Early winter · Weather & things to do
Sonoma in December
This is the coldest month in Sonoma: highs average 57°F (14°C) and lows 40°F (5°C), with about 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 63/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 57°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 6.4 in (163 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 63/100 · Good
What December feels like
Highs near 57°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 40°F (5°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.4 in (163 mm) falls in the month.
Only about 9 h 21 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and October & November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 16.0 in (406 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 21 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 91/100 in November to 63/100.
- Our California Wine Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 40°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sonoma in December
With 6.4 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Buena Vista Winery
California's oldest commercial winery (1857), with historic stone cellars.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.4 in of rain.
Glen Ellen Star
Small wood-fired kitchen serving pizzas, roasted vegetables and local wines.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Family winery since 1858, with hillside vineyards and a relaxed tasting room.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter December days.
Mission San Francisco Solano
The last of California's 21 missions, part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Sonoma Plaza
California's largest town square, ringed by tasting rooms and shops.
Nearby in December
- Napa in December~18 mi · highs 54°F, 6.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in December~31 mi · highs 56°F, 8.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- San Francisco in December~36 mi · highs 56°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in December~55 mi · highs 57°F, 4.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~266 m to Sonoma's ~26 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.
Sonoma in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Sonoma?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 63/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are April – June and October & November. Expect highs of 57°F (14°C) and 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain. Our California Wine Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Sonoma in December?
Average highs are 57°F (14°C) and average lows 40°F (5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sonoma in December?
Yes: about 6.4 in (163 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.1 in (689 mm).
What should I pack for Sonoma in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 40°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Sonoma in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.