California weather in December
Are you planning a trip to California in December and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.
What is the weather like in California in December?
California 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.
Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Sequoia National Park at 2°C to pleasant in Brawley at 21°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 5°C in Brawley and -10°C in Sequoia National Park. Although December is typically the coldest month, there are still areas in California where the temperatures are mild, allowing for a comfortable visit any time of the year.
In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Furnace Creek with an average of 8.8 mm to heavy rainfall in Crescent City with 351 mm. Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Los Angeles receives the most rainfall during this month of the year. Meanwhile, Los Angeles enjoys close to 220 hours of sunlight. This means it's a great month if you prefer bright and sunny days.
For specific regional insights in California for December, refer to the map provided below. For an in-depth overview of the yearly weather conditions, do visit our California climate page.
Where to go in California in December
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Popular destinations
What is the weather like in December for the 5 most popular destinations in California?
Los Angeles
In December Los Angeles generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
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Big Bear Lake
In December Big Bear Lake generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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San Francisco
In December San Francisco generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.
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San Diego
In December San Diego generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
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Anaheim
In December Anaheim generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in California, in the United States of America.
Is December the best time to visit California?
Given the typically pleasant weather conditions in Los Angeles, December may not be the ideal time to visit California.
Generally speaking, January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November provide perfect weather in Los Angeles.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in California.
Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Select the month below.
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 climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.