Packing List
December Packing List for Los Angeles — What to Wear & Bring
December in Los Angeles brings the coolest and wettest weather of the year alongside holiday season energy — highs reach 66°F, lows drop to 49°F, and there are about 5 rainy days. The daily swing of nearly 17°F makes layering essential. A light coat, waterproof boots, and an umbrella are the core of a December LA wardrobe, while afternoon sunshine on clear days still makes outdoor activities comfortable in lighter layers.
Averages 49–66°F, ~5 days of rain
Clothing
December lows of 49°F in Los Angeles are the coldest of the year — a wool coat or insulated light jacket handles both the cold coastal mornings at the Venice Beach boardwalk and the 17°F temperature rise to 66°F by afternoon.
LA's December daily swing from 49°F to 66°F means sweaters are the essential mid-layer — worn alone on warmer afternoons in Los Feliz and Echo Park, or under a coat for morning errands and rainy day outings.
December afternoons in LA regularly reach 66°F on clear days — long-sleeve tops are the right standalone layer for daytime exploring in Silver Lake, the Arts District, and the Farmer's Market at The Grove.
December averages 5 rainy days in Los Angeles — mid-weight trousers or dark jeans handle both the wet winter days and the cooler evenings at the holiday events in Hollywood and downtown LA.
December in LA is the busiest month for holiday parties, industry events, and gallery openings — a slightly more elevated outfit piece (a blazer, a midi party dress) covers the December social calendar that is particularly active in West Hollywood.
Footwear
December's 5 rainy days — the third-highest of any month in LA — and the return of Pacific storm systems make waterproof ankle boots the most practical footwear choice for the full month, from walking Melrose to exploring the Grand Central Market.
On December's 26 dry days, classic leather loafers or flats are the go-to footwear for the heavy walking in the holiday shopping corridors of Beverly Hills, the Westside Pavilion area, and the boutiques in Brentwood.
December evening events in LA — holiday parties in West Hollywood, gallery openings in Culver City, and New Year's Eve celebrations — call for polished footwear that handles 49°F nighttime temperatures with enough warmth.
The Griffith Park trails are accessible and green in December on dry days — comfortable sneakers handle the easy-grade paths near the Griffith Observatory where December visibility is often at its clearest of the year.
Accessories
December mornings at 49°F in Los Angeles are genuinely cold — particularly along the Venice Beach boardwalk and at the Santa Monica Pier where ocean breezes add a wind chill effect to the coldest mornings of the year.
49°F December mornings at the Griffith Observatory overlook or along the Malibu coast call for head coverage — a compact knit beanie packs flat and provides meaningful warmth during LA's coldest month.
Despite December rain days, Los Angeles still delivers roughly 26 sunny days in the month — the low winter sun angle creates intense morning glare on the freeways and walking streets, making sunglasses a daily essential.
December holiday shopping across LA's boutique corridors and outdoor malls involves significant walking — a compact crossbody handles the wallet, phone, light layer, and compact umbrella without the bulk of a large bag.
Gear
December averages 5 rainy days in Los Angeles as Pacific storms return — a compact umbrella is the highest-value rain protection for the urban holiday-season exploring in Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the Westside shopping districts.
December Pacific storms can be heavy and gusty enough that an umbrella alone is insufficient — a packable waterproof jacket is worth packing for outdoor activities at Griffith Park or the outdoor holiday markets in downtown LA.
California's plastic bag ban is in full force during the December holiday shopping season — a quality reusable tote handles the boutique shopping on Abbot Kinney, Montana Avenue, and the Farmers Market holiday stalls without requiring single-use bags.
December in LA delivers meaningful UV exposure on the 26 sunny days despite the cooler temperatures — a moisturizer with SPF 30 makes daily sun protection simple during the winter months when standalone sunscreen use tends to drop.
Local tips for Los Angeles in December
- 1.December in Los Angeles features some of the city's best holiday installations — the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive holiday lights, the Hotel del Coronado displays visible from the coast, and the holiday light shows at the LA Zoo are all free or low-cost experiences. 66°F December afternoons make outdoor holiday strolling more pleasant than in most US cities.
- 2.New Year's Eve in Los Angeles is celebrated across multiple venues — the Grand Park celebration near City Hall and the Rose Bowl events in Pasadena are the major free options. The 49°F midnight temperature requires a coat and scarf at outdoor celebrations; plan accordingly with a light wool coat and warm accessories.
- 3.The Rose Parade in Pasadena runs on January 1st but the floats are constructed throughout December — visiting the float construction warehouses in Pasadena during the final two weeks of December is a uniquely LA experience that gives you access to the artistry before the parade crowds arrive.