December falls in the middle of Los Angeles's wet season, though the heaviest months tend to be January and February. You can still expect roughly 61mm of rainfall across about 5 storm days. That tends to catch visitors off guard. Daytime highs still reach a mild 19°C (66°F), and the rain arrives in distinct Pacific storms rather than all-day drizzle, so you'll likely get several crisp, clear days between each wet spell. On those post-storm mornings, the air quality is some of the cleanest LA sees all year. The San Gabriel Mountains appear suddenly sharp and snow-capped to the northeast, and everything smells washed and cool. It is a different city than the beach-and-sunshine version most people picture.
The holiday season gives December its personality. Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge runs its Enchanted Forest of Light from mid-November through early January. LA Zoo Lights fills the Griffith Park zoo with walkthrough displays on a similar schedule. The Grove in the Fairfax District pipes fake snow onto its outdoor shopping plaza each evening. Tamale vendors set up outside grocery stores and churches across Boyle Heights and East LA. In Altadena, residents on Christmas Tree Lane along Santa Rosa Avenue wire up their trees in lights, a tradition dating to 1920. These are sensory, layered experiences. The smell of wet eucalyptus mixing with woodsmoke on a cold evening in Silver Lake. The taste of champurrado from a street vendor in Historic Filipinotown. December LA has a texture that July never does.
Hotel prices climb 30 to 50 percent above the annual average during the last two weeks of the month, and LAX becomes genuinely difficult from about December 20 through January 2. The first two weeks offer a sweet spot, though. Holiday installations are already running, restaurants are less booked, and room rates sit closer to November levels. If you arrive by December 5 and leave by the 18th, you get most of the seasonal atmosphere without the seasonal price tag.
Why visit in December
- Daytime temperatures hold at a comfortable 19°C (66°F), warm enough for outdoor sightseeing without the oppressive 32°C heat of August
- Post-rain air quality is some of the best LA sees all year, and the San Gabriel Mountains become visible with fresh snow, making December one of the most photogenic months for skyline views from Griffith Observatory
- Holiday light installations across the city, from LA Zoo Lights to the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, give the month a seasonal identity that LA's reputation for eternal summer tends to obscure
- Gray whale migration begins along the Southern California coast in late November, making December one of the strongest months for whale watching trips out of San Pedro and Marina del Rey
- California navel oranges and Meyer lemons hit their first peak of the season at winter farmers markets, and tamale season brings some of the best traditional Mexican food you will find anywhere in the country
Worth knowing
- December averages about 61mm of rainfall across roughly 5 storm days, and a single Pacific storm can deliver 25-40mm in 24 hours, turning freeways dangerous and flooding low-lying streets in areas like Sun Valley and parts of the San Fernando Valley
- Hotel rates rise 30-50% above the annual average from mid-December through early January, with popular neighborhoods like Santa Monica and West Hollywood seeing the steepest increases
- LAX airport becomes one of the most congested airports in the country from December 20 through January 2, with TSA wait times regularly exceeding 45 minutes
- Daylight is short. Sunset hits around 4:45pm in mid-December, leaving limited afternoon light for outdoor activities or photography
Best for
Think twice if
December sits in the earlier part of LA's wet season, averaging about 61mm of rainfall across roughly 5 storm days spread through the month. January and February typically bring heavier totals. Between storms, expect cool, clear mornings around 9°C (48°F) that warm to about 19°C (66°F) by early afternoon. Humidity averages 67%, which feels mild but noticeably damp compared to LA's typically dry air. Evening temperatures settle around 9-10°C (48-50°F), enough to warrant a real jacket if you are walking around Silver Lake or Santa Monica after sunset. The Pacific Ocean is cold at roughly 14°C (57°F). Post-storm days are genuinely beautiful. The air smells clean, the mountains appear snow-dusted against sharp blue sky, and visibility extends to Catalina Island on the best mornings.
Seasonal caution
- Santa Ana winds can occur in December, bringing hot, dry gusts of 60-100 km/h (40-60 mph) from the inland deserts through mountain passes. These conditions elevate wildfire risk significantly, and December 2017 saw the Thomas Fire become one of California's largest wildfires. Check the National Weather Service LA office for Red Flag Warnings before planning hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains or Griffith Park.
- Heavy Pacific storms occasionally drop 40mm or more in a single day, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas and mudslides in hillside neighborhoods, particularly in areas with recent burn scars. Avoid hiking in canyons during active rainstorms and monitor the LA County Public Works flood watch alerts.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 | 7 | 85 |
| Feb | 20 | 8 | 110 |
| Mar | 20 | 9 | 85 |
| Apr | 24 | 11 | 8 |
| May | 25 | 13 | 7 |
| Jun | 28 | 15 | 10 |
| Jul | 31 | 17 | 2 |
| Aug | 32 | 18 | 18 |
| Sep | 30 | 18 | 22 |
| Oct | 27 | 15 | 18 |
| Nov | 23 | 11 | 57 |
| Dec | 19 | 9 | 132 |
Best things to do in December
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
holidayThis walkthrough light installation fills the 150-acre Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge with illuminated paths through the oak woodland, rose garden, and camellia forest. The trail runs about a mile and takes 60-90 minutes at a comfortable pace. The ancient oaks wrapped in white lights are the signature visual, and the cool night air carries the smell of damp earth and camellias.
The installation runs mid-November through early January, with December offering the full display and the most reliable evening programming.Booking tipTickets sell out weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Book online as soon as dates are released, typically in October. Weeknight visits are less crowded.
Gray Whale Watching from San Pedro
natureGray whales pass through the waters off the Palos Verdes Peninsula on their southbound migration from Alaska to Baja California. Trips depart from San Pedro's Ports O' Call area and from Marina del Rey. You might spot spouts within 30 minutes of leaving the harbor on a good day, though sightings are never guaranteed this early in the migration. The boats also pass pods of common dolphins and the occasional sea lion.
The southbound gray whale migration begins in late November and builds through December, with the whales passing closest to the LA coast on their way to the breeding lagoons of Baja California.Booking tipMorning departures tend to have calmer seas. The Pacific is cold and often choppy in December, so bring layers and consider seasickness medication if you are prone to it.
LA Zoo Lights
holidayGriffith Park's LA Zoo transforms into a walkthrough light display after dark, with illuminated animal sculptures, light tunnels, and themed zones spread across the zoo's pathways. The route takes about an hour. The glow of the lights against the dark hillside of Griffith Park gives the experience a different feel than indoor holiday events. You can smell the eucalyptus trees along the upper paths on damp evenings.
LA Zoo Lights runs from mid-November through early January, and December is when the full installation is operational with the most programming nights per week.Booking tipTimed-entry tickets are required and weekend dates sell out early. Arrive close to your entry time, as parking in the Griffith Park zoo lot fills quickly on popular nights.
Hiking After a Storm in Griffith Park
outdoorsThe trails in Griffith Park, particularly the route from the Greek Theatre up to Griffith Observatory, become some of the best urban hiking in the country on post-storm December days. The air is sharp and clean, the scrubby chaparral smells like wet sage, and the visibility can extend to Catalina Island 40 km off the coast. The trail to the observatory is about 4 km round trip with moderate elevation gain.
December's post-storm conditions create the clearest air quality LA sees all year. The combination of washed air, snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains, and low-angle winter light makes these 2-3 day windows after each storm genuinely special.Booking tipThe Griffith Observatory parking lot fills by mid-morning on clear weekend days. Take the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Red Line station instead, or hike up from the Fern Dell entrance on Western Canyon Road.
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
holidaySanta Rosa Avenue in Altadena has been strung with lights every December since 1920, making it one of the oldest large-scale holiday light displays in Southern California. The mile-long stretch of deodar cedar trees, originally planted in 1885, gets wrapped in thousands of lights. Residents along the lane decorate their yards and porches. You drive or walk through slowly, with the scent of cedar and woodsmoke hanging in the cool evening air.
The lights go up in mid-December and stay through Christmas. The tradition has run continuously since 1920 with only a few wartime interruptions.Booking tipDrive through on a weeknight to avoid the significant weekend traffic backups along Santa Rosa Avenue. The lane is free and open to cars and pedestrians.
Winter Farmers Market Circuit
foodLA's farmers markets continue year-round, and December brings the first wave of winter citrus, persimmons, and pomegranates to the stalls. The Santa Monica Wednesday Market on Arizona Avenue is the largest, with over 75 vendors. The Hollywood Farmers Market on Ivar Avenue runs Sundays. Both carry stone-ground tamale masa, fresh-pressed tangerine juice, and Medjool dates from the Coachella Valley alongside the citrus.
December marks the start of California's winter citrus season, with navel oranges, Meyer lemons, and satsuma mandarins reaching their first peak at market stalls.Booking tipThe Santa Monica Wednesday market opens at 8:30am. Arriving by 9am avoids the midday crowds and gives first pick of the smaller-batch items like Meyer lemons from single-orchard vendors.
Holiday Shopping on Abbott Kinney Boulevard
shoppingAbbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice runs about 1.5 km from Venice Boulevard south to Brooks Avenue, lined with independent boutiques, design shops, and galleries. December brings holiday pop-up markets and extended evening hours to many of the stores. The street has a walkable, slightly bohemian feel that contrasts with the malls, and you can smell roasting coffee and salt air from the beach 3 blocks west.
Many Abbott Kinney shops host holiday shopping events in early December, with extended hours and seasonal pop-ups from local makers and designers.Booking tipParking on Abbott Kinney is difficult any time of year and worse in December. Park on the residential streets east of the boulevard or take a rideshare.
Museum Day at The Broad
cultureThe Broad in Downtown LA on Grand Avenue holds over 2,000 works of contemporary art, including signature pieces by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama. The Kusama Infinity Room requires a separate timed reservation. The building itself, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, has a honeycomb-like exterior shell called the veil that filters natural light into the third-floor galleries.
December rain days create a natural reason to spend 3-4 hours inside, and the museum's free general admission makes it one of the best value cultural experiences in the city during an expensive travel month.Booking tipFree general admission tickets are released online monthly and go quickly. Check The Broad's website on the first of the month. Standby lines on weekday mornings are typically shorter than weekends.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
California Navel Oranges
Navel orange harvest starts in November and hits its stride in December across the inland valleys east of LA. The Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market and the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays carry them from Ojai and Riverside County growers. December navels tend to be sweeter than the later-season fruit, with thick pebbly skin and a bright, tart juice. You might also find Cara Cara navels, which have a pinkish flesh and a slightly berry-like taste.
Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons reach their first peak in December at Southern California farmers markets. They are sweeter and less acidic than standard Eureka lemons, with a thin, fragrant skin that smells almost floral. The Hollywood Farmers Market and the Mar Vista Farmers Market both carry them from small Ventura County orchards. They work well in cocktails, salad dressings, and the lemon curd tarts you'll find at bakeries across the Westside.
Persimmons
Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons from the San Joaquin Valley reach LA farmers markets in December. Fuyu persimmons are firm and crisp, eaten like an apple. Hachiyas need to soften to a jelly-like ripeness before eating, at which point the flavor turns deeply sweet with notes of brown sugar and dates. The Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Pasadena Victory Park market both carry them from small Central Valley farms.
Street food peaks
Tamales
Tamale season peaks in December across LA's Mexican-American communities. Families in Boyle Heights, East LA, and South LA spend weeks preparing masa and fillings for holiday gatherings. You'll find vendors outside churches after Sunday mass and near grocery stores along Cesar Chavez Avenue. Pork in red chile and chicken in green salsa are the most common fillings, though sweet tamales with pineapple or strawberry appear too. The texture of fresh masa, still warm and slightly gritty from the stone-ground corn, is nothing like what you get from a supermarket freezer.
What to drink
Champurrado
This thick, warm Mexican chocolate drink made with masa harina shows up at street carts and taquerias across LA starting in late November. The consistency is closer to porridge than hot cocoa, grainy and rich with cinnamon and piloncillo. You'll find it at the same carts selling tamales in Boyle Heights and along Broadway in Downtown LA. On a damp 10°C December evening, it is one of the best things you can hold in your hands.
Regular events in December
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat ParadeFree
Dozens of decorated boats motor through the Marina del Rey harbor channel on a Saturday evening in mid-December, with spectators watching from Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village. The parade has run annually since the 1960s.
Mid-December, typically the second SaturdayHollywood Christmas ParadeFree
A televised parade along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard featuring floats, marching bands, and celebrity appearances. The route passes the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre. The parade has run since 1928, making it one of the oldest holiday parades in Los Angeles.
Last Sunday of November or first Sunday of DecemberLas Posadas ProcessionsFree
Traditional candlelit processions reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging take place across LA's Mexican-American neighborhoods throughout December. Olvera Street in Downtown LA holds one of the most attended versions, running 9 evenings before Christmas. The processions include singing, prayer, and often end with tamales, champurrado, and piñatas for children.
December 16-24Griffith Observatory Public Star PartiesFree
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society sets up telescopes on the lawn in front of Griffith Observatory for free public viewing on clear evenings. December's earlier sunsets and occasionally crisp post-storm air make for good conditions, though events are weather-dependent and can be cancelled for clouds or rain.
Select Saturday evenings, weather permittingHoliday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
An outdoor ice skating rink operates in Pershing Square in Downtown LA from mid-November through mid-January. Skating in the open air surrounded by Downtown towers at 15°C feels distinctly Californian. The rink tends to be busiest on weekend evenings and during the school holiday break after December 20.
Mid-November through mid-January, dailyBest places this December
Griffith Observatory
landmarkThe observatory sits at 346 meters elevation on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, with views spanning from Downtown LA to the Pacific on clear days. December post-storm days offer the best visibility of the year. The planetarium runs shows throughout the day, and the telescope on the roof is open to the public on clear evenings.
Los FelizThe Getty Center
museumRichard Meier's travertine and glass campus sits on a ridge above the 405 freeway in Brentwood, accessible by a free tram from the parking garage below. The permanent collection spans medieval manuscripts to Impressionist paintings. December's low-angle sunlight hits the travertine walls differently than summer, and the Central Garden's winter plantings include camellias and early narcissus.
BrentwoodDescanso Gardens
gardenA 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge known for its camellia forest, the largest collection of camellias in North America. December brings the first big camellia bloom, and the Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the garden after dark. The oak woodland section smells of damp leaf litter and moss on cool mornings.
La Cañada FlintridgeGrand Central Market
foodThis indoor food hall on South Broadway in Downtown LA has operated since 1917. The stalls run from Salvadoran pupusas at Sarita's to Thai-influenced tacos at Sticky Rice. December crowds are manageable on weekday lunchtimes, and the market stays dry when it rains. The sound of vendors calling out orders echoes off the high ceilings.
DowntownSanta Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade
landmarkThe pier offers gray whale watching context, as boats depart from nearby Marina del Rey, and the view south toward Palos Verdes is particularly clear on post-storm December days. The Third Street Promenade, 2 blocks inland, has street performers and holiday decorations through December. The salt breeze off the Pacific carries a winter chill that feels different from summer's warm onshore flow.
Santa MonicaOlvera Street
culturalThe oldest part of Los Angeles, dating to the 1781 founding of the pueblo. The narrow brick-paved lane runs about 100 meters through a Mexican marketplace with vendor stalls, restaurants, and the Avila Adobe from 1818. December brings the Las Posadas processions and seasonal tamale vendors. The smell of fresh tortillas from the griddles near the south entrance is constant.
DowntownThe Broad
museumThe contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown LA houses works by Koons, Basquiat, Ruscha, and Kusama. General admission is free but requires advance tickets. The building's perforated exterior shell, called the veil, filters daylight into the upper gallery in a way that changes noticeably with December's lower sun angle.
DowntownRunyon Canyon Park
outdoorsA 65-hectare park above Hollywood with trails offering views of the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, and Downtown LA. The main loop trail is about 5 km. December mornings start cool, around 9°C, and the chaparral-covered hillsides turn green after the first rains. The trail can be muddy after storms, but the air smells like wet sage and wild fennel.
Hollywood Hills
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Insider tips
The first 2 weeks of December offer nearly all of the holiday atmosphere, with light installations, tamale vendors, and Las Posadas already running, but at 10-20% lower hotel rates and far smaller crowds than the final 2 weeks. If you can time your trip for December 5-15, you get the season without the price.
Post-storm mornings, typically the day after a big rain, are the single best time to visit Griffith Observatory or hike to the Hollywood Sign. The air quality difference is dramatic, and the San Gabriel Mountains appear snow-capped and impossibly close. Check the forecast, then go the morning after the rain clears.
The Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market is the best farmers market in the city, but it gets crowded by 10:30am. Arrive by 9am for first pick of the Meyer lemons and navel oranges, and to see chefs from LA's top restaurants doing their own shopping.
Tamale vendors outside churches in Boyle Heights and East LA typically sell on weekends, especially Sunday mornings. The tamales are often made by families rather than commercial operations, and they sell out by early afternoon. Bring cash.
Avoid LAX on December 22-26 and December 30-January 2 if you have any flexibility. The airport operates near capacity and ground transportation, including rideshares, can take over an hour during peak periods. Burbank's Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a smaller, less congested alternative for domestic flights.
The DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station is free and runs every 20 minutes on weekends. It saves you from the Griffith Observatory parking nightmare, which is especially bad on clear December weekends when everyone in the city has the same post-storm hiking idea.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and t-shirts because it's LA. December evenings around 9°C (48°F) with ocean dampness feel genuinely cold, and you'll be uncomfortable at outdoor events like the Enchanted Forest of Light or Christmas Tree Lane without a real jacket.
- Booking a hotel for the last 2 weeks of December without checking rates against the first 2 weeks. The price difference between December 8 and December 22 can be 30-40% for the same room, and the holiday programming is largely identical.
- Trying to drive across the city on a rainy day without allowing extra time. A storm that would be routine in Portland or Seattle can add 45-90 minutes to a cross-town LA drive, partly because of accidents and partly because many drivers slow to a crawl.
- Planning outdoor activities without checking the National Weather Service LA forecast for Santa Ana wind events. A Red Flag Warning means hiking in Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, or the Santa Monica Mountains may be restricted or inadvisable due to fire risk.
- Assuming the beach will be warm enough for swimming. Pacific water at 14°C (57°F) is cold, and December's irregular sunshine makes for unreliable beach days. If warm beach time is important to you, December is the wrong month for LA.
Practical tips for December
December in LA requires a car for most visitors, as the Metro system covers limited ground outside of Downtown, Hollywood, and the Westside corridor. If you are staying in Santa Monica or West Hollywood, you can walk to many restaurants and shops, but reaching Descanso Gardens, Griffith Park, or Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane requires driving. Rental car rates climb steeply after December 18, so book early or consider picking up your car from a non-airport location in Culver City or Glendale, where rates run lower than LAX. Restaurants in popular neighborhoods like Silver Lake, West Hollywood, and Venice fill up for dinner service starting around 7pm in December, and many close or reduce hours on December 24-25. Make reservations at least a week ahead for any sit-down restaurant during the final 2 weeks of the month. The weather shifts fast between storms and sunshine, so check the 3-day NWS forecast each morning before committing to outdoor plans.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Los Angeles?
December is a good but not ideal time. You get mild daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), holiday light installations across the city, and the start of gray whale migration off the coast. The trade-offs are occasional heavy rainstorms, short daylight with sunset around 4:45pm, and steep holiday pricing in the second half of the month. The first 2 weeks tend to offer the best balance of seasonal atmosphere and reasonable costs.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles in December?
Expect daytime highs around 19°C (66°F) and overnight lows near 9°C (48°F). December averages about 61mm of rain across 5 storm days, with dry, clear stretches between them. Humidity sits around 67%, which feels damp by LA standards. Post-storm days are often the clearest and most photogenic days of the entire year. Santa Ana wind events can occasionally push temperatures into the mid-20s°C with hot, dry gusts.
What should I pack for Los Angeles in December?
Layers work best. Bring a waterproof shell jacket for storms, a mid-weight fleece or hoodie for cool evenings, closed-toe shoes with decent grip, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will use the rain gear and the sunscreen on different days of the same week. A light scarf helps on whale watching boats and at evening outdoor events like the Enchanted Forest of Light.
Are there Christmas events in Los Angeles in December?
LA has a strong slate of holiday programming. The Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens and LA Zoo Lights are the two biggest walkthrough light installations. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena has run since 1920. Las Posadas processions take place across Mexican-American neighborhoods from December 16-24, with the Olvera Street version being the most attended. The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and the Hollywood Christmas Parade round out the calendar.
Is it worth visiting LA beaches in December?
The beaches are worth visiting for walks and scenery, particularly on clear post-storm days when the visibility to the Channel Islands and Palos Verdes is exceptional. Swimming is cold, though. Pacific water temperatures sit around 14°C (57°F), and December's irregular sunshine does not guarantee warm beach days. Venice Beach and Santa Monica's boardwalk are still active, but this is not a beach-lounging month.
How crowded is Los Angeles in December?
Crowd levels are high overall, but the month splits into two phases. The first half, roughly December 1-15, has moderate crowds at most attractions. After December 18, holiday visitors arrive in force, hotel rates peak, LAX reaches near-capacity, and popular restaurants require reservations a week or more in advance. Theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland in nearby Anaheim are at their busiest from Christmas week through New Year's Day.
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