December Packing List for Los Angeles — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Light wool coat or insulated jacketEssential

  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.

• Mid-weight sweaters (2–3)Essential

  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.

• Long-sleeve shirts and knit topsEssential

  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.

• Mid-weight dark jeans or wool-blend trousersEssential

  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.

• Waterproof ankle bootsEssential

  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.

• Leather loafers or classic flatsEssential

  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.

• Light scarfEssential

  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.

• SunglassesEssential

  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.

• Compact travel umbrellaEssential

  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.

• Packable waterproof rain jacketEssential

  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.

Clothing

• Light wool coat or insulated jacketEssential

  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.

• Mid-weight sweaters (2–3)Essential

  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.

• Long-sleeve shirts and knit topsEssential

  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.

• Mid-weight dark jeans or wool-blend trousersEssential

  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.

• One festive or polished outfit for holiday eventsRecommended

  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

• Waterproof ankle bootsEssential

  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.

• Leather loafers or classic flatsEssential

  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.

• Low-heeled booties or ankle bootiesRecommended

  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.

• Comfortable walking sneakersOptional

  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

• Light scarfEssential

  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.

• Lightweight knit beanie or hatRecommended

  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.

• SunglassesEssential

  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.

• Compact crossbody or structured bagRecommended

  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

• Compact travel umbrellaEssential

  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.

• Packable waterproof rain jacketEssential

  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.

• Reusable tote bagRecommended

  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.

• SPF 30 moisturizerRecommended

  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.