What December feels like in San Francisco
December is early winter in San Francisco. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in San Francisco in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 10.6 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.6 mm per wet day. December is San Francisco's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:18 am and sunset at about 4:52 pm (local time) — 9 h 34 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 36 min less daylight than in mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 72% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the coolest month in San Francisco. Against November, the average high is 3.2°C (5.8°F) lower, with 54 mm more rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 13.8°C (56.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting San Francisco in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Quick questions
How warm is San Francisco in December?
Expect around 13.4°C (56.1°F) in the afternoon and 7.1°C (44.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 106 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in San Francisco in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and a light jacket. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting San Francisco?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Good against Good. January has fewer rainy days.