Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December
This is the coldest month in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter: highs average 66°F (19°C) and lows 50°F (10°C), with about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain.
At 92/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 2.0 in (51 mm)
- Humidity
- 64%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs near 66°F (19°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 50°F (10°C).
About 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's December.
Plan around December
December is one of Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter's best months on the climate data.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 5.8 in (147 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 51 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (93 → 92/100).
- Our San Diego New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Coronado Ferry Landing
Shops and a small park at the Coronado ferry pier, facing the downtown skyline across the bay.
Why now December scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
SeaWorld San Diego
Marine park on Mission Bay whose Christmas Celebration ends New Year's Eve with fireworks at about 9 pm.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 2.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
C Level
Seafood restaurant at the water's edge on Harbor Island, with a full view of the downtown skyline across the bay.
Gaslamp Quarter
Sixteen blocks of Victorian-era buildings along Fifth Avenue, full of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Nearby in December
- La Jolla in December~11 mi · highs 63°F, 2.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in December~85 mi · highs 66°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Joshua Tree in December~108 mi · highs 57°F, 0.6 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, drier
- Los Angeles in December~112 mi · highs 66°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~394 m to Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter's ~10 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 92/100. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December?
Not much: about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.6 in (268 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter
Routes in season in December
- San Diego New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter 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.