Early winter · Weather & things to do
Solvang in December
This is the coldest month in Solvang: highs average 62°F (17°C) and lows 49°F (10°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 84/100 is still Good, though it ranks 11th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 49°F (10°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.8 in (72 mm).
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September – November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 9.4 in (240 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 42 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 95/100 in November to 84/100.
- Our Solvang & Santa Barbara route is planned for Early Dec – early Jan, 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 eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Solvang in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Solvang Park
Small park at the center of the village with a bust of Hans Christian Andersen on a fieldstone base.
Why now December scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mission Santa Inés
Spanish mission founded in 1804 at the east end of town, with a museum, gardens and views across the valley.
Nojoqui Falls
Seasonal waterfall over a mossy limestone face, reached by a short shaded trail in a county park south of town.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Los Olivos tasting rooms
Small ranch town ten minutes north whose main street is lined with tasting rooms for Santa Ynez Valley wineries.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Birkholm's Bakery
Danish bakery on Alisal Road for kringle, butter cookies and pastries to eat on the bench outside.
Nearby in December
- Santa Barbara in December~28 mi · highs 63°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in December~95 mi · highs 54°F, 3.1 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Hollywood in December~109 mi · highs 65°F, 2.6 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Los Angeles in December~114 mi · highs 66°F, 2.6 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~313 m to Solvang's ~150 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.
Solvang in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Solvang?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 84/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain.
How cold is Solvang in December?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Solvang in December?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 15.9 in (404 mm).
What should I pack for Solvang in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in December
- Solvang & Santa Barbara Early Dec – early Jan
Planning Solvang in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.