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The Weather in December in Los Angeles

Updated: March 11, 2024

This post is an overview of the December weather in Los Angeles, California.

It includes rain and temperature forecasts, as well as tips on how to dress and things to do.

As a retired meteorologist turned tour guide, I didn't expect that I would use my experience as a forecaster in my new career in tourism.

But here I am, finding myself answering more weather questions as a blogger than I ever did as a weatherman.

So, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the weather in Los Angeles in December.

Be sure to look into what November and January are like in LA, as well!


HOW COLD IS IT IN LA IN DECEMBER?

Los Angeles during December tends to have comfortable to cool afternoons with cool to cold evenings and mornings.

 Afternoon high temperatures tend to be in the mid to upper 60s F (19-24 C) with a few of the warmer days reaching into the upper 70s F (25-27 C), mostly early in the month.

Average Temps in LA in December

Temperatures of 90 F (about 32 C) or above are extremely rare and the all-time max temperature for Los Angeles during December was 94 F (34.4 C).

Late night and early morning low temperatures tend to be in the upper 40S F (9-10 C) with a few of the colder mornings dipping down into the lower 40s F (5-6 C).

The record low temperature in Los Angeles during December is 30 F (-1.1 C).


HOW MUCH SUN AND RAIN?

About 21-23 days are likely to have skies either sunny or at least partly sunny so December is a great time to explore Los Angeles.

How much Sun in December in LA

About 5-6 days this month will have some measurable rainfall with significant rains of 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) or more occurring, only on average on 1 or 2 days.

Rain is more likely during the second half of December than during the first half.

Daylight hours average about 10 hours each day throughout the month.


Seasonal Outlook - October to December 2024 Los Angeles

There is an 81% chance for normal to above-normal temperatures with near-normal rainfall.


WHAT TO WEAR IN LA IN DECEMBER?

The weather during December tends to be cool to comfortable with a couple of chilly to cold mornings.

Fall attire makes the most sense this month, however, a few of the colder evenings and mornings will require at least a light to medium-weight jacket or coat, especially near the end of the month.

What to Wear in LA in December

There will still be a good amount of sunshine, so you should have a good pair of sunglasses handy.

Don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes and perhaps an umbrella for those few wet days.


WHAT TO DO IN LOS ANGELES IN DECEMBER?

Below are the top things to do in December in Los Angeles.

Be sure to read our full post on what to do in Los Angeles this month, which includes free things to do, night and family-friendly activities and attractions, as well as our definitive post on the best things to do in LA.

And if you are planning on visiting many of Los Angeles’s top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass.

These passes could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.

  1. Take a sightseeing tour of LA.
  2. Enjoy a major concert.
  3. Go to a Rams, Lakers, or Kings game.
  4. Attend a theatre production.
  5. Enjoy the LA Zoo's Zoolights displays.
  6. See Universal Studios Hollywood, including the Wizarding World, decorated for Christmas.
  7. Watch a MoMA Contender film from the list of influential films.
  8. Shop at a holiday-themed craft fair.
  9. Celebrate New Year's Eve with a party or dinner.
  10. Save more money with an attraction discount pass.

Be sure to check out all the top things to do in December in our main post.

Fred Pickhardt
Ocean Weather Services

About The Author

Fred Pickhardt

Fred is a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade. He has extensive experience in weather analysis, weather forecasting, and forensic weather event reconstructions. Fred founded Ocean Weather Services and currently provides forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.
Updated: March 11th, 2024
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