Planning a trip to Southern California during the final month of the year means trading snow boots for light layers. The weather in Los Angeles in December delivers daytime highs averaging 67°F (19°C) alongside crisp evening lows dropping to 48°F (9°C). While it's one of the coolest and wettest months of the year for the region, "cold" in LA feels entirely different from winters in the Northeast or Midwest. You'll still experience plenty of sunshine, though brief Pacific storms can roll in and disrupt outdoor plans.
Understanding the seasonal rhythm helps you pack right and avoid being caught off guard by sudden temperature drops once the sun sets behind the hills. Let's break down what daytime conditions, nighttime chills, and winter rainfall actually look like across the city.
Daytime Temperatures and Sunshine
Days in December are bright, short, and generally comfortable. You can expect about nine to ten hours of daylight, with the sun rising around 6:45 AM and setting near 4:55 PM. Afternoon temperatures regularly hover in the mid-to-upper 60s, making outdoor activities like hiking Runyon Canyon or walking along the Santa Monica Pier very pleasant without overheating.
- Afternoon highs: Typically reach 66°F to 69°F (19°C to 20°C).
- Sunshine hours: LA averages around 220 hours of sunshine during the month, translating to roughly 70 percent clear skies.
- Microclimates: Coastal areas like Malibu or Santa Monica often feel cooler due to ocean breezes, while inland valleys like the San Fernando Valley can feel warmer during peak afternoon sun but chill down faster after dark.
You won't need heavy winter coats during the afternoon. A t-shirt paired with a light jacket or flannel is usually enough while you're moving around. As discussed in latest articles by The Points Guy, the implications are worth noting.
Nighttime Chills and Microclimate Shifts
The moment the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature drops fast. Because Los Angeles lacks heavy humidity to trap heat, desert air influences and coastal drafts cause evenings to feel genuinely chilly.
Nighttime lows settle around 48°F (9°C), but if you're standing on an unshielded beach or high up in the Hollywood Hills, wind chill can make it feel closer to the low 40s. Homes and older hotels in Southern California don't always feature robust central heating, so indoor spaces can retain that outdoor chill late at night. Packing a proper fleece, a warm sweater, and long trousers is essential if you plan on attending evening events or holiday light displays.
Rainstorms and Precipitation Patterns
December is historically one of the wettest months of the year for Los Angeles, though total volume remains modest compared to the Pacific Northwest. The city averages about 2.5 inches of rain spread across roughly 5 to 7 wet days.
When storms do arrive from the Pacific, they can drop heavy precipitation in short bursts. Flash flooding can occur on low-lying freeway transitions, and canyon roads are susceptible to minor rockslides if a vigorous atmospheric river hits. However, consecutive days of washout rain are rare. Most storms clear out within 24 hours, leaving behind exceptionally crisp air, snow-dusted mountain backdrops, and brilliant blue skies.
Keep an eye on forecasts from the National Weather Service Los Angeles before heading out on long road trips or mountain excursions during rainy periods.
What to Pack for LA in Winter
Packing for Southern California in December requires a modular strategy. Heavy parkas will take up unnecessary suitcase space, but ignoring cold snaps will leave you shivering.
- Base layers: Pack short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts for daytime versatility.
- Outerwear: Bring a wind-resistant jacket, a denim layer, or a medium-weight fleece for evenings and coastal breezes.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are ideal. Waterproof boots are unnecessary unless you're planning backcountry hikes after a heavy downpour.
- Rain gear: A compact travel umbrella or a lightweight rain shell is smart to keep in your daypack.
- Sun protection: Don't skip sunglasses and sunscreen; the winter sun sits lower in the sky and glare can be intense during midday walks.
For official tourism guidelines and regional event planning, consult [Discover Los Angeles](https://www.discoverlos Angeles.com/).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in the ocean in Los Angeles in December?
Ocean temperatures drop to around 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 15°C). Unless you're wearing a wetsuit for surfing or open-water swimming, the water is too cold for casual recreation.
Do theme parks like Universal Studios get crowded in December?
Yes. The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's Eve bring heavy tourist traffic and peak ticket pricing. Morning arrival times help beat both the crowds and the midday queues.
How do holiday decorations look in LA with mild weather?
Cities across the county lean heavily into festive displays despite the lack of snow. Iconic spots like Rodeo Drive and The Grove feature extensive light installations, ice skating rinks, and holiday parades set against palm trees.
Are flights and hotels more expensive in December?
Prices fluctuate. While early December offers quiet streets and competitive rates, the two weeks bridging Christmas and New Year see a sharp surge in demand across all hospitality sectors.
