Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
Big Sur Weather in December
December in Big Sur averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night. Quite a bit of rainfall is typical this month, with around 148 mm (5.8 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.
Rainfall in Big Sur in December
Typically around 11 days of rainfall are expected, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Big Sur in December
Expect highs of 14°C (57°F) in Big Sur in December, with nights dropping to around 6°C (43°F). During December, you'll experience the winter season. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With overnight lows of 6°C (43°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets. This time of year is known for its most moderate and comfortable temperatures.December in Big Sur has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Big Sur Temperature in December
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
148 mm (5.8 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Big Sur Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Big Sur - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Big Sur typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 14°C (57°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 6°C (43°F).
Average temperatures in December
Historical weather records for Big Sur in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Big Sur spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Big Sur historical weather extremes in December
Based on 28 years of weather observations in Big Sur between 1997 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The warmest day in December was on December 8, 2020, with a maximum of 26°C (79°F).
- The coldest December day was on December 20, 1998, with a maximum of 8°C (46°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -2°C (28°F) on December 21, 1998, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in December
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Big Sur in December
The weather can be unpredictable in December, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho.
What To Do in Big Sur in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
-
Cycling5/10 -
Walking5/10 -
Barbeque4/10 -
Camping3/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Big Sur 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Big Sur
See the full Big Sur climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
Popular in December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Miami Beach
25°C (77°F) Kissimmee24°C (75°F) Orlando
24°C (75°F) Destin
18°C (64°F) Los Angeles18°C (64°F) Big Bear Lake9°C (48°F) New York City8°C (46°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
The 10 most alternative cities in the United States
Discover the top 10 fun and alternative U.S. cities rich in art, culture, and adventure. From Portland's hippy charm to Sedona's stunning landscapes.
Sedona: Explore Majestic Red Rock Landscapes
A picturesque artists' town surrounded by red rocks and known for its spirituality, vortex energy, and stunning hikes like Cathedral Rock.
10 most idyllic villages to visit in the United States
Discover 10 idyllic villages in the USA, from California to Vermont. Explore their unique charm, rich history, stunning nature, and vibrant arts scenes.