What December feels like in San Jose
December is part of San Jose's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay mild, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in San Jose in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 12 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 5:45 am and sunset at about 5:18 pm (local time) — 11 h 33 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-November (8 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. The sun is out for roughly 83% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in San Jose. Compared with November, afternoons are 0.5°C (0.9°F) warmer, with 226 mm less rain. January continues the upward trend. By January, typical highs are 24.6°C (76.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — rain interrupts outdoor plans.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting San Jose in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is San Jose in December?
Afternoons average 23.9°C (75°F) and nights about 16.6°C (61.9°F) — warm by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in San Jose in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 134 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in San Jose in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting San Jose?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #4), rated Good against Good. January has fewer rainy days.