Early winter · Weather & things to do
Pasadena in December
This is the coldest month in Pasadena: highs average 64°F (18°C) and lows 46°F (8°C), with about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
It scores 92/100 for comfort, 9th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (65 mm)
- Humidity
- 58%
- Cloud cover
- 42%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 64°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.6 in (65 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
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 92/100.
- Our Los Angeles 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 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Pasadena in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Pasadena City Hall
Domed 1927 Spanish Revival city hall with a fountain courtyard open to visitors.
Colorado Street Bridge
Curved 1913 concrete arch bridge over the Arroyo Seco, with a walking path along the stream bed below.
Why now December scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pie 'n Burger
Counter diner near Caltech since 1963, known for griddled burgers, pancakes and fruit pies by the slice.
Rose Parade
The Tournament of Roses parade of flower-covered floats, bands and horses, held on Colorado Boulevard since 1890.
The Raymond 1886
Seasonal American cooking in the former caretaker's cottage of the vanished Raymond Hotel, with a garden patio.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 2.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Los Angeles in December~9 mi · highs 66°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hollywood in December~11 mi · highs 65°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Santa Barbara in December~91 mi · highs 63°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Palm Springs in December~94 mi · highs 66°F, 0.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
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.
Pasadena in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Pasadena?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 92/100 against a best of 100 in March – June and October & November. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
How cold is Pasadena in December?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Pasadena 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 Pasadena in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in December
- Los Angeles New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Pasadena 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.