December weather forecast
San Francisco, CA

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A beautiful dusk view of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
A beautiful dusk view of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California

Weather in December

With the arrival of December, San Francisco plunges into winter. Lower temperatures from November's relatively mild condition characterize this month. Despite the winter season, San Francisco's winter is typically milder than much of the United States, with temperatures rarely dropping to freezing point. The city's holiday season's festivities are in full swing, imbued with a spirit of celebration and cheer. The transition to a new year yields January's promise of slightly cooler temperatures, marking full-circle the city's unique, appealing climate.

Temperature

December is the month when San Francisco, California, sees the lowest average temperatures, with a high of 55.8°F (13.2°C) and a low of 45.9°F (7.7°C).

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity in San Francisco, California, is 72%.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 8.4 days. Throughout December, 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, in San Francisco, there are 58.6 rainfall days, and 6.46" (164mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 54.5°F (12.5°C).
Note: In 54.5°F (12.5°C), even brief exposure to 55.4°F (13°C) feels biting, and anything less than 50°F (10°C) risks cold shock and impaired breathing, considering one's health.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year in San Francisco, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:06 am and sunset at 4:51 pm. On the last day of December, in San Francisco, sunrise is at 7:24 am and sunset at 5:01 pm PST.

Sunshine

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3. A UV Index value of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The UV index of 3 during December leads to these advisories:
Take measures. Individuals with light skin might experience burns in under 30 minutes. Sun's radiation is most powerful around mid-day, so it's best to limit outdoor activities during this time. Sunglasses providing both UVA and UVB protection are non-negotiable on sunlit days.
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in San Francisco?

With average high and low temperatures of 55.8°F (13.2°C) and 45.9°F (7.7°C) respectively, December is San Francisco's coldest month.

What is the average December temperature in San Francisco?

In December, in San Francisco, the average high-temperature is 55.8°F (13.2°C), and the average low-temperature is 45.9°F (7.7°C).

What is the average humidity in December in San Francisco?

In December, the average relative humidity in San Francisco is 72%.

How much does it rain in San Francisco in December?

In San Francisco, California, in December, during 8.4 rainfall days, 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

What is the ocean temperature in December in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, in December, the average water temperature is 54.5°F (12.5°C). Swimming in 54.5°F (12.5°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

What is the month with the shortest days in San Francisco?

The month with the shortest days in San Francisco is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does San Francisco have in December?

The average day length in December in San Francisco is 9h and 36min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in San Francisco?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:06 am and sunset at 4:51 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:24 am and sunset at 5:01 pm PST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in San Francisco?

The month with the least sunshine in San Francisco, California, is December, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does San Francisco have in December?

In San Francisco, California, the average sunshine duration in December is 5.8h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in San Francisco?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index in San Francisco.

How high is the UV index in December in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, California, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 3. A UV Index value of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate health threat from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
San Francisco, CA

Average temperature in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average high temperature in December: 55.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is September (73.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (55.8°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 45.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is September (56.7°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and December (45.9°F).

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Average pressure in December
San Francisco, CA

Average pressure in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.11"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June, August and September (29.92"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
San Francisco, CA

Average wind speed in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average wind speed in December: 6.3mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is May (7.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (5.5mph).

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Average humidity in December
San Francisco, CA

Average humidity in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average humidity in December: 72%

The month with the highest relative humidity is March (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (67%).

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Average rainfall in December
San Francisco, CA

Average rainfall in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.02"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (1.38").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July, August and September (0.08").

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Average rainfall days in December
San Francisco, CA

Average rainfall days in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 8.4 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (9.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (1.9 days).

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Average sea temperature in December
San Francisco, CA

Average sea temperature in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average sea temperature in December: 54.5°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (57.3°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are April and June (53°F).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
San Francisco, CA

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).

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Average sunshine days in December
San Francisco, CA

Average sunshine days in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 22 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (25.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (20.8 days).

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Average UV index in December
San Francisco, CA

Average UV index in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average UV index in December: 3

The months with the highest UV index are April, June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 3).

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Average cloud cover in December
San Francisco, CA

Average cloud cover in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 35

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 36).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 14).

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Average visibility in December
San Francisco, CA

Average visibility in December - San Francisco, CA
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

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San Francisco, California, USA

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