Early winter · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 4.2 in (106 mm) falling in Big Sur, alongside highs near 58°F (15°C) and lows of 49°F (9°C).
Its comfort score of 75/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 4.2 in (106 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 58°F (15°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.2 in (106 mm).
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 10.9 in (278 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 32 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 93/100 in November to 75/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Big Sur in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.
Why now December scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Bookstore and arts space in the redwoods honoring the writer.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood groves along the Big Sur River with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 4.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Big Sur River Inn
Roadside inn where you can sit in chairs set in the river with a drink.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Point Sur Lightstation
Guided tours of an 1889 lighthouse atop a volcanic rock.
Nearby in December
- Monterey & Carmel in December~23 mi · highs 58°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in December~54 mi · highs 54°F, 3.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
- San Francisco in December~109 mi · highs 56°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Sonoma in December~144 mi · highs 57°F, 6.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Big Sur in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Big Sur?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 75/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Big Sur in December?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in December?
Some: about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Big Sur in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.