Early winter · Weather & things to do
La Jolla in December
La Jolla cools off: highs slip to 63°F (17°C), from 68°F in November, with lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain.
It scores 88/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 88/100 · Great
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 63°F (17°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 55°F (13°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.5 in (63 mm).
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (January, March & April and September – November).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 7.5 in (191 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 51 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 93/100 in November to 88/100.
- 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 55°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in La Jolla in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
La Jolla Cove
Small sheltered beach below the cliffs, part of an underwater reserve, where sea lions sprawl on the rocks.
Why now December scores 88/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Children's Pool
A 1931 seawall beach now used by harbor seals, which haul out on the sand in large numbers in winter.
Why now Highs near 63°F and 2.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
George's at the Cove
Long-running restaurant above the Cove with three levels, including the open-air Ocean Terrace.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
The Cottage
Breakfast and brunch spot in a small cottage with a patio in the village, open for more than thirty years.
Nearby in December
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in December~11 mi · highs 66°F, 2.0 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in December~80 mi · highs 66°F, 0.9 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Los Angeles in December~101 mi · highs 66°F, 2.6 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in December~103 mi · highs 64°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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.
La Jolla in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit La Jolla?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 88/100 against a best of 93 in January, March & April and September – November. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain.
How cold is La Jolla in December?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in La Jolla in December?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 12.4 in (315 mm).
What should I pack for La Jolla in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 55°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- San Diego New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning La Jolla in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.