Will I need a jacket in Bakersfield in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 38°F, so plan on a warm jacket and a sweater layer.

Will it rain in Bakersfield in December?

Only about 3 rainy days on average — a packable rain shell is usually enough without a full umbrella.

How should I layer for Bakersfield in December?

With a daily range of about 38°F–57°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

December Packing List for Bakersfield – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Lightweight puffer jacketEssential
In Bakersfield, the San Joaquin Valley floor gets chilly when temperatures drop to 38°F.
Long-sleeve cotton shirtsEssential
These are perfect for layering in Bakersfield when the semi-arid climate brings highs of 57°F.
Light windbreakerEssential
A shell is useful in Bakersfield when rain falls on the San Joaquin Valley floor during one of the 3 precipitation days.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
These are essential for navigating the flat San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield when it is 57°F.
Casual sneakersEssential
These are perfect for walking through the San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield when it is 57°F.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated in Bakersfield's semi-arid climate even when it is only 57°F.

Clothing

Lightweight puffer jacketEssential
In Bakersfield, the San Joaquin Valley floor gets chilly when temperatures drop to 38°F.
Long-sleeve cotton shirtsEssential
These are perfect for layering in Bakersfield when the semi-arid climate brings highs of 57°F.
Sturdy denim jeansRecommended
These are great for exploring downtown Bakersfield when it is a pleasant 57°F.
Light windbreakerEssential
A shell is useful in Bakersfield when rain falls on the San Joaquin Valley floor during one of the 3 precipitation days.
Thermal base layerRecommended
The Tule fog makes Bakersfield feel much colder than the recorded 38°F low.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoesEssential
These are essential for navigating the flat San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield when it is 57°F.
Weather-resistant bootsRecommended
Wear these if you encounter any of the 3 precipitation days while exploring agricultural fields in Bakersfield.
Casual sneakersEssential
These are perfect for walking through the San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield when it is 57°F.
Waterproof loafersRecommended
Use these if you encounter any of the 3 precipitation days on the flat terrain of Bakersfield.

Accessories

Warm scarfRecommended
A scarf helps in Bakersfield when the Tule fog makes the 38°F low feel even colder.
SunglassesOptional
The sun is bright over the San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield during the 57°F afternoons.
Compact umbrellaRecommended
Carry this to stay dry during any of the 3 precipitation days across the San Joaquin Valley floor in Bakersfield.
Thermal glovesRecommended
Gloves are necessary in Bakersfield when the Tule fog accompanies a low of 38°F.

Gear

Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated in Bakersfield's semi-arid climate even when it is only 57°F.
Small daypackRecommended
A pack helps you carry layers through the San Joaquin Valley floor as temperatures swing from 38°F to 57°F in Bakersfield.
Portable power bankOptional
Keep your phone charged while exploring the flat terrain of Bakersfield during a sunny 57°F day.
Travel wipesOptional
Wipes are useful for cleaning dust from agricultural fields in Bakersfield when it is 57°F.

Local tips for Bakersfield in December

Watch out for the Tule fog in December; it can make those 38°F mornings feel much chillier than they actually are.

For a night at Buck Owens Crystal Palace, lean into the local style with denim and boots.

Keep an umbrella handy as Bakersfield sees about 3 days of precipitation during this month.

FAQ — Bakersfield in December

Yes — average lows hit about 38°F, so plan on a warm jacket and a sweater layer.
Only about 3 rainy days on average — a packable rain shell is usually enough without a full umbrella.
With a daily range of about 38°F–57°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

More tools for Bakersfield in December

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Bakersfield in December →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for December →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for December.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for December.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Bakersfield in December

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

December Packing List for Bakersfield — What to Wear & Bring

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