Will I need a jacket in San Diego in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 50°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.

Is December rainy in San Diego?

Expect roughly 5 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

How should I layer for San Diego in December?

With a daily range of about 50°F–66°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.

What to Pack for San Diego in December — 2026 Packing List

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Light waterproof jacketEssential
San Diego's December brings 5 rainy days as the Mediterranean wet season is active — a waterproof jacket handles the winter showers during Balboa Park December Nights and Gaslamp Quarter holiday visits.
Mid-weight sweater or fleeceEssential
December mornings in San Diego start at 50°F — a mid-weight sweater provides the morning warmth needed before the afternoon warms to 66°F, particularly for early outdoor Balboa Park visits.
Long-sleeve shirts and layering topsEssential
San Diego's December temperature spread (50°F to 66°F) rewards layering — long-sleeve shirts under a sweater handle the cold start and peel back for the pleasant 66°F afternoon at Balboa Park and the waterfront.
Light jeans or comfortable pantsEssential
December's 50°F San Diego mornings make pants the appropriate choice — light jeans are versatile for the Gaslamp Quarter's holiday season, Balboa Park December Nights, and casual coastal outdoor activities.
Water-resistant ankle bootsEssential
December's 5 rainy days make waterproof ankle boots the sensible San Diego choice — Balboa Park's December Nights and the Gaslamp Quarter holiday scene involve outdoor walking on wet pavement during rain events.

Clothing

Light waterproof jacketEssential
San Diego's December brings 5 rainy days as the Mediterranean wet season is active — a waterproof jacket handles the winter showers during Balboa Park December Nights and Gaslamp Quarter holiday visits.
Mid-weight sweater or fleeceEssential
December mornings in San Diego start at 50°F — a mid-weight sweater provides the morning warmth needed before the afternoon warms to 66°F, particularly for early outdoor Balboa Park visits.
Long-sleeve shirts and layering topsEssential
San Diego's December temperature spread (50°F to 66°F) rewards layering — long-sleeve shirts under a sweater handle the cold start and peel back for the pleasant 66°F afternoon at Balboa Park and the waterfront.
Light jeans or comfortable pantsEssential
December's 50°F San Diego mornings make pants the appropriate choice — light jeans are versatile for the Gaslamp Quarter's holiday season, Balboa Park December Nights, and casual coastal outdoor activities.
Light down vest or additional mid-layerRecommended
San Diego's coastal December evenings at 50°F feel noticeably cooler with the ocean wind at La Jolla and Coronado — a down vest adds warmth over a sweater for the outdoor holiday events that define the month.

Footwear

Water-resistant ankle bootsEssential
December's 5 rainy days make waterproof ankle boots the sensible San Diego choice — Balboa Park's December Nights and the Gaslamp Quarter holiday scene involve outdoor walking on wet pavement during rain events.
Comfortable walking shoesRecommended
December is Balboa Park's December Nights festival month — the multi-day holiday event involves hours of outdoor walking on Balboa Park's paved paths, requiring well-cushioned walking shoes.
Warm socksRecommended
San Diego's 50°F December mornings with occasional rain make warm socks worth packing — wool or thermal socks improve comfort in water-resistant boots during the cooler wet winter morning conditions.

Accessories

Compact umbrellaRecommended
December's 5 rainy days bring intermittent San Diego winter rain — a compact umbrella handles the showers during Balboa Park December Nights and the Gaslamp Quarter holiday season without requiring full rain gear.
Light scarfRecommended
December mornings at 50°F benefit from a scarf in San Diego, particularly at coastal locations like La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach where ocean breeze adds to the morning cool.
SunglassesRecommended
San Diego's December sunshine between rain systems is bright — UV Index values of 3–4 are common on clear December days, and afternoon outdoor Balboa Park time still warrants UV-blocking sunglasses.
SPF 30 sunscreenOptional
Southern California's December UV at UV Index 3–4 is lower than summer but still meaningful for extended outdoor time — Balboa Park's December Nights and outdoor holiday activities warrant sunscreen application.

Gear

Reusable water bottleRecommended
San Diego's dry coastal winter air dehydrates even in cool December conditions — a water bottle is practical for the multi-hour outdoor Balboa Park December Nights events and holiday park visits.
Small daypackOptional
December's variable San Diego weather — possible morning rain, pleasant 66°F afternoon — benefits from a small daypack to carry peel-off layers, an umbrella, and essentials for full-day holiday season outings.
Waterproof bag linerOptional
December rain in San Diego comes in brief but wet systems — a waterproof liner protects tech and essentials during the 5 rainy days when outdoor holiday activities are interrupted by showers.

Local tips for San Diego in December

Balboa Park's December Nights is San Diego's signature holiday event — two nights of free outdoor entertainment, international foods, and the park's Spanish Colonial buildings lit up; dress in full layers because the outdoor event runs into the cold evening hours.

San Diego's Hotel Del Coronado at Christmastime is spectacular — the beachfront Victorian hotel's holiday decorations are a free outdoor attraction, but the ocean wind at Coronado makes it feel noticeably colder than the city temperature; bring an extra layer specifically for the beachfront.

December is an excellent month for whale watching off San Diego as the southbound gray whale migration is active — the Point Loma fleet runs daily trips but the ocean is windier and rougher than summer; dress in significantly more layers than the city temperature suggests for the boat.

FAQ — San Diego in December

Yes — average lows hit about 50°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.
Expect roughly 5 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
With a daily range of about 50°F–66°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 San Diego in December

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Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

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Item-by-item verdict for December.

Comfort check

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Day and night temp bands for December.

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December Packing List for San Diego — What to Wear & Bring