California (Los Angeles) · December
Low seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 20° (68°)13– (55–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)31 (88) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)30 (86) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)33 (91) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)36 (97) | 26° (79°)19– (66–)34 (93) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)32 (90) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)14– (57–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)20 (68) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 14° (57°) | 14° (57°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 17° (63°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d65mm (2.6") | 4d64mm (2.5") | 3d41mm (1.6") | 1d14mm (0.6") | 1d5mm (0.2") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 1d11mm (0.4") | 2d16mm (0.6") | 4d58mm (2.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
December in California (Los Angeles) is on the cool side — with highs around 20°C (68°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F), cooling to 10°C (50°F) at night (daily average: 14°C (57°F)). Peaks reach around 27°C (81°F), the coldest nights around 4°C (39°F). With 5 sunshine hours per day and 4 rain days (58 mm (2.3 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
The rainy months are also the clearest: after a front passes, the San Gabriel Mountains often stand snow-capped above the city and the air is cleaner than at any other time. Daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) suit museums, hikes and concerts, while the beaches belong to surfers and walkers.
Packing list for California (Los Angeles) in December
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Jumper or fleece
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit California (Los Angeles)?
- December is not an optimal month for California (Los Angeles) (Score: 52/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in California (Los Angeles) in December?
- In December, California (Los Angeles) sees daily highs of 20°C (68°F). Nights cool to 10°C (50°F), with a daily average of 14°C (57°F). Peaks reach around 27°C (81°F), the coldest nights around 4°C (39°F).
- How much rain falls in California (Los Angeles) in December?
- In December, California (Los Angeles) receives an average of 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain over 4 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does California (Los Angeles) get in December?
- California (Los Angeles) averages 5 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in California (Los Angeles) in December?
- Water temperature in California (Los Angeles) in December averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
