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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

san diego december weather

Author

Emily Wong

Updated on June 27, 2026

The best times to visit San Diego are March through May and September through November. You can find some great deals on travel rates during the low seasons in comparison to the peak summer season.

How warm is it in San Diego in December?

What is the temperature in San Diego in December? The average low during the month is just 49 degrees and the average high is 66 degrees. There are typically only four days of rain every December. By contrast, there are two full weeks of clear skies and 73 percent sunshine all month.

Is San Diego beach warm in December?

Ocean temperature (high/low): 61.7°F/59.2°F.

Is it too cold to swim in San Diego in December?

Even though the air temperature may be warm enough to sit out on the beach, the water temperature of the Pacific Ocean is pretty cold in winter, so it’s not the best time to go swimming or surfing (unless you have a wetsuit). Water temperatures dip to about 60 F (16 C) by December and stay there through February.

What is the coldest month in San Diego?

The cool season lasts for 4.1 months, from November 29 to April 2, with an average daily high temperature below 67°F. The coldest month of the year in San Diego is December, with an average low of 51°F and high of 65°F.

What is the warmest place in the United States in December?

Key West, Florida

Located at the very end of the beautiful Florida Keys, Key West is officially the Southernmost City in the USA, making it the warmest place in US in December — probably January and February too — outside the US Virgin Islands.

Is it sunny in San Diego in December?

They have daily highs averaging 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) and the minimum averages 49 °F (9 °C). Usually every December day warms to over 50 °F (10 °C) in San Diego. The city averages 7 days this month when the thermometer reaches into the 70s °F (over 21 °C).

Is San Diego Zoo open in December?

When: Zoo hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 through Jan. 2, except Christmas Eve when the zoo closes at 5 p.m. and Jungle Bells events are dark.

Where in California is it hot in December?

Palm Springs in December. If you’re wondering where the warmest place in California is in December, look no further than Palm Springs! Southern California in winter makes for the perfect time to explore the desert since daytime temperatures are pleasant.

Can you go to the beach in San Diego in December?

Yes, even in the winter you can still enjoy the magnificent San Diego beaches. Because the climate is ideal all year long, there’s never a bad time to have a beach day. The Old Town Trolley Beach Tour is a great way to experience some of the city’s most beautiful beaches.

What are winters like in San Diego?

Average high and average low temperatures range between 69°F (21°C) and 54°F (12°C). December is one of the two coldest months in the year and marks the beginning of winter for San Diego. Average high temperatures tie with January at 65°F (18°C), but average low temperatures decrease by one degree.

Do you need a wetsuit in San Diego?

The short answer is no, you don’t. There are lots of options to wear while surfing like board shorts, swim suits, jammers, dry suits, wetsuits and more. The most important things are that you are comfortable, confident, and appropriately dressed for the temperature of the water.

Is the ocean in San Diego cold?

The Pacific Ocean is known as cold, but in summer the water temperature off of San Diego is in the high 60s. Certain protected bodies of water, like La Jolla Cove, can be even warmer, with temperatures of 70 or more.

Does it ever snow in San Diego?

San Diego’s annual snowfall is 0 inches per year while the nation usually sees an average of 24.2 inches (610 mm) per year.

What do people wear in La Jolla in December?

Long pants, a t-shirt, and a jacket is a perfect example of how to prepare for a cooler morning and a warmer afternoon. If you want to wear shorts, then throwing a sweater or jacket on top is usually a safe bet. Either a jacket on top or pants on the bottom.

Is San Diego warmer than Los Angeles?

San Diego runs a bit cooler than Los Angeles despite being located 120 miles south of LA. This is because more of the city is closer to the Pacific Ocean; the city comprises of a lower percentage of inland land when compared to Los Angeles.

How do people dress in California in December?

Take a combination of tee shirts, light blouses or polo’s, long-sleeved shirts, and a few dressy options for evenings on the town. Additionally, include some pieces you can wear as a top layer during chilly winter mornings. This may include down vests, cardigans, and ponchos.