California Weather in December: Temperatures, Rainfall & Travel Guide

California weather in December varies widely, making the state a great destination for every type of traveler. From mild, sunny beaches in Southern California to snowy mountain landscapes in the Sierra Nevada, each region offers a unique experience. Whether you’re planning a winter road trip, holiday vacation, or outdoor adventure, understanding December temperatures, rainfall, and climate conditions will help you pack wisely and make the most of your visit. 

Is December the best month to visit California?

I visited California in December, and it works well. California weather in December stays mild along the coast. Santa Monica and San Diego stay warm for beach walks. I skipped crowds and found cheaper lodging near Palm Springs. This off-season means shorter Disneyland lines. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are open for ski season. 

Big Sur stays quiet and peaceful for photos. Rain falls harder up north, so I stayed south. Laguna Beach and Newport Beach felt calm and sunny. Whale watching started near Avila Beach. Holiday lights filled San Francisco for Christmas. 

Average Temperatures of California in December

Northern California vs. Southern California Temperature Differences

I noticed real temperature differences driving north. California weather in December changes fast by region. Southern California stays warm, often near 68°F. San Diego and Los Angeles feel sunny most days. Santa Barbara offered mild breezes along the coast. Northern California cooled quickly past the Bay Area. 

San Francisco dropped closer to 50°F with fog. Rainfall increased heavily near redwood-lined valleys. The Sierra Nevada foothills brought frost and light snowfall. Inland spots like Fresno and Bakersfield swung wildly. One day hit record highs near 77°F. Palm Springs stayed the warmest desert escape overall. Elevation and maritime influence explained most differences.

Coastal, Valley & Mountain Temperature Variations

Coastal breezes keep Los Angeles and Santa Barbara comfortable. Mountain towns near Big Bear Mountain Resort get real winter chill. This mix comes from California’s Mediterranean climate and shifting elevation. 

Rainfall by Region: Southern Coast, Central Coast & Northern Coast

Rain falls very differently across California in December. The Southern Coast, including San Diego, stays fairly dry. The Central Coast near Santa Barbara County gets moderate showers. The Northern Coast and San Francisco area see the heaviest rain. 

Atmospheric rivers often drive these storms inland. The Bay Area sometimes waits weeks for rain. Then it floods fast once storms hit. Places like Napa and Santa Rosa feel it first. Storms can trigger mudslides near the Transverse Ranges. Coastal flooding often hits Oxnard and Pasadena hardest. 

1. Los Angeles Weather in December

I spent early December in Los Angeles chasing sunshine. Daytime highs stayed near 68°F most days. Nights cooled fast, dropping into the mid-40s. Rain showed up briefly, with only a few rainy days in total. I explored Hollywood without sweating through my shirt. Malibu Beach still felt inviting for a short walk. 

Southern California’s dry breeze kept humidity low. Near Los Angeles International Airport, the wind stayed calm and steady. I packed light layers, adding a jacket at night. Sunshine hours felt generous compared to other winter cities. San Pedro’s coastline offered quiet tidepools worth exploring. December surprised me with mostly clear skies. 

Where to stay 

I chose Santa Monica for my December stay in LA. Walking distance to the beach felt perfect for morning walks. West Hollywood tempted me too, with its walkable streets and eateries. Hollywood stayed close to the Walk of Fame and TLC Chinese Theatre. Downtown LA offered easy access to the arts district and rooftop views. Beverly Hills felt upscale and centrally located. 

2. San Francisco Weather in December

San Francisco surprised me with layers of fog each morning. Daytime highs barely reached 60°F near the Golden Gate Bridge. Nights dropped into the mid-40s, so I packed a coat. Rain fell often, making it the cloudiest month there. I still rode a ferry toward Alcatraz Island on a clear afternoon. 

Hills near downtown blocked some wind, keeping streets calmer. Locals warned me about the city’s tricky microclimate zones. Sunset District stayed colder and windier than nearby areas. Holiday lights lit every corner, softening the grey December sky. Despite the drizzle, San Francisco felt festive and walkable throughout. 

Where to stay

I stayed near Union Square during my December trip to San Francisco. Shops and lights made evenings feel warm despite the cold. Fisherman’s Wharf pulled me in for clam chowder and sea lions. Nob Hill offered quiet luxury, away from the busy crowds. I walked to Chinatown easily, enjoying lanterns strung for winter. North Beach felt charming, with Italian cafes lighting up early. Cable cars carried me up steep hills toward Coit Tower. 

3. San Diego Weather in December

San Diego kept surprising me with dry, sunny December days. Daytime highs stayed near 66°F, rarely dipping lower. Nighttime lows felt mild, so I skipped heavy jackets. Rain stayed light, with only a handful of rainy days. 

I noticed San Diego Bay glowing under clear evening skies. The wind felt calmest all month, perfect for waterfront walks. Locals called December their second driest stretch of the year. I drove toward the mountains and spotted light snow patches. 

The San Diego Zoo stayed comfortable, with cool, crisp air all afternoon. Restaurant patios stayed busy, since the holiday spirit felt sunny here. 

Where to stay

For my December stay, I picked the Gaslamp Quarter downtown. Restaurants and lights stayed busy every single night. Coronado Island tempted me with quiet beaches and calm water. La Jolla felt upscale, perfect for tidepools and coastal views. Pacific Beach stayed lively, even with cooler December surf. I explored Old Town San Diego for Mexican food and history. 

4. Palm Springs Weather in December

Palm Springs greeted me with warm days and cool desert nights. Daytime highs stayed near 68°F under mostly clear skies. Nighttime lows dropped fast, so I packed a warm sweater. Rain stayed rare, with barely a few rainy days total. I loved sipping warm drinks under the starlit desert sky. 

Golfing felt easy in the dry December air. Hiking trails stayed quiet, perfect for slow desert walks. Humidity felt low, keeping the whole day comfortable outdoors. Wind picked up occasionally, adding a light desert chill. 

Where to stay

I stayed in Downtown Palm Springs for my December trip. Restaurants, shops, and nightlife stayed steps from my hotel. Vista Las Palmas offered quiet streets with mountain views close by. Movie Colony felt charming, filled with mid-century modern homes. 

I explored Uptown for boutique hotels and art galleries. Tahquitz River Estates stayed peaceful, just south of downtown chaos. Families often choose Indian Wells for pools and resort amenities. 

5. Sacramento & Central Valley Weather in December

Sacramento greeted me with cool, damp December mornings. Daytime highs hovered near 58°F under frequent cloud cover. Nighttime lows dropped into the high 30s some nights. Tule fog rolled through the Central Valley most mornings. I packed layers, adding a hoodie for chilly walks. Rain fell often, making December one of the wettest months. Fresno and Bakersfield felt slightly colder than the capital. 

Sunshine still peeked through most afternoons, warming the air briefly. I explored downtown before the fog thickened again by evening. Sacramento’s winter felt mild compared to snowier states nearby. 

Where to stay

Old Sacramento’s wooden boardwalks felt festive with string lights glowing. Midtown pulled me in for craft breweries and Victorian houses. I walked past the golden-domed State Capitol most mornings. Golden 1 Center hosted games, adding buzz to downtown streets. East Sacramento felt quieter, perfect for slow, local mornings. 

6. Joshua Tree Weather in December

Joshua Tree welcomed me with crisp, sunny December days. Daytime highs stayed near 61°F under wide-open skies. Nighttime lows dropped fast, often near freezing after sunset. I layered up, adding a sweater before each sunset. Skull Rock looked stunning under soft afternoon light. Hidden Valley offered quiet trails, perfect for slow hiking. 

Wind picked up occasionally, adding a chill to hikes. Stargazing felt incredible thanks to clear, dark desert skies. Rain stayed rare, keeping most trails dry and dusty. Twentynine Palms stayed calm, a peaceful base near the park. 

Where to stay

Shops, cafes, and trailheads stayed just minutes away from Joshua Tree. Yucca Valley offered budget stays and a laid-back vibe. Twentynine Palms felt convenient, close to the north entrance. I tried glamping near Pioneertown for a quirky desert night. The Joshua Tree Inn carried old Spanish-colonial charm and history. Some travelers chose Indio, though it’s a longer drive. 

7. Temecula Weather in December

I still remember my first winter trip well. California weather in December surprised me with sunshine and calm seas. I caught the last surfing season’s waves near Santa Monica, then drove up toward Big Sur for quiet coastal views. 

Roads felt empty, unlike busy summer months. In Palm Springs, days stayed warm and dry. Near Joshua Tree National Park, nights turned cold, so I packed layers. I even spotted whale-watching boats off San Diego, tracking grey whales heading south. Snow dusted the Sierra Nevada, perfect for early ski season. Every stop felt calmer, cheaper, and truly memorable this low season. 

Where to stay

I loved my stay near Old Town Temecula. Wine country charm surrounded me everywhere. I booked a cozy room at Rancho California Inn, close to vineyards. For families, Hampton Inn & Suites Murrieta Temecula felt comfortable and convenient. 

Wine lovers should try South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, right among the vines. Couples often pick Temecula Creek Inn for quiet evenings. I also explored nearby Murrieta and Fallbrook. 

8. Solvang Weather in December

My December trip to Solvang felt calm and cozy. Solvang’s weather stayed mild, near 62°F during the day. Nights turned chilly, so I packed a warm jacket. Santa Ynez Valley looked peaceful under soft winter light. 

I wandered past charming bakeries and quiet tasting rooms. Some afternoons brought moderate rainfall, so I carried an umbrella. Daylight hours felt short, perfect for cozy evenings. I caught a show at Solvang Theaterfest despite the breeze. This Danish village felt magical during the holiday season.

Where to stay

I picked The Landsby for its Scandinavian-style rooms. Couples often love Fess Parker Wine Country Inn nearby. Families enjoy King Frederik Inn near downtown Solvang. Wine lovers should try Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, surrounded by vineyards. 

I walked easily to Old Mission Santa Inés from my hotel. Breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House felt like a local tradition. Boutique charm-filled Hotel Corque near Mission Drive. 

Warmest Places of California in December

Finding the warmest places in California in December felt exciting. I headed straight to Palm Springs for sunny desert heat. Anaheim stayed warm too, perfect for theme park days. San Diego offered mild ocean breezes and clear skies. 

I strolled through Balboa Park under gentle sunshine. Los Angeles surprised me with warm afternoons near Hollywood. Inland, Fresno and Bakersfield stayed surprisingly toasty for winter. Locals told me Brawley often ranks as the warmest city. Southern California clearly stays warmest overall this season. 

Warmest Beaches of California in December

Chasing warm sand led me to California’s best winter beaches. Avila Beach felt calm, warm, and wonderfully quiet. Long Beach offered gentle waves and bike paths. Laguna Beach charmed me with art festivals and mild air. I explored tide pools at La Jolla Cove near clear water. Huntington Beach stayed mild, perfect for easy strolls.

Further south, Imperial Beach felt sunny and relaxed. Hermosa Beach hosted a fun snowman sandcastle contest. Each spot proved December beach trips still feel special. 

Snow in California in December

Snow chasing took me deep into the Sierra. Lake Tahoe dazzled me with snow-covered pines. I skied fresh powder near Mammoth Mountain for days. Big Bear Lake felt festive with holiday lights everywhere. At Yosemite National Park, Half Dome wore a snowy crown. I tried snowshoeing trails inside Sequoia National Park too. 

Truckee stayed charming, with cozy cabins and quiet streets. Alabama Hills offered dramatic snow-capped mountain views nearby. Every stop reminded me why winter suits California beautifully. For more snowy spots, visit winter destinations in the US.

Best Things to Do in California in December

Outdoor Activities in Mild Coastal Weather

Mild coastal weather invited me outdoors every day. I hiked Runyon Canyon for sweeping city views. Griffith Park offered quiet trails and clear skies. I strolled Malibu’s shoreline, spotting gentle winter waves. Coronado Beach felt calm, perfect for slow beachcombing. Further south, La Jolla rewarded me with peaceful tide pools. 

I biked along quiet paths near Del Mar too. Santa Barbara offered easy coastal walks under soft sunshine. Evenings brought clear stargazing near quiet beach towns. Every outdoor moment felt calm, mild, and refreshing. 

Winter Sports in the Sierra Nevada

Winter sports in the Sierra Nevada felt thrilling and crisp. Lake Tahoe remained my favorite skiing base. I tried snowboarding first, then switched to cross-country skiing. Mammoth Mountain offered long runs and reliable powder. 

Mount Shasta surprised me with quiet snowshoeing trails. At Kirkwood Resort, crowds felt thin, and slopes felt steep. Soda Springs proved perfect for family sledding fun. South Lake Tahoe added cozy lodges after long ski days. Every winter sport here felt fresh and exciting. 

Holiday Events and Festive Attractions

Holiday events filled my December with festive cheer. Disneyland Resort dazzled me with the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks. I skated at the Union Square Ice Rink downtown. Zoo Lights brought playful sparkle to evening walks. 

At Santa’s Village, kids skated and met Santa happily. I rode the festive Napa Valley Wine Train one evening. Watching The Nutcracker felt like a perfect holiday tradition. Lodi Parade of Lights closed my trip with joyful sparkle. 

What to Pack for California in December?

Packing for California in December felt like planning three trips at once. I packed a light rain shell for coastal showers. A cozy sweater kept me warm most evenings. I tossed in jeans for casual city days. My sunglasses stayed handy under the desert sun. For chilly nights, I layered a warm beanie and scarf. 

I even packed a bathing suit for hot tub soaks. Sneakers carried me through hikes and city walks. A sun hat protected me during sunny afternoons. Smart layers made every stop comfortable. 

FAQs

Does It Rain in California in December?

Yes, it’s the wettest month, especially in northern/coastal areas, though Southern California stays drier overall. 

Is California Cold in December?

Mild, not cold; coastal areas are 50-60°F; mountains and deserts see colder nights and occasional snow inland. 

Where Is the Warmest Place in California in December?

Palm Springs and Death Valley stay warmest, often reaching 70°F+ even in December.

Can You Swim in California in December?

Uncomfortable for the outdoors; the ocean’s cold. Heated pools or Palm Springs resorts work better for swimming. 

How Many Rainy Days Does California Get in December?

Typically 6-10 rainy days statewide, concentrated in Northern and Central California regions. 

Is December the Start of California’s Rainy Season?

Yes, December marks the unofficial start of California’s wet season, running through March.