December weather forecastSanta Cruz, CA

December
Weather in December
December marks the advent of winter for Santa Cruz, cueing in cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. It's the month with the highest recorded rainfall of 2.8" (71mm) and a typically high cloud percentage of up to 35%. Despite the increase in precipitation, wind speed remains moderate, barely crossing the 6.2mph (10km/h) mark. Visitors can still enjoy the great outdoors, with the region offering a diverse range of winter activities. Harmony with nature, in the winter wonderland of Santa Cruz, creates an enchanting experience, full of warmth and joy.Temperature
December, with its average high-temperature of 57.2°F (14°C) and an average low-temperature of 46.2°F (7.9°C), holds the record as the coldest month in Santa Cruz.Humidity
In December, the average relative humidity in Santa Cruz is 71%.Rainfall
December is the month with the most rainfall in Santa Cruz. Rain falls for 10.3 days and accumulates 2.8" (71mm) of precipitation.Ocean temperature
In Santa Cruz, in December, the average water temperature is 55.6°F (13.1°C).Note: Swimming in 55.6°F (13.1°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.
Daylight
With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Santa Cruz, California.On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:03 am and sunset at 4:51 pm. On the last day of December, in Santa Cruz, sunrise is at 7:21 am and sunset at 5:01 pm PST.
Sunshine
With an average of 5.8h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.UV index
In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 4. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.Note: The UV index of 4 in December translates into these instructions:
Exercise prudence. Persons with fair skin could be burned in under 30 minutes. The Sun is most powerful around mid-day, so it's a good practice to reduce direct exposure. For holistic sun protection encompassing the eyes, ears, face, and neck, a wide-brim hat is key.
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average high temperature in December: 57.2°F
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are August and September (73°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (57.2°F).
- Average low temperature in December: 46.2°F
The month with the highest average low temperature is September (55.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (45.5°F).
Average pressure in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average pressure in December: 30.11"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average wind speed in December: 6.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (5.5mph).
Average humidity in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average humidity in December: 71%
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (75%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (68%).
Average rainfall in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average rainfall in December: 2.8"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (2.8").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (0.04").
Average rainfall days in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average rainfall days in December: 10.3 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (13.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (1.2 days).
Average sea temperature in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average sea temperature in December: 55.5°F
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (58.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is April (53.9°F).
Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average daylight in December: 9h and 42min
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 42min).
- Average sunshine in December: 5h and 48min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).
Average sunshine days in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average sunshine days in December: 19.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (27.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (16.4 days).
Average UV index in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average UV index in December: 4
The months with the highest UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and November (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover in December
Santa Cruz, CA
- Average cloud cover in December: 35
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 38).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 15).
Average visibility in December
Santa Cruz, 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).





