Visiting Los Angeles in December offers a distinct contrast to winter elsewhere. While much of the country deals with snow and freezing temperatures, Southern California enjoys mild, comfortable days alongside crisp evenings. Daytime highs typically hover around 68°F (20°C), making it ideal for outdoor exploration without the intense heat of summer. However, December is part of LA's primary rainy season, and temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets. Knowing what to expect from the climate helps ensure you pack the right layers and avoid common wardrobe mistakes.
Understanding the weather patterns across the Los Angeles basin requires looking beyond simple averages. Microclimates play a massive role here. Coastal areas like Santa Monica or Malibu stay slightly milder during the day but experience brisk ocean breezes. Inland neighborhoods, such as Pasadena or the San Fernando Valley, see wider temperature swings, often feeling warmer in the afternoon and colder at night. Planning an effective trip requires breaking down the exact temperature ranges, rainfall expectations, and practical packing strategies.
December Temperatures in Los Angeles
The daytime weather in December feels pleasant and spring-like by many standards. Afternoon highs usually reach the mid-to-high 60s Fahrenheit (around 18°C to 20°C). On clear days with strong sunshine, it's common to see locals walking around in light sweaters or even t-shirts during the peak afternoon hours.
Nighttime brings a sharp change. Once the sun goes down around 4:45 PM, temperatures drop rapidly into the high 40s or low 50s Fahrenheit (8°C to 11°C). If you are walking around outdoor shopping districts, attending evening events, or exploring up in the hills like Griffith Observatory, a proper jacket is non-negotiable.
- Average Afternoon High: 68°F (20°C)
- Average Nighttime Low: 49°F (9°C)
- Extreme Variations: Unusually warm winter days can occasionally push into the mid-70s, while cold snaps or heavy winds can make night temperatures feel chillier than the thermometer suggests.
Rainfall and Winter Storms
December is historically one of Los Angeles's wettest months, though "wet" in Southern California looks very different than it does in the Pacific Northwest or the East Coast. On average, the city receives about three to four inches of total rainfall, spread across roughly five to seven rainy days.
The rest of the month features brilliant blue skies and dry conditions. When rain does arrive, it often comes in short, intense bursts via Pacific storm systems rather than a constant multi-week drizzle. Flash flooding can occasionally occur in low-lying areas or burn scars from wildfire seasons, but a completely washed-out vacation week is rare. Checking a short-term forecast right before your trip gives you the best indication of whether a passing storm will disrupt your outdoor plans.
What to Pack for Los Angeles in December
Packing for a Southern California winter is all about strategic layers. Because you might sweat during a midday hike in Runyon Canyon and shiver during an evening dinner patio walk, heavy winter coats are unnecessary, but light summer clothing alone will leave you freezing.
- The Layering Core: Bring a mix of long-sleeve shirts, lightweight sweaters, and cardigans. These form the base of your daily outfit.
- Outerwear: Pack a versatile, medium-weight jacket or a stylish wool coat for evenings. A wind-resistant layer is especially helpful if you plan to visit coastal bluffs or mountain viewpoints.
- Rain Gear: A compact, packable rain jacket or a small travel umbrella takes up minimal luggage space and saves you if a passing storm hits.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers handle city exploration, theme parks, and light hiking trails easily. Leave heavy snow boots at home.
- Sun Protection: Don't let the cooler air fool you. LA sits at a lower latitude with intense sun year-round. Pack sunglasses and daily sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
For official tourism resources and local event calendars, check Discover Los Angeles. To monitor active weather patterns and warnings, refer to the National Weather Service Los Angeles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers often make a few predictable errors when preparing for a December trip to Southern California. Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your itinerary smooth and comfortable.
- Underestimating the evening chill: Many visitors assume California is hot 24 hours a day. Packing only summer clothes means you will be forced to buy expensive hoodies or stay indoors after dark.
- Skipping rain preparation: While rain doesn't happen every day, assuming it won't rain at all can ruin an outdoor day if a storm rolls in unexpectedly.
- Packing heavy snow gear: Heavy parkas, thermal snow pants, and heavy winter boots take up valuable bag space and look entirely out of place in a Mediterranean climate.
- Ignoring microclimates: Spending the morning inland where it's warm and heading straight to the beach without a jacket for the evening marine layer will leave you cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in the ocean in Los Angeles in December?
Ocean temperatures in December hover around 58°F to 60°F (14°C to 15°C). While hardy surfers use wetsuits, casual swimming is far too cold for most visitors, making the beach a place for walks rather than sunbathing.
Do theme parks like Universal Studios get crowded in December?
Yes, the weeks around Christmas and New Year's Eve bring heavy crowds as tourists flock to the area for the holidays. Visiting during the first two weeks of the month usually means shorter lines and milder congestion.
How early does it get dark in December?
Because of its position in the Northern Hemisphere and western edge of its time zone, Los Angeles experiences sunsets around 4:45 PM throughout most of December. Plan your outdoor photography and daylight activities for the morning and early afternoon.
Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?
December is widely considered one of the best months to visit if you want to avoid massive summer crowds, enjoy lower hotel rates in certain areas, and experience comfortable daytime weather for sightseeing, hiking, and dining.
