Business Casual
White Linen Blazer Day
A white linen blazer over matching wide-leg linen trousers and a blue collarless blouse stays entirely polished through warm rain. Slide sandals and gold aviators make it feel like summer despite the drizzle.
What to Wear in Long Beach in December
In December, Long Beach averages 49–65°F with about 5 rainy days and the mild Southern California winter that keeps the waterfront accessible and comfortable year-round. The Pacific Ocean breezes make the Long Beach waterfront 5–8°F cooler than inland areas, so a proper jacket is needed for Shoreline Village and waterfront dining even on mild December afternoons. Winter rain in December is more likely than any other month — a compact umbrella is a practical accessory.
What to wear
top / Short-Sleeve Top
classic tee
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
UmbrellaSunglasses
Based on typical December conditions in Long Beach. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
December in Long Beach is SoCal winter — 65°F afternoons that feel almost warm to anyone arriving from the East Coast, 49°F evenings that require a real jacket, and the occasional Pacific storm system that brings genuine winter rain. The Long Beach waterfront, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary remain accessible and active in December's mild conditions, making it one of the more pleasant winter city destinations in the country for properly layered visitors. The waterfront's ocean breezes make temperatures consistently 5–8°F cooler than the inland forecast — a factor that makes a jacket necessary for any extended Queen Mary upper deck exploring or waterfront dining at Shoreline Village even when inland Long Beach is 65°F. The Pacific wind in December has more moisture and chill than summer breezes, making a windproof outer layer more important than raw temperature management. Long Beach's winter rainfall arrives in the 5 or so December rainy days — more rain than any other month in the city's Mediterranean climate cycle. Frontal systems from the Pacific bring multi-day rain events that are uncommon in summer's dry season. A compact umbrella or packable rain shell transitions efficiently between the rainy stretches and the clear days. Long Beach's beach-casual SoCal aesthetic adapts gracefully to December: light layers, a good jacket, and the relaxed-but-intentional look that the coastal California lifestyle produces year-round. No heavy winter gear is required — a medium-weight jacket handles the 49°F evenings, and the mild afternoon temperatures keep outdoor exploring comfortable.
Curated Looks
Casual
Linen Under Rain Jacket
A black rain jacket over ivory linen trousers refuses to look sloppy in warm rain. Espadrilles and a crochet bucket hat keep the warm-weather mood alive below the waterline.
Chic
Blush Jacket Tortoise
A blush cropped jacket over a white linen blouse and ivory wide-leg trousers refuses to look heavy in warm rain. Tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses are the editorial punctuation.
Cozy
Parka and the Ivory Mules
A black longline parka over a crewneck sweatshirt in warm rain has a deliberateness that works. Ivory satin mules and a cream beanie are the contrasts that make it.
Cute
Double Denim Rainy Day
A light wash denim jacket over a denim mini skirt makes a strong case for double denim in warm rain. The black square neck top underneath adds structure.
Formal
Black Blazer Pleated Rain
A black blazer over an ivory blouse and pleated maxi skirt in warm rain is complete formal coverage. Black mule heels are the practical formal choice when espadrilles are off the table.
Sporty
Yellow Jacket Biker
A yellow hooded rain jacket over biker shorts and a longline tee handles warm rain with high-visibility attitude. Ivory pointed-toe mules are the surprising finishing note.
Packing List
What to Pack for Long Beach in December →
Other Months in Long Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Long Beach in December?+
Wear medium-weight layers in Long Beach in December — afternoons reach 65°F but evenings and the waterfront cool to 49°F, and ocean breezes make the coast feel 5–8°F cooler than inland areas. A good jacket or medium-weight coat handles most December Long Beach days. A compact umbrella covers the 5 rainy days that represent December's peak monthly rainfall.
Is December a good time to visit Long Beach?+
December in Long Beach is an excellent mild winter destination — the 65°F afternoons make waterfront exploring and Shoreline Village comfortable, crowds are minimal compared to summer, and the Queen Mary is fully accessible. The main adjustments are packing a real jacket for evenings and waterfront wind, and bringing an umbrella for the 5 rainy days that make December the city's rainiest month.
What shoes are best for Long Beach in December?+
Comfortable ankle boots or walking shoes with some water resistance are the best footwear for Long Beach in December. The waterfront areas can be damp from ocean spray and winter rain, making moisture resistance more relevant than in summer. The flat terrain of Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue handles most comfortable footwear options, but closed-toe options are more appropriate than summer sandals for 49°F evenings.
How cold does it get in Long Beach in December?+
Long Beach averages a high of 65°F and a low of 49°F in December, with about 5 rainy days. The waterfront runs 5–8°F cooler than inland areas due to Pacific Ocean breezes. January is slightly colder and rainier; December is the beginning of Long Beach's mild winter rainy season.
What should I pack for Long Beach in December?+
Pack a medium-weight jacket, layered sweaters or light knitwear, a compact umbrella, and comfortable ankle boots or closed-toe walking shoes. No heavy winter gear is required. Long Beach's beach-casual SoCal aesthetic translates naturally to layered light-winter pieces — a denim jacket over a sweater, ankle boots, and casual comfortable separates handle the full December range.