Will I need a jacket in Sacramento in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 39°F, so plan on a warm jacket and a sweater layer.

Is December rainy in Sacramento?

Expect roughly 8 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

What shoes work best in Sacramento?

When exploring Old Sacramento, wear shoes with good grip to navigate the uneven cobblestone streets safely. See our full shoe picks for December: /best-shoes-for/sacramento/december

December Packing List for Sacramento – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Insulated JacketEssential
Sacramento's December lows hit 39°F, so a warm layer is vital to combat the damp chill of the Tule fog.
Mid-weight SweatersEssential
With highs only reaching 53°F, layering is essential for navigating the Midtown grid comfortably.
Waterproof Rain ShellEssential
A shell is necessary to stay dry during Sacramento's 8 days of typical December precipitation.
Sturdy-soled BootsEssential
These are necessary for navigating Old Sacramento's cobblestones during those 8 days of potential rain.
Waterproof Walking ShoesEssential
Keep your feet dry while exploring the flat Midtown grid during one of Sacramento's 8 rainy days.
Warm ScarfEssential
Protects against the damp chill that accompanies Sacramento's winter fog and 39°F lows.
Compact UmbrellaEssential
A must-have for staying dry during the 8 days of precipitation expected in Sacramento this month.

Clothing

Insulated JacketEssential
Sacramento's December lows hit 39°F, so a warm layer is vital to combat the damp chill of the Tule fog.
Mid-weight SweatersEssential
With highs only reaching 53°F, layering is essential for navigating the Midtown grid comfortably.
Waterproof Rain ShellEssential
A shell is necessary to stay dry during Sacramento's 8 days of typical December precipitation.
Thermal Base LayersRecommended
The Tule fog can make it feel 10°F colder than the actual 39°F low, making thermals a smart choice in Sacramento.

Footwear

Sturdy-soled BootsEssential
These are necessary for navigating Old Sacramento's cobblestones during those 8 days of potential rain.
Waterproof Walking ShoesEssential
Keep your feet dry while exploring the flat Midtown grid during one of Sacramento's 8 rainy days.
Comfortable SneakersRecommended
Perfect for walking the American River Parkway when temperatures reach a mild 53°F.
Insulated BootsRecommended
Essential for staying warm when Sacramento's morning fog brings dampness and 39°F temperatures.

Accessories

Warm ScarfEssential
Protects against the damp chill that accompanies Sacramento's winter fog and 39°F lows.
Compact UmbrellaEssential
A must-have for staying dry during the 8 days of precipitation expected in Sacramento this month.
Lightweight GlovesRecommended
Essential for keeping hands warm when Sacramento temperatures dip toward the 39°F mark.
Stylish BeanieRecommended
Keeps your head warm during chilly, overcast afternoons with highs of only 53°F.

Gear

Waterproof BackpackRecommended
Protects your gear from moisture during Sacramento's 8 rainy days of the month.
Portable Power BankRecommended
Useful for keeping your phone charged while navigating the Midtown grid on a damp, 53°F afternoon.
Reusable Water BottleRecommended
Stay hydrated even when walking the American River Parkway during a cool 53°F day.
Waterproof Bag CoverRecommended
Protects your belongings from the moisture expected during Sacramento's 8 rainy days.

Local tips for Sacramento in December

Watch out for the Tule fog in December, which can create zero-visibility conditions and a damp chill that feels much colder than 39°F.

When exploring Old Sacramento, wear shoes with good grip to navigate the uneven cobblestone streets safely.

Embrace the 'farm-to-fork' vibe by dressing in effortless California casual layers for dining out in Midtown.

FAQ — Sacramento in December

Yes — average lows hit about 39°F, so plan on a warm jacket and a sweater layer.
Expect roughly 8 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
When exploring Old Sacramento, wear shoes with good grip to navigate the uneven cobblestone streets safely. See our full shoe picks for December: full shoe guide →
Embrace the 'farm-to-fork' vibe by dressing in effortless California casual layers for dining out in Midtown.

More tools for Sacramento in December

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento — What to Wear & Bring

Hotels in Sacramento