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 Los Angeles in December
In December, Los Angeles averages 49–66°F with about 5 rainy days — the beginning of the wet season after a bone-dry summer and fall. The coastal neighborhoods and the Valley run at similar temperatures in winter (unlike the wide summer gap), and the Pacific storm systems that arrive periodically require a genuine waterproof layer. Evenings in the 49°F range require a real jacket; Hollywood Hills hiking trails can be muddy after December rain.
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 Los Angeles. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
December in Los Angeles is the city in its rare rainy-season mode — the summer's bone-dry months have given way to the Pacific storm systems that arrive periodically and drop real rainfall on the whole basin. With 66°F highs and 49°F lows, the temperature range is mild but genuinely requires layering, particularly for evenings and the outdoor cultural venues that define LA's December calendar. The Venice Beach boardwalk and the Malibu coast are at their most dramatic and least crowded in December — stormy winter swells bring serious surf, the light is extraordinary on clear post-storm days, and the crowds that make summer LA coastal areas challenging are largely absent. A good jacket and layered pieces handle the coastal winter wind and the occasional rain event that characterizes LA's December climate. Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Hills trails become muddy after December rain events, making waterproof hiking shoes with grip practical for any serious Griffith Park exploring following a storm. The observatory itself provides stunning winter views on clear post-rain days when the basin's air is washed clean and visibility extends to the San Gabriel Mountains. LA's effortlessly cool style adapts to December with the kind of layered transitional dressing that the city handles more gracefully than northern cities: a leather jacket over a sweater, ankle boots, and the casual-forward aesthetic that makes LA fashion identifiable year-round. Winter rain brings out the city's more functional side — real jackets instead of blazers, closed-toe boots instead of sandals.
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 Los Angeles in December →
Other Months in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Los Angeles in December?+
Wear medium-weight layers in Los Angeles in December — temperatures range from 49°F to 66°F with about 5 rainy days from Pacific storm systems. A real jacket is needed for evenings and rainy days; the layered LA aesthetic handles the December range naturally with a leather jacket, sweater, and ankle boots. A compact umbrella or packable rain shell covers the wet weather when it arrives.
Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?+
December in LA is an underrated time to visit — the summer crowds are largely gone, temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor exploring, and the city's holiday season brings festive energy to Runyon Canyon, the Getty Center, and the outdoor dining culture. The rainy days are a departure from the reliably dry summer, but a jacket and umbrella handle them well. Post-rain days offer the city's most spectacular visibility.
What shoes are best for Los Angeles in December?+
Comfortable ankle boots, walking shoes with water resistance, or closed-toe flats are the best footwear for Los Angeles in December. Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills trails become muddy after rain — waterproof hiking shoes or boots with grip are practical for trail access following December storms. Venice Beach and Malibu coastal walks reward comfortable footwear with some weather resistance over summer sandals.
How cold does it get in Los Angeles in December?+
Los Angeles averages a high of 66°F and a low of 49°F in December, with about 5 rainy days. Unlike the wide summer micro-climate split between coast and Valley, December temperatures are more uniform across the basin. January is the rainiest month; December marks the beginning of the wet season after the city's long dry summer and fall.
What should I pack for Los Angeles in December?+
Pack medium-weight layers — a real jacket (leather, denim, or light puffer), sweaters, and ankle boots — along with a compact umbrella or packable rain shell. No heavy winter gear is required. LA's effortlessly cool aesthetic means layered casual-chic pieces are appropriate for the full December range from Griffith Observatory day hikes to Melrose Avenue dinner.