Los Angeles in December: Weather Guide
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
Walk Santa Monica pier early in December and the character of Los Angeles's season lands quickly — a mild bite that eases as the sun climbs carrying through the day. Averages sit around 19.7°C (67.5°F) by day and 8.4°C (47.1°F) after dark, with rainfall near 77 mm across roughly 4.9 rainy days — settling into steady stretches with clearing between. Daylight runs about 8.2 hours per day, shorter daylight that concentrates walking hours, and the season stamps its signature on details like palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills.
On the ground, this means layered days. Time around Santa Monica pier rewards a morning window when temperatures stabilise, and by afternoon a mid-weight layer earns its keep as you cross between Hollywood Boulevard and the covered options nearby. Evenings pull back indoors — cafés, small restaurants, the warm middle of the day compressed into memory.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), December in Los Angeles has trended more variable in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Los Angeles visitors in 2026.
Skip Hollywood Boulevard entirely. The real geography splits by canyon and freeway: Silver Lake pours into Echo Park via Sunset Junction thrift shops, Boyle Heights defends its mariachi plaza at First and Boyle, and Sawtelle Japantown packs more udon per block than Little Tokyo. Order at Langer's before 4pm because they close, and remember the 405 at 5pm is a lifestyle choice.
What to pack for Los Angeles in December
With highs around 19.7°C and lows near 8.4°C, layering does the heavy lifting — a single jacket rarely covers a full day.
- a light jacket
- jeans
- trainers
- a light rain shell
- sunglasses
What to pack for Los Angeles in December
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Where to stay in Los Angeles
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Los Angeles across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Los Angeles
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Los Angeles?
Flights to Los Angeles in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include beach days, museum visits, canyon hikes, and studio tours — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern. Plan mornings for outdoor options and afternoons fo...
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Los Angeles. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Los Angeles
While December has its own character in Los Angeles, the data-backed best months to visit Los Angeles are March, April, May, June. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Los AngelesOther places with a similar climate right now
Los Angeles in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?
Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, Los Angeles averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 8°C (47°F), with 77mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days. March-April brings jacaranda bloom purpling Highland Park streets and pre-June-gloom clarity before the marine layer smothers mornings until noon.
Q02What is the average temperature in Los Angeles in December?
What is the average temperature in Los Angeles in December?
The average high temperature in Los Angeles during December is 20°C (67°F), with an average low of 8°C (47°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January nights drop to 8C; mansion-tour crowds thin, Griffith Observatory has zero queue, and rain closes Runyon Canyon trails for days.
Q03How many rainy days does Los Angeles have in December?
How many rainy days does Los Angeles have in December?
Los Angeles averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 77mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Los Angeles in December?
What should I pack for Los Angeles in December?
For Los Angeles in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A light merino layer for restaurant AC set to 65F and canyon evenings that drop 15 degrees after sunset.
Q05How crowded is Los Angeles in December?
How crowded is Los Angeles in December?
Tourist crowds in Los Angeles during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Skip Hollywood Boulevard entirely. The real geography splits by canyon and freeway: Silver Lake pours into Echo Park via Sunset Junction thrift shops, Boyle Heights defends its mariachi plaza at First and Boyle, and Sawtelle Japantown packs more udon per block than Little Tokyo. Order at Langer's before 4pm because they close, and remember the 405 at 5pm is a lifestyle choice.