Early winter · Weather & things to do
Los Angeles in December
This is the coldest month in Los Angeles: highs average 66°F (19°C) and lows 48°F (9°C), with about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
It scores 93/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (65 mm)
- Humidity
- 58%
- Cloud cover
- 42%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 66°F (19°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 48°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.6 in (65 mm).
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March – June and October & November).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 8.4 in (213 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 44 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 99/100 in November to 93/100.
- 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 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Los Angeles in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Largest art museum in the West, home to the Urban Light lamppost installation.
Santa Monica Pier
Historic pier with a Ferris wheel, the end-of-Route 66 sign and beach sunsets.
Why now December scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Langer's Delicatessen
Classic deli famed for the #19 hot pastrami sandwich.
Grand Central Market
Food hall since 1917 with stalls for tacos, egg sandwiches and pupusas.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Beach promenade with street performers, the skate park and Muscle Beach.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 2.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Hollywood in December~6 mi · highs 65°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Pasadena in December~9 mi · highs 64°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Santa Barbara in December~87 mi · highs 63°F, 2.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in December~99 mi · highs 66°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
These averages also cover Downtown LA and Downtown Los Angeles.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~395 m to Los Angeles's ~88 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.
Los Angeles in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 93/100 against a best of 100 in March – June and October & November. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Los Angeles in December?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Los Angeles in December?
Some: about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Los Angeles in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Los Angeles
Planning Los Angeles in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.