Los Angeles weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 5 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Los Angeles brings mild, pleasant weather perfect for winter travelers seeking sunshine. Daytime highs average 19.7°C (67°F) while nights cool to 8.4°C (47°F). Rainfall totals around 76.6mm with about 5 rainy days, so occasional showers are possible. You'll enjoy approximately 8.2 hours of sunshine daily, giving plenty of daylight for outdoor exploration.
This is peak holiday season in LA. The city buzzes with festive energy—holiday markets, light displays, and shopping crowds peak in December. Beaches remain accessible and pleasant, though water temperatures drop. It's less crowded than summer but busier than fall, with a vibrant seasonal atmosphere.
December 2026 is an excellent time to visit if you enjoy mild weather without extreme heat. Pack layers since mornings and evenings require a light jacket, but afternoons are comfortable in a t-shirt. The occasional rain won't disrupt most plans, and you'll experience authentic LA winter charm without the crowds of summer months.
What to pack for Los Angeles in December
December requires layering for LA's mild but cool mornings and evenings. Bring lightweight pieces you can shed as the day warms up. Prepare for occasional rain with a compact rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring neighborhoods and beaches.
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker
- Long-sleeve t-shirts and lightweight sweaters
- Comfortable walking sneakers or casual shoes
- Sunglasses and a baseball cap for sunny afternoons
- Light scarf or cardigan for evening layering
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→Things worth doing
Hike Griffith Observatory with city views, explore Santa Monica Pier and beaches, visit Getty Center or Getty Villa, stroll through holiday markets and festive neighborhoods.
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 a ten-year climate record.
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.
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 ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
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 the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
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.