 degrees in January. The water along the beach ranges from 59 to 63 degrees during December through February. Purchase an annual parking sticker at nominal charge and camp up to three days free along the beach. Daytime parking is free at Nueces County Park, but you'll pay a nightly fee to camp there and enjoy amenities that include hot showers.
