Weather Los Angeles California December brings mild daytime highs averaging around 68°F (20°C) and crisp evening lows dropping to 48°F (9°C). While it's one of the cooler months of the year, it remains remarkably pleasant compared to most of North America. December marks the transition into the region's primary rainy season, averaging about 2 to 3.5 inches of precipitation spread across roughly six wet days. Visitors and residents trade heavy summer gear for comfortable layers, enjoying clear sunny skies interspersed with occasional Pacific storm systems.
Understanding how this winter climate impacts different pockets of the sprawling Los Angeles basin helps you pack right and plan effectively. From coastal breezes to mountain temperature drops, local microclimates define the winter experience.
Temperature Averages and Daily Patterns
December temperatures in Southern California stay remarkably moderate due to the stabilizing influence of the Pacific Ocean. Daytime peaks usually happen in the mid-afternoon, allowing you to walk comfortably in light sweaters or long sleeves. Once the sun sets behind the horizon, temperatures drop rapidly.
- Average Daytime High: 68°F (20°C)
- Average Overnight Low: 48°F (9°C)
- Daily Temperature Swing: Often 15 to 20 degrees between afternoon warmth and evening chill.
- Sunshine Hours: Roughly 7 to 9 hours of daily sunshine, though shorter daylight hours mean dusk arrives around 5:00 PM.
While historic records show extreme outliers—such as hot spikes reaching the high 80s during Santa Ana wind events—normal daily weather stays stable and comfortable. Mornings frequently feature a layer of low coastal cloud cover that typically burns off by noon.
Rainfall and Winter Storm Systems
December is statistically part of the wet season, which runs from November through March. Rain usually arrives via Pacific frontal systems that roll in from the northwest. These systems can bring a mix of passing showers or a couple of days of steady downpours.
Rainfall distribution isn't uniform across the county. Downtown and coastal areas see moderate amounts, while foothill communities and mountain ranges catch higher precipitation totals due to orographic lift. Flash flooding can occasionally impact burn scars from earlier wildfire seasons, so keeping an eye on the National Weather Service Los Angeles portal during stormy weeks is essential.
Most days of the month remain completely dry. Statistically, you face less than a 20 percent chance of rain on any given day, meaning clear blue skies dominate the month.
Regional Microclimates Across Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a collection of diverse microclimates. Where you spend your day completely alters your weather experience:
- The Coast (Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice): Ocean breezes keep daytime highs slightly cooler, but nights are milder because the water acts as a thermal buffer. Morning fog is common.
- Inland Valleys (San Fernando, San Gabriel): Valleys experience wider temperature swings. Afternoons can feel warmer than the coast, but night lows dip lower, occasionally threatening frost in agricultural pockets.
- Mountain Zones (Angeles National Forest, Mount Baldy): Higher elevations transition into true winter. Freezing temperatures are standard, and peaks like Mount Baldy frequently pick up early-season snow accumulation.
What to Wear: Packing for LA in December
Packing for Southern California in winter requires a layered approach. Bulky arctic parkas aren't necessary, but leaving your summer shorts behind is smart.
- Base Layers: Pack breathable t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts for warm afternoon sun exposure.
- Mid Layers: Bring fleece pullovers, cardigans, or light wool sweaters for the shade and late afternoons.
- Outer Layers: A wind-resistant jacket or a packable rain shell protects against coastal evening drafts and unexpected showers.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes work for dry days, but keep a pair of waterproof boots or water-resistant sneakers handy for wet streets.
Outdoor Activities and Holiday Events
December offers some of the best conditions of the year for exploring the region without battling intense summer heatwaves. Hiking trails in Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and the Santa Monica Mountains are lush and green following early winter moisture.
The cooler air makes city walking tours, theme park visits, and outdoor shopping districts much more enjoyable. Major seasonal attractions, such as holiday light displays at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, run throughout the month. Surfers still hit the waves, though wetsuits are mandatory given water temperatures hovering around 58°F to 60°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at the beach in Los Angeles in December?
Swimming is generally unappealing for most visitors because ocean temperatures drop to roughly 58°F (14°C). Local surfers wear thick wetsuits, but casual beachgoers stick to walking along the shoreline or sunbathing on warm afternoons.
Does it ever snow in Los Angeles proper?
No, snow never falls in the urban basin or coastal areas. However, the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains routinely see snow in December, providing a scenic white backdrop visible from the city on clear days.
How cold do the nights get in December?
Average overnight lows drop to around 48°F (9°C). In inland valleys and foothill neighborhoods, temperatures can occasionally dip into the upper 30s, requiring indoor heating or extra blankets.
Is December a crowded time to visit Los Angeles?
Tourist traffic spikes around the Christmas and New Year holidays, but early-to-mid December is actually one of the quietest and most affordable windows to explore local attractions, museums, and theme parks.
