December weather forecast
California, USA

December marks the beginning of the winter season in California, bringing cooler temperatures, increased precipitation, and in some areas, the onset of snowfall.

Coastal areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles see temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). The cooling trend is consistent, and the influence of the Pacific Ocean provides moderation, preventing extreme cold.

Inland regions and the Sierra Nevada mountains experience temperatures from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). The crispness of autumn gives way to the colder temperatures of winter, with snow becoming common in the higher altitudes.

Desert regions such as Death Valley witness further cooling, with temperatures between 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). The difference from the summer months is striking, highlighting the desert's temperature extremes.

Precipitation continues to increase in December, particularly in the north. Rainfall becomes more regular, and snowfall in the mountains contributes to the state's winter weather pattern.

Comparing December to November, the transition to winter is clear across California. Coastal areas continue to cool but remain relatively mild. Inland and mountainous regions experience more significant cooling, with the introduction of snowfall in higher elevations. The desert areas continue to cool down, leaving behind the intense heat of summer.

December's weather is characterized by the full arrival of winter, with cooler temperatures, increased precipitation, and the beginning of snow in appropriate regions. The complexity of California's geography, combined with its varied climate zones, creates a multifaceted weather pattern for December. From the relatively mild conditions on the coast to the winter chill of the mountains and the moderated desert temperatures, December in California offers a diverse weather experience. The progression from November's transitional weather to the more definitive winter conditions of December is marked and clear, as the state embraces the season's change.

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• Los Angeles - December »
  The arrival of winter in Los Angeles is evident in December, distinguished by colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and increased rainfall. The month with the shortest days in Los Angeles is December, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.
• San Francisco - December »
  With an average of 9h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in San Francisco, California. In San Francisco in December, during 8.4 rainfall days, 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• San Diego - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in San Diego is December, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation. The month with the most rainfall in San Diego is December, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.
• San Jose - December »
  December is San Jose's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 56.5°F (13.6°C) and lows of 43°F (6.1°C). December has the shortest days of the year in San Jose, California, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
• Sacramento - December »
  December, having an average high-temperature of 54.5°F (12.5°C) and an average low-temperature of 41.4°F (5.2°C), is the coldest month in Sacramento, California. In Sacramento in December, during 9.3 rainfall days, 1.3" (33mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Fresno - December »
  With an average of 6.5h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Fresno, California. With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Fresno.
• Long Beach - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Long Beach is December, when the rain falls for 5.1 days and typically aggregates up to 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation. December, known for its average high temperature of 63.5°F (17.5°C) and an average low temperature of 52.7°F (11.5°C), is the coldest month in Long Beach, California.
• Oakland - December »
  With an average of 9h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Oakland, California. The month with the shortest days in Oakland is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
• Bakersfield - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Bakersfield is December, when the rain falls for 6.7 days and typically aggregates up to 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation. January and December, with an average of 6.7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Bakersfield, California.
• Anaheim - December »
  January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index in Anaheim, California. In December, in Anaheim the rain falls for 6.6 days.
• Santa Ana - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Santa Ana is December, when the rain falls for 6.3 days and typically aggregates up to 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation. In Santa Ana in December, during 6.3 rainfall days, 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Riverside - December »
  The wettest months in Riverside are February and December, with an average 1.61" (41mm) of rainfall. The months with the least sunshine in Riverside are February and December, with an average of 6.8h of sunshine.