Planning a trip to Southern California during the final month of the year means leaving heavy snow boots behind, but it doesn't mean packing only swimsuits. Los Angeles weather in December delivers a unique mix of mild daytime sun and crisp, chilly evenings that catch many first-time visitors off guard. While daytime highs regularly hover around 67°F to 70°F (19°C to 21°C), temperatures drop sharply once the sun sets, settling into the high 40s or low 50s.
Rain is relatively uncommon, but December is officially part of the region's modest rainy season, averaging about five wet days. Understanding how these microclimates operate across the basin, what to wear, and how to plan your itinerary makes all the difference between a comfortable vacation and shivering on a coastal pier.
Temperature Breakdown: What December Feels Like
The month begins with some of the warmest days of the winter period, occasionally touching the low 70s by early afternoon. As the calendar moves toward the end of the month, daytime highs dip slightly closer to the mid-60s.
Morning and night tell a different story. Dawn often brings a layer of crisp coastal fog or inland chill, with temperatures starting near 50°F (10°C). By noon, the sun usually burns through, creating ideal conditions for walking around the city. Once dusk settles around 4:45 PM, heat dissipates quickly.
- Early December: Daytime highs average 69°F (21°C) with clear morning skies and comfortable afternoons.
- Mid-December: Highs settle around 68°F (20°C); chance of precipitation ticks upward as Pacific weather systems approach.
- Late December: Highs average 67°F (19°C) or lower, with cooler ocean breezes and a slightly higher frequency of grey days.
Understanding Los Angeles Microclimates
Geography dictates everything about Southern California meteorology. You can experience three distinct temperature zones within a single afternoon drive.
Coastal zones like Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice experience steady ocean breezes that keep afternoon temperatures a few degrees lower than downtown. These areas are also windier and prone to morning marine layers.
Inland basins and valleys, such as Pasadena or the San Fernando Valley, lack direct ocean buffering. They often record warmer afternoon peaks than the coast, but their night temperatures plunge faster and lower once the sun disappears.
Rainfall and Storm Patterns
December averages roughly two inches of total rainfall across the month, typically concentrated into four or five active storm days. When it rains in Los Angeles, it rarely drizzles for weeks; instead, a Pacific front moves through quickly, delivering heavy downpours over 24 to 48 hours before clearing right back up into bright blue skies.
Planning outdoor activities requires checking daily forecasts rather than assuming a total washout. A week with one rainy day leaves the remaining six days dry and exceptionally clear, as storms scrub smog from the air and reveal snow-capped peaks on the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains.
Packing Strategy for a December Trip
Because conditions shift dramatically between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM, packing relies entirely on layering. Heavy parkas are unnecessary, but a lightweight windbreaker or wool coat is essential for evenings.
- Daywear: T-shirts, light sweaters, jeans, and comfortable walking sneakers.
- Evening layers: A medium-weight jacket, fleece, or blazer for dinners and outdoor strolls.
- Rain gear: A compact umbrella or a water-resistant shell in case a sudden shower hits.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen remain mandatory; the winter sun sits lower in the sky and glares fiercely off pavement and ocean water.
Check current local conditions via the National Weather Service Los Angeles before heading out for day trips into the canyons or mountains.
Best Ways to Experience LA in December
The cooler weather creates ideal conditions for exploring outdoor attractions without the oppressive heat of summer.
- Holiday Lights and Displays: Visit iconic public spaces like The Grove for nightly holiday light shows, or walk down a festive Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
- Outdoor Ice Skating: Glide across the rink at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles, surrounded by skyscrapers.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Tackle the trails at Griffith Park or explore the glowing art installations at Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light without breaking a heavy sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Los Angeles beaches in December?
The ocean temperature hovers around 57°F to 60°F (14°C to 16°C). Swimming without a thick wetsuit is uncomfortable for most people, though the sand remains popular for walking, sunbathing, and coastal bike rides.
Does it snow in Los Angeles?
Urban snowfall is virtually non-existent. However, residents can drive roughly two hours inland to mountain resorts like Big Bear Lake for actual snow sports and winter landscapes.
Are theme parks crowded during this month?
The first half of December sees moderate crowds, but the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's bring heavy tourist traffic to destinations like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. Advance ticket reservations are strongly recommended.
How early does it get dark?
Sunset occurs between 4:43 PM and 4:50 PM throughout the month. Plan outdoor sightseeing and photography for the morning and early afternoon to make the most of daylight hours.
