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California Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in California, the United States of America in December.

Thinking about venturing to California, the United States of America this December and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in California in December

California, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. The weather in California in December can be quite varied, with temperatures that range from very cold to pleasant and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Sequoia National Park at 2°C (36°F) to pleasant in Brawley at 21°C (70°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 5°C (41°F) in Brawley and -10°C (14°F) in Sequoia National Park. Although December is typically the coldest month, there are still areas in California, the United States of America where the temperatures are mild, allowing for a comfortable visit any time of the year.

For specific regional insights in California, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Furnace Creek with an average of 8.8 mm (0.3 in) to heavy rainfall in Crescent City with 351 mm (14 in). Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Los Angeles receives the most rainfall during this month of the year.

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Los Angeles sees close to 220 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore California by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in California - and find the best time to visit. (based on Los Angeles)

Best Places to Visit in California in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across California.

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).

Popular Destinations in California

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in California, the United States of America?

Temperature range in California (December)

Precipitation variation in California (December)

Los Angeles

In December Los Angeles generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
Min temperature
12°C (54°F)
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
Monthly sun hours
217 hours
220 hours
224 hours
Monthly rainfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
61 mm (2.4 in)
49 mm (1.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
8 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Big Bear Lake

In December Big Bear Lake generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
31 mm (1.2 in)
136 mm (5.4 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
8 days
5 days
Weather conditions

San Francisco

In December San Francisco generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are mixed that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
18°C (64°F)
14°C (57°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
7°C (45°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
173 hours
160 hours
186 hours
Monthly rainfall
43 mm (1.7 in)
112 mm (4.4 in)
70 mm (2.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
13 days
9 days
Weather conditions

San Diego

In December San Diego generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
19°C (66°F)
20°C (68°F)
Min temperature
12°C (54°F)
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
Monthly sun hours
230 hours
231 hours
240 hours
Monthly rainfall
22 mm (0.9 in)
59 mm (2.3 in)
35 mm (1.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
7 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Anaheim

In December Anaheim generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
20°C (68°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
11°C (52°F)
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly sun hours
211 hours
205 hours
198 hours
Monthly rainfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
44 mm (1.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
8 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in California, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in California in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Los Angeles 18°C (64°F) 9°C (48°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Big Bear Lake 9°C (48°F) -6°C (21°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
San Francisco 14°C (57°F) 7°C (45°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
San Diego 19°C (66°F) 9°C (48°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Anaheim 20°C (68°F) 8°C (46°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Palm Desert 20°C (68°F) 7°C (45°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)

California weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in California, the United States of America in December?

December in California, the United States of America brings very good weather. In Los Angeles, daytime temperatures are typically around 18°C (64°F) and nighttime lows hover near 9°C (48°F).

What is the average temperature in California, the United States of America in December?

Los Angeles averages a daytime maximum of 18°C (64°F) in December, with overnight lows close to 9°C (48°F).

Does California, the United States of America get a lot of rain in December?

Rain is generally moderate to light in California, the United States of America during December, with Los Angeles averaging close to 61 mm (2.4 in).

Is December a Good Time to Visit California, the United States of America?

Given the typically very good weather conditions in Los Angeles, December may not be the ideal time to visit California, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November provide excellent weather in Los Angeles.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in California.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.