Avg High
San Diego in December
Verdict
In San Diego, December has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, temperatures are dropping quickly. You can usually expect a mild month that feels manageable day to day.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Showers tend to come and go, rather than settle in all day.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
10h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Easygoing temperatures with a gentle drop-off once the sun goes down. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Showers & dry spells - Showery bursts. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. It’s worth being prepared for occasional rain.
- Midday sun - Moderate sun. You'll feel fine, but it's still easy to get caught out. This is a 'don't forget the hat' month.
- Exposure - Refreshing breezes, and gusts can catch you in exposed spots. It’s the kind of wind you plan around for viewpoints and coastal walks.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in San Diego.
Hottest (avg)
#11 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 12
Daylight Hours
#12 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#11 / 12
Highest UV
#12 / 12
Most Humid
#11 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 10.0 hours
- UV index (max)
- 4
- Typical sun hours
- 06:42 – 16:45
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 6
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 73%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit San Diego?
Typical December days in San Diego reach highs of 17°C (63°F) with nights around 9°C (48°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. It is among the wetter months, so it is wise to have some indoor backup plans or flexible activities.
What are temperatures like in December?
In December, you can usually expect highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows near 9°C (48°F). That means mild days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 51 mm (2.0 in) across roughly 6 days. Overall it is a moderately wet time of year, so showers are usually brief rather than all-day downpours.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 06:42 and sunset near 16:45. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels are moderate (around 4); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 8 km/h (5 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 37 km/h (23 mph). On the ground, it is a gentle to moderate breeze is common, but stronger winds are not frequent.