December in San Diego is one of the mildest winters available anywhere in the continental United States. Daytime temperatures sit near 18°C (65°F), cooling to around 9°C (49°F) after dark. That feels more like late autumn in New England than anything close to real winter. You might want a light jacket on a morning walk through the Gaslamp Quarter, when the marine layer clings to the waterfront and the air carries the smell of salt and damp concrete. By noon, the fog typically burns off and the sun warms enough for a long-sleeve shirt along the Harbor Drive promenade. The trade-off is rain. December is one of San Diego's wetter months, with about 5 full rainy days that tend to be daylong soaking events rather than brief showers. Still, that leaves roughly 26 dry days in the month.
The first weekend of December brings San Diego's largest annual community event. December Nights at Balboa Park draws over 350,000 visitors across two evenings, with the park's museums opening their doors for free and food vendors lining the El Prado walkway. The smell of churros and roasted corn drifts past the lit facades of the Spanish Colonial Revival buildings. Two weeks later, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights sends roughly 80 decorated boats past the Embarcadero on two consecutive Sunday evenings in mid-December. Both events are free to attend.
December also opens gray whale migration season along the Point Loma coast. From the cliffs at Cabrillo National Monument, you can sometimes spot spouts against the horizon without binoculars. Harbor-based whale-watching boats start daily departures in early December and continue through mid-April, though the first two months likely offer the most consistent sightings as the whales push south toward Baja California's breeding lagoons.
Why visit in December
- The gray whale migration past Point Loma begins in early December, making it one of the few months where mild-weather sightseeing pairs with daily whale-watching boat departures from the harbor
- Temperatures feel closer to October in most of the US, allowing comfortable hiking at Torrey Pines, coastal walks, and outdoor dining without summer heat or peak crowds
- San Diego's largest free community event, December Nights, anchors the opening weekend with museum access, food, and live entertainment spanning the Balboa Park grounds
- Early December hotel rates sit noticeably below July and August peak pricing while delivering the same mild climate and full access to the month's holiday events
Worth knowing
- December rain arrives as daylong soaking events rather than quick afternoon showers, and a single storm can sideline 8-10 hours of outdoor plans without much advance warning
- Sunset drops before 17:00 for most of December, cutting afternoon outdoor time by nearly 3 hours compared to a June or July visit
- Late December hotel rates climb sharply, sometimes doubling what you'd pay in the first half of the month
- Ocean water temperature falls to about 15°C (59°F), requiring a full wetsuit for any sustained swimming or surfing
Best for
Think twice if
December brings San Diego's coolest temperatures and one of its wetter periods. Mornings often start with a marine layer off the Pacific that carries the faint smell of kelp. The fog typically lifts by 10:00 or 11:00, giving way to clear skies and comfortable afternoons. Rain, when it comes, tends to last 8-12 hours rather than passing as a brief shower. Evenings carry a damp chill near the Pacific, though temperatures rarely drop below 7°C even on the coldest December nights.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17 | 8 | 72 |
| Feb | 18 | 9 | 54 |
| Mar | 17 | 10 | 85 |
| Apr | 19 | 12 | 8 |
| May | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| Jun | 22 | 16 | 3 |
| Jul | 24 | 18 | 5 |
| Aug | 25 | 19 | 12 |
| Sep | 25 | 18 | 24 |
| Oct | 24 | 15 | 18 |
| Nov | 21 | 11 | 40 |
| Dec | 18 | 9 | 41 |
Holidays and festivals in December
Public holidays
- Christmas Day(Christmas Day)25 December 2026
When is Christmas season in 2026?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in San Diego. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise
- 2.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch Cruise
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise
- 2.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Day Brunch Buffet Cruise
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Best things to do in December
Gray whale watching from San Diego Harbor
natureWhale-watching boats depart daily from the harbor near the Maritime Museum and head south past Point Loma to intercept the gray whale migration corridor. Trips typically last 3-4 hours and cover about 20 miles of coastline. Many operators offer a guaranteed sighting or a free return trip.
December marks the start of the southbound gray whale migration from Alaska to Baja California. The whales pass closest to San Diego's coastline in December and January.Booking tipBook weekend sailings 1-2 weeks ahead. Weekday boats carry fewer passengers and offer better viewing positions along the rail.
December Nights at Balboa Park
festivalSan Diego's largest annual community event transforms El Prado walkway and the surrounding gardens into a holiday festival with food stalls, live music stages, and free museum admission across two evenings. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture lights up after dark, and the whole 1,200-acre park fills with the sound of brass bands and carolers.
Held only on the first Friday and Saturday of December each year. No equivalent event exists in any other month.Booking tipNo tickets needed. Free admission. The event opens at 15:00 on both evenings.
Hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
hikingThe reserve's sandstone cliffs and ocean overlooks sit above the coastline in the La Jolla area. The Guy Fleming Trail and Razor Point Trail both run under 2 km and offer views down to Black's Beach and the open Pacific.
December temperatures make the exposed, shade-free trails comfortable for midday hiking. Summer heat pushes hikers to dawn-only windows, and the parking lot is less contested in winter.Booking tipThe lot fills by 10:00 on weekends even in December. Arrive early or use the overflow parking on North Torrey Pines Road.
Winter surf sessions at Sunset Cliffs
water sportsThe stretch of reef breaks along Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach picks up larger winter swells from the northwest. December consistently delivers overhead waves that are uncommon during the flat summer months. The cliffs also serve as a viewing perch for non-surfers watching the bigger sets roll in.
North Pacific storm systems generate northwest swells that hit San Diego's coast most reliably from December through February. Summer surf rarely exceeds waist height at these breaks.Booking tipIf you need a rental wetsuit and board, shops along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach carry full winter-weight suits. Full neoprene coverage is essential for December water temperatures.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights viewing
eventA fleet of decorated boats parades past the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Shelter Island on two consecutive Sunday evenings in mid-December. The route covers about 14 miles of bayfront, and viewing is free from any waterfront point along the route.
The parade runs only in December, on two specific Sunday evenings. It has been an annual San Diego tradition for over 50 years.Booking tipWaterfront viewing is free and first-come. Arrive 30-45 minutes before the 17:30 start to claim a spot near the Embarcadero or along Harbor Island.
Outdoor ice skating at Hotel del Coronado
seasonalA seasonal outdoor ice rink opens on the grounds of the historic Hotel del Coronado, set against the beach. Sessions run about 90 minutes, with the sound of waves mixing with rink music. The rink typically operates from late November through early January.
The rink operates only during the holiday season. December is the core month, with the hotel's Victorian-era architecture fully decorated for the holidays.Booking tipEvening sessions sell out on weekends. Book online at least a few days ahead for Friday through Sunday evenings.
Craft beer tasting along North Park's 30th Street corridor
food and drinkNorth Park's concentration of breweries along 30th Street and University Avenue makes it easy to walk between 4-5 taprooms in an afternoon. December brings limited-release winter stouts, barleywines, and barrel-aged ales to the taps, often served alongside seasonal food pairings.
San Diego's breweries time their winter seasonal releases for late November through December. Some batch sizes are small enough that specific beers sell out within weeks of tapping.What to eat in December
In season: fruit
California navel oranges
The state's navel orange harvest peaks from December through February. Saturday farmers markets at Little Italy and Hillcrest carry them fresh from inland groves in Riverside County, still warm from the picking.
On menus now
Pozole rojo
This hearty hominy and pork stew is a staple at holiday gatherings across San Diego's Mexican restaurants. December is peak pozole season, with large communal bowls appearing at restaurant specials in Barrio Logan and National City.
What to drink
Winter seasonal craft beer
San Diego's 150-plus breweries release imperial stouts, barleywines, and barrel-aged beers starting in November. North Park and Miramar's brewery clusters pour limited-run holiday releases that sometimes sell out within weeks of tapping.
In markets
Dungeness crab
West Coast Dungeness crab season typically opens in late November. San Diego's waterfront fish markets and restaurants along Harbor Drive feature it through winter, often served cracked with drawn butter and sourdough.
Festival food
Tamales
December is tamale season across San Diego's Mexican-American communities. Restaurants in Old Town and Barrio Logan sell handmade pork, chicken, and cheese varieties by the dozen through the holidays, with many families placing custom orders weeks in advance.
Regular events in December
December Nights at Balboa ParkFree
Annual two-evening holiday celebration with over a dozen participating museums, hundreds of food and craft stalls, and stages for music and dance performances throughout the park
First Friday and Saturday of DecemberSan Diego Bay Parade of LightsFree
Annual illuminated boat procession tracing a route through San Diego Bay, viewable free from dozens of waterfront locations along both shores
Two consecutive Sundays in mid-DecemberHoliday Bowl
Annual college football bowl game hosted at a San Diego stadium, drawing fans from participating schools' regions across the country
Late December, typically December 27-28Las Posadas at Old Town San Diego State Historic ParkFree
Traditional Mexican Christmas procession reenacting the journey to Bethlehem, with luminarias lining the walkways, candlelight singing, and hot chocolate served in the historic plaza
Several evenings in mid-DecemberBest places this December
Balboa Park
parkThis 1,200-acre urban park, established in 1868, holds 17 museums, formal gardens, and the San Diego Zoo (founded 1916). In December, the grounds become the center of holiday activity and are considerably less crowded than during summer months outside of the December Nights weekend.
Balboa ParkCabrillo National Monument
monumentThis monument sits on the tip of the Point Loma peninsula. Established in 1913, it offers clifftop Pacific views ideal for spotting gray whale spouts during the December migration. The tide pools below are accessible at low tide and far less visited in winter than summer.
Point LomaTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
nature reserveSandstone bluffs above Black's Beach with short, scenic trails through groves of the rare Torrey pine. December's mild temperatures make the exposed paths comfortable throughout the day, and winter light sharpens the contrast in the eroded cliff faces.
La JollaOld Town San Diego State Historic Park
historic siteCalifornia's first European settlement site holds restored adobes and museums from the Mexican and early American periods. December brings Las Posadas processions and holiday tamale vendors to the central plaza.
Old TownHotel del Coronado
landmarkBuilt in 1888, this beachfront hotel on Coronado Island decorates extensively for the holidays. The seasonal ice rink, the grand wood-paneled lobby, and the wide beach itself are worth visiting even without a room reservation.
CoronadoMission San Diego de Alcalá
historic siteCalifornia's first mission, founded in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. The whitewashed church still holds regular services. December brings special holiday masses and a courtyard lined with luminarias after dark.
Mission ValleyLittle Italy's Piazza della Famiglia
neighborhood plazaThe central gathering space in Little Italy fills with holiday decorations and warm evening lighting in December. The Saturday Mercato farmers market on nearby West Date Street runs year-round and carries peak-season citrus and winter produce this month.
Little Italy
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Insider tips
Book whale-watching trips for weekday mornings. Weekend boats can carry over 100 passengers, and everyone crowds the same rail side. Weekday sailings typically run at half capacity with better viewing positions.
For December Nights at Balboa Park, arrive before 15:00 to park in the free lots along Park Boulevard. After 16:00, plan to park in Hillcrest and walk 15-20 minutes, or catch the free shuttle running from City College.
At the Little Italy Mercato on Saturday mornings, the produce stalls closest to Kettner Boulevard tend to have shorter lines than the ones near Front Street. Arrive before 09:00 for the best Dungeness crab selection, as it sells out by late morning.
Rent a car if you plan to visit coastal attractions beyond downtown. The MTS Trolley covers the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, and Mission Valley well, but the reserves and beach communities are spread across 15-20 miles with poor transit connections between them. For transit details, see https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego#Get_around.
The Gaslamp Quarter's sit-down restaurants book up on Friday and Saturday nights throughout December, partly from locals celebrating the holidays. Make reservations by Wednesday for any weekend dinner, especially at spots along Fifth Avenue.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming San Diego means beach weather year-round and packing only shorts and sandals. December evenings carry a damp coastal chill that catches visitors off guard, especially near the water after sunset at 16:45.
- Scheduling outdoor activities for late afternoon without checking the sunset time. December's early darkness means any coastal hike or harbor cruise starting after 15:30 will finish in the dark.
- Driving to major December events without a parking plan. Free shuttles and the MTS Trolley serve the main venues, and nearby lots fill well before events begin.
- Booking a short trip with all outdoor plans and no rain backup. December's wet days can cluster, so 2-3 consecutive rainy days are possible. Identify a museum or indoor attraction before the trip rather than scrambling day-of.
Practical tips for December
Most Balboa Park museums close on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Check hours for December 24-25 and December 31-January 1 before visiting any attraction. Book harbor-based whale-watching at least a week ahead for weekend departures, and reserve hotel rooms 3-4 weeks out if traveling during the final 10 days of the month. The MTS Trolley runs extended service on New Year's Eve, making it a solid option for reaching the Gaslamp Quarter without dealing with parking or rideshare surge pricing. Airport traffic at San Diego International (SAN) builds from December 20 onward, and the single-terminal layout means security lines can exceed 45 minutes during peak travel days. Allow extra time for departures between 06:00 and 10:00. For neighborhood-by-neighborhood orientation and arrival options, Wikivoyage's San Diego guide is a useful starting point (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Diego#Get_in).
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit San Diego?
December is a solid month for San Diego if mild weather and holiday events appeal to you. It's not the optimal month. September and October offer warmer, drier conditions with fewer crowds. But the opening of whale-watching season and community events like December Nights give December a distinct seasonal identity that summer months lack. Budget-conscious visitors do better in the first half of the month, before holiday pricing takes hold.
What is the weather like in San Diego in December?
Comfortable days and cool evenings. Morning fog usually burns off before noon. Rain visits several times during the month, typically lingering all day rather than passing quickly. Pack layers for the temperature swing between dawn and afternoon. Overall, December in San Diego feels more like late autumn in the mid-Atlantic states than actual winter.
Can you swim in the ocean in San Diego in December?
You can, but the Pacific cools enough by December that a full wetsuit is standard for surfers and swimmers. Wading and walking the tideline are fine without gear, but sustained open-water swimming is uncomfortable for most without neoprene. Heated hotel pools at Coronado and La Jolla properties are the easier option for casual swimming.
Is San Diego crowded in December?
Early December feels noticeably quieter than summer, with shorter lines at major attractions and easier parking at coastal spots. The exception is the December Nights weekend, which draws the city's largest single-event crowd of the year. From December 20 onward, holiday visitors fill hotels and restaurants, and waterfront areas get busier. Overall, December sits well below July and August levels.
Is December whale watching season in San Diego?
Yes. The gray whale migration opens in December and continues through spring. Early-season sightings tend to be consistent as the whales travel south close to the shoreline. You can watch from elevated coastal overlooks at no cost, or take a half-day boat excursion from the harbor. Most operators run daily sailings from early December through April.
Things to Do in San Diego in December
Free cancellation San Diego Harbor Cruise
Cruise: 2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
City tour: 2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise: 4 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Outdoor experience: free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze
City tour: 2.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
Outdoor experience: 2 hours, free cancellation.
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