California really throws a curveball with its weather conditions around Christmas. Along the coast, you’ll usually get mild days in the low to mid-60s, but inland valleys sometimes drop into the 30s at night.
Most of the state sees cool, comfortable weather, though higher elevations can absolutely surprise you with snow and colder temperatures.
California’s climate changes fast as you move around. If you drive from Los Angeles to the Sierra Nevada, you’ll go from sunny beaches to snowy mountains in just a few hours.
This variety lets you plan a warm afternoon outdoors or chase a real winter holiday in the mountains.
Knowing these patterns sets the right expectations for your trip. Maybe you want mild sunshine in Southern California or you’re ready to bundle up for Northern California’s chilly mornings—either way, you’ll have a good sense of what Christmas weather usually brings across the state.
Overview of California’s Christmas Weather
December brings a wide range of weather across California. Coastal areas stay mild, inland valleys cool down sharply, and mountain regions bring the snow that a lot of holiday travelers hope for.
Key Weather Patterns in December
California’s weather in December really depends on where you are. Along the coast, places like Los Angeles and San Diego usually hit 64–67°F (18–20°C) during the day, with cooler nights.
Inland valleys like Fresno or Sacramento don’t get as warm. Highs hover around 55–58°F (13–14°C), and nighttime lows often drop into the 30s°F (0–5°C).
Rain shows up more often in the north and along the coast. San Francisco, for example, gets about 4 inches of rain in December, while southern cities get lighter showers.
Snow outside the mountains? Pretty rare. But the Sierra Nevada does get regular snow, which draws skiers around Christmas.
Expect shorter days too—less than 10 hours of sun in many places. Even where you get mild daytime highs, evenings feel pretty chilly.
How Geography Influences Holiday Weather
California’s geography creates all this variety. The Pacific Ocean keeps coastal cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara mild, even in December.
Mountains shield inland valleys, which cool off quickly at night. This leads to chilly mornings and, sometimes, thick fog.
Mountain towns like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes become full-on winter destinations. Highs might not get above the 30s°F (-1–4°C), and heavy snowstorms happen a lot.
Meanwhile, desert spots like Palm Springs stay warmer. Highs hang around 69°F (20–21°C), and cool nights settle near 44°F (6–7°C).
You can drive a few hours and go from a sunny beach to snowy slopes. Microclimates pop up everywhere, giving you a lot of ways to spend Christmas week.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other U.S. States
Compared to most of the U.S., California’s Christmas weather feels pretty mild. In the Midwest and Northeast, December often means highs below freezing and a good chance of snowstorms.
Cities like Chicago or Boston average highs in the 30s°F (around 0°C), plus plenty of ice.
In California, you usually skip severe winter storms—unless you’re in the mountains. Coastal areas stay comfortable enough for outdoor fun, and inland valleys, while cool, are manageable.
Even the desert offers a warmer option than most of the country.
So, California really stands out as one of the few states where you can get both winter fun and mild holiday weather. Extreme cold rarely takes over your plans here.
Average Temperatures Across California in December
December weather in California shifts a lot based on your location. Coastal spots stay mild, inland valleys cool down more, and the mountains often dip below freezing.
If you’re traveling between regions, these differences matter.
Statewide Average Temperature Ranges
December brings average highs between the mid-50s°F and low 70s°F (13–22°C) across California. The warmest spots are usually in Southern California: Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego often reach 65–70°F (18–21°C).
Northern California cities like Sacramento, San Francisco, and Fresno stay cooler, with highs closer to 55–60°F (13–16°C). Mountain towns—Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes, for example—often don’t get above 45°F (7°C) during the day.
Nighttime lows show even more variety. Coastal cities usually stay in the 40s–50s°F (5–10°C), but inland valleys can drop into the 30s°F (0–4°C).
Higher elevations get freezing temperatures, and the Sierra Nevada often records lows in the teens or 20s°F (-7 to -1°C).
So, on one trip, you might wear a light sweater in San Diego and need a full winter coat in Yosemite.
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperature Trends
Daytime warmth in December really depends on where you are. Southern California’s coastal cities usually feel comfortable for outdoor activities, with the sun pushing temps into the upper 60s°F (19–20°C).
Inland valleys like Fresno or Stockton don’t get as warm, usually topping out in the mid-50s°F (13°C).
At night, the temperature drops fast. Inland regions lose heat quickly, falling 15–20 degrees once the sun goes down.
For example, Fresno averages highs near 55°F (13°C) but drops to lows around 40°F (4°C). Higher desert towns like Lancaster or Victorville can dip below freezing after dark.
Coastal areas hold temperatures more steadily. San Diego, for example, averages 66°F (19°C) during the day and only slips to about 50°F (10°C) at night.
This smaller swing makes coastal weather feel more consistent than what you get inland or in the mountains.
Temperature Fluctuations During Christmas Week
During Christmas week, you’ll probably notice big daily swings in many parts of California. In valleys, mornings can start cold—in the mid-30s°F (1–2°C)—then warm up to the upper 50s°F (14–15°C) by afternoon.
You’ll need to dress for the cold at sunrise, then peel off layers by midday.
Mountain regions stay cold all week. Highs might stick near or below 40°F (4°C), and nights dip well under freezing. That’s why snow is common in the Sierra Nevada and other high spots in late December.
Southern California remains the steadiest for mild weather. Cities like Los Angeles and Anaheim often see highs in the upper 60s°F (19–20°C) around Christmas, with lows near 48–50°F (9–10°C).
That makes holiday travel a bit easier compared to colder inland and northern areas.
If you’re planning to move between regions during Christmas week, be ready for these changes. A light jacket may be fine on the coast, but you’ll want heavier layers in the mountains or inland valleys.
Regional Weather Variations at Christmas
Christmas weather in California really depends on where you go. Coastal areas tend to be mild and sometimes rainy, inland valleys are cooler and foggier, and the mountains or deserts bring either snow or dry warmth.
Coastal Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Monica, San Francisco
Along the coast, you’ll find some of the most comfortable winter weather in the state. Los Angeles and San Diego usually see daytime highs around 18–20°C (64–68°F), with nights dipping to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rain showers can happen, but you’ll often get long stretches of sun.
Santa Monica feels similar, though breezes off the Pacific can make evenings chillier. You’ll want a jacket for mornings and nights, even if afternoons are mild.
Go farther north to San Francisco and you’ll notice things get cooler and wetter. Highs average 13–15°C (55–59°F), and lows drop to 7°C (45°F).
Rain is frequent, and fog can make things damp. Waterproof layers help if you plan to be outside.
Inland Cities: Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento
Inland valley cities cool down more than the coast. Bakersfield and Fresno often reach 12–15°C (54–59°F) during the day, but nights can slide close to freezing.
Fog—locals call it Tule fog—shows up often and can cut visibility for hours.
Sacramento is similar, with daytime highs near 12–14°C (53–57°F) and chilly nights. Rain falls more here than in the southern valleys, but usually in short bursts.
If you’re traveling, prepare for damp mornings and slow drives thanks to fog. Warm clothes and layers are your friends since afternoons can warm up when the sun breaks through.
Mountain and Desert Areas: Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree, Furnace Creek, El Centro, Crescent City
Mountain towns like Big Bear Lake get real winter weather. Daytime highs average 5–9°C (41–48°F), and nights often fall below freezing.
Snow is common, so it’s a favorite for holiday skiing.
In Joshua Tree, you’ll get a dry desert climate. Highs reach 15–17°C (59–63°F), but nights drop fast, often near freezing.
Layers are a must.
Furnace Creek in Death Valley stays warmer, with highs around 17–20°C (62–68°F) and cool nights near 5°C (41°F). Rain is rare, so it’s usually dry.
El Centro in the Imperial Valley is one of the warmest spots, with daytime averages around 20–22°C (68–72°F). Nights stay mild, which is great if you want warmth at Christmas.
Crescent City on the far north coast is a different story—wet and cool. Highs hover near 11–12°C (52–54°F), and rainfall is heavy, often topping 300 mm for the month.
If you visit, expect gray skies and lots of storms.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
December brings a mix of wet and dry weather to California. Coastal areas often get steady rain, while mountain regions pick up snow.
Where you travel in the state decides how much precipitation you’ll see.
Rainfall Distribution in December
Rainfall in December jumps around a lot depending on the region. Northern coastal areas like Crescent City often get some of the highest totals, averaging more than 8 inches for the month.
Pacific storms move inland and bring frequent rain to this region.
Southern coastal cities like Los Angeles and San Diego see less rain, averaging about 2 inches. These places get light showers instead of long downpours.
Central Valley cities—Sacramento and Fresno—typically get moderate rainfall in December, around 2 to 3 inches. This rain helps agriculture but also means foggy mornings and damp days.
| Location | Avg. December Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Crescent City | ~8–10 in |
| San Francisco | ~4–5 in |
| Sacramento | ~3 in |
| Los Angeles | ~2 in |
| San Diego | ~2 in |
Likelihood of Snow in Different Regions
You’ll see most of December’s snowfall up in California’s higher elevations. The Sierra Nevada mountains, especially around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes, often get several feet of snow during the month. Ski resorts in these spots usually open by early December if storms show up on time.
Big Bear Lake sits in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, and while snowfall is lighter there, it’s still pretty frequent. December usually brings around 15 to 20 inches, which is plenty for winter fun.
Most coastal and valley places almost never see snow. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento rarely get measurable snowfall in December. If you’re hoping for a white Christmas in California, you really have to head into the mountains.
Wettest and Driest Christmas Locations
You’ll find the wettest Christmas weather along the far north coast. Crescent City stands out as one of California’s rainiest spots in December, with storms that can last for days. Expect wet streets, swollen rivers, and a generally damp holiday vibe there.
Deserts are the driest places by far. Palm Springs and Death Valley often get less than half an inch of rain in December. These areas stay sunny and dry, with cool nights and afternoons that feel pretty mild.
Coastal Southern California falls somewhere in the middle. Places like San Diego and Santa Ana might see a shower or two, but clear skies are common on Christmas Day. Whether you get rain mostly depends on if Pacific storms reach that far south.
Sunshine, Wind, and Other Climate Factors
December brings a mix of mild sunshine, shifting winds, and changing humidity across California. The coast feels the Pacific’s influence, while inland valleys and deserts run on their own patterns. These differences can really affect your comfort during the holidays.
Average Hours of Sunlight
Daylight hours shrink in December, and most places get about 9 to 10 hours per day. How much sunshine you actually see depends on where you are and what the weather’s doing.
In the south, cities like San Diego or Los Angeles enjoy clearer skies. You’ll usually get 70–75% of possible sunshine there. Desert spots like Palm Springs are even sunnier, with barely any clouds most days.
Northern coastal areas, including San Francisco and Eureka, have more clouds. In those regions, you might only see 45–55% of available sunshine because of marine layers and winter storms.
So, if you want bright days, southern or inland California is your best bet. Northern coastal regions tend to be cooler and cloudier.
Wind Conditions During the Holiday Season
Wind in December really depends on where you are in California. Along the coast, breezes usually stay light to moderate, around 5–15 mph, blowing in from the ocean. These winds help keep things mild and sometimes bring in moisture from Pacific storms.
Down south, you might run into Santa Ana winds—dry, warm gusts that rush from the inland deserts toward the coast. They’re more common in fall, but December can still bring them, and sometimes they hit 20–40 mph.
Inland valleys like Fresno or Sacramento tend to be calmer, with winds mostly below 10 mph. Mountain passes can get pretty gusty, especially during storms.
Humidity and Air Quality in December
Humidity jumps around depending on where you are. Coastal cities such as San Diego and San Francisco usually have 60–75% relative humidity, so the air feels cool and a bit damp. Inland valleys are drier, closer to 40–55%, but fog can raise the local moisture.
In the Central Valley, you’ll often see tule fog in winter. This fog can hang around for hours or even days, especially after rain. It forms when cool, moist air gets trapped under warmer air.
December air quality usually improves compared to summer, since wildfires are less likely and cooler air keeps ozone low. Still, valleys and basins sometimes face air stagnation, where pollution lingers due to weak winds and temperature inversions.
So, you’ll want to prep for damp mornings near the coast, drier air in the deserts, and the occasional haze in the valleys.
Travel Tips and What to Expect for Holiday Visitors
California’s Christmas weather feels pretty mild compared to much of the country, but it changes a lot from place to place. You’ll want to be ready for cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and maybe some rain, especially up north. How comfortable you are really depends on your planning.
Best Clothing for California Christmas Weather
Pack clothes that cover a range of temperatures. In Los Angeles and San Diego, daytime highs usually land in the mid-60s to low 70s °F, but mornings and evenings can drop into the 40s or 50s. In San Francisco, days are cooler—upper 50s—with chilly winds near the bay.
Layering works best. A light jacket or fleece is great during the day, but you’ll want a heavier coat at night in northern spots. If you’re heading to higher elevations or driving through the mountains, bring gloves, scarves, and something waterproof.
Pick practical footwear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for city exploring, and waterproof shoes help if rain is in the forecast. Sunglasses and sunscreen? Still useful, since the sun can be strong even in December.
Popular Destinations and Activities
Southern California offers up beach walks, outdoor dining, and theme parks. Disneyland in Anaheim and the San Diego Zoo stay open during the holidays, with festive decorations and extra hours. The mild weather means you can enjoy these places without bundling up too much.
In Los Angeles, you can check out Griffith Park, the Hollywood Hills, or head to the coast in Santa Monica. San Diego’s Old Town and Balboa Park put on seasonal events that really fit the pleasant climate.
Northern California is cooler, but it’s still worth visiting. San Francisco’s waterfront, Golden Gate Park, and holiday markets see plenty of action. Wine country in Napa and Sonoma draws visitors too, though you’ll want warmer clothes for the evenings. Ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada, like Lake Tahoe, offer a real winter experience with snow sports.
Weather-Related Travel Considerations
You’ll probably run into more rain in December, especially up north in California. San Francisco and the Bay Area often get several wet days. Los Angeles and San Diego usually stay drier, but they might still see a few light showers here and there.
It’s smart to toss a compact umbrella or a rain jacket in your bag. That way, you’ll stay comfortable if the weather turns.
If you’re driving, keep an eye on changing road conditions. Rain can make coastal highways slick pretty quickly. Mountain routes sometimes need chains if snow shows up.
Check the forecasts before you travel through higher elevations. It’s not fun to get caught off guard.
Air quality tends to be good in winter, though fog sometimes delays flights at San Francisco and Central Valley airports. Down south, Santa Ana winds don’t show up as often in December, but they can still bring dry weather and fire risks.
Stay updated on local advisories so you can dodge unexpected disruptions.