San Diego Weather in December 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
December wraps San Diego in a mild wet quiet. Highs sit at 18.3C (65F) with lows of 9.3C (48F), rainfall reaches 52mm across 5.2 days, and sunshine shortens to 8.3 hours with sunset by 4:45pm early in the month. Balboa Park's December Nights kicks off the first Friday and Saturday — the largest free two-night festival in California — with 350,000 people and ethnic food halls representing every diaspora in the county. Gray whales pass daily off La Jolla and Point Loma.
Locals adjust: fish tacos give way to green corn tamales at Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan, and Convoy district hot pot restaurants fill nightly. The Hotel del Coronado ice rink opens on the beach for the eighth year running. Christmas boat parades run in San Diego Bay and Mission Bay across the first two weekends. La Jolla harbor seals continue pupping and the Children's Pool railing draws crowds daily. Between Christmas and New Year, downtown hotels fill with families using the mild climate as an escape from Midwestern cold.
Ten-year data shows December rainfall variability widening dramatically — 2017 delivered 120mm in a single storm week, 2020 saw under 10mm all month. Temperature holds steady with a 0.3C warming trend. 2026 forecasts lean toward normal precipitation with two to three storm systems and the potential for one atmospheric river event. Night lows can dip to 5C during clear post-storm windows.
For 2026 travelers, first two weeks are still bargain territory before Christmas week surge pricing. December Nights weekend (December 4-5 in 2026) is free but hotels near Balboa book fast. Whale-watching trips run daily. Book Hotel del Coronado ice rink slots two weeks ahead through December 2026, and Christmas-week accommodations at least six weeks out.
The city runs on microclimates: it can be 18C and foggy in Ocean Beach while it's 32C and dry in El Cajon, 20 miles apart. Locals never say 'San Diego' for their neighborhood — it's Hillcrest, North Park, Barrio Logan, or PB. The Convoy district in Kearny Mesa has better Sichuan and Korean food than anywhere in LA, and no tourist ever finds it. 'Freeway' takes 'the' — 'the 5,' 'the 805.'
What to pack for San Diego in December
December means mild days, chilly evenings, and real rain preparation for storms.
- Waterproof jacket for rain days and evening walks
- Long-sleeve tops and warm sweater for cool days
- Long pants throughout — shorts weather is over
- Closed shoes with grip for wet boardwalks and trails
- Compact umbrella for atmospheric river storms
What to pack for San Diego in December
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Where to stay in San Diego
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to San Diego
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 San Diego?
Flights to San Diego 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
December Nights at Balboa Park first weekend; gray whale watching from Point Loma; Christmas boat parade in San Diego Bay; Hotel del Coronado beach ice rink; Las Cuatro Milpas green corn tamales; Old Town holiday lights; La Jolla seal pups; Convoy district hot pot dinner.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in San Diego. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit San Diego
While December has its own character in San Diego, the data-backed best months to visit San Diego are April, June, July, August. 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 San DiegoOther places with a similar climate right now
San Diego in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit San Diego in December?
Should I visit San Diego in December?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, San Diego averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 9°C (49°F), with 53mm of rainfall across roughly 5 rainy days. September-October see the marine layer finally burn off by 10am and water temperatures peak at 21C, prime for La Jolla Cove snorkeling with leopard sharks.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in San Diego during December?
What temperatures should I expect in San Diego during December?
The average high temperature in San Diego during December is 18°C (65°F), with an average low of 9°C (49°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January nights drop to 8C and rain turns Mission Valley freeways treacherous; locals switch from fish tacos to green corn tamales at Las Cuatro Milpas.
Q03Is December a rainy month in San Diego?
Is December a rainy month in San Diego?
San Diego averages approximately 5 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 53mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for San Diego in December?
How should I dress for San Diego in December?
For San Diego in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Light hoodie for June Gloom evenings — the marine layer drops temperatures 10 degrees after sunset even in summer.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for San Diego?
Is December a busy travel month for San Diego?
Tourist crowds in San Diego during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The city runs on microclimates: it can be 18C and foggy in Ocean Beach while it's 32C and dry in El Cajon, 20 miles apart. Locals never say 'San Diego' for their neighborhood — it's Hillcrest, North Park, Barrio Logan, or PB. The Convoy district in Kearny Mesa has better Sichuan and Korean food than anywhere in LA, and no tourist ever finds it. 'Freeway' takes 'the' — 'the 5,' 'the 805.'