2026 Climate Averages

Weather: San Francisco — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit San Francisco. Mild temperatures around 14°C make it comfortable for exploring. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 12°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

6.9
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

7°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

9.6h

Rainfall

109mm

Sunshine

6.5h/day

Humidity

82%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

3

Moderate
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 31)

Sea Temp

12°C ❄️ Cold

Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:18

Sunset

16:52

9.6h daylight

Visiting San Francisco in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

San Francisco Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 15°C 7°C 7d (71mm) 7.2h
78% Humid
3.5 Moderate
Good
Feb 17°C 7°C 6d (59mm) 8.5h
72% Humid
5.2 High
Good
Mar 17°C 8°C 10d (76mm) 9.7h
72% Humid
6.7 High
Good
Apr 19°C 9°C 3d (17mm) 11.4h
70% Humid
9.3 Very High
Good
May 22°C 11°C 2d (11mm) 12.8h
68% Humid
10.8 Extreme
Good
Jun 23°C 13°C 0d (0mm) 13.4h
69% Humid
11.4 Extreme
Good
Jul 23°C 14°C 0d (0mm) 13.1h
73% Humid
11 Extreme
Good
Aug 25°C 15°C 0d (1mm) 12.4h
73% Humid
9.9 Very High
Good
Sep 25°C 15°C 0d (3mm) 11.2h
73% Humid
8.1 Very High
Excellent
Oct 24°C 12°C 2d (23mm) 9.5h
69% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Nov 18°C 9°C 6d (44mm) 8.1h
73% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 14°C 7°C 11d (109mm) 6.5h
82% Very Humid
3 Moderate
Good

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5.612.Dec
5.6

Where to Stay

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San Francisco

San Francisco: walk the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Alcatraz, ride cable cars up steep streets, and explore a major tech innovation hub.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Moderate Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to San Francisco?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
December is typically good for visiting San Francisco, with average highs of 14°C and around 11 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in San Francisco in December?
Nights in San Francisco during December are cool at around 7°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for San Francisco in December?
With highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C in December, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in December?
San Francisco typically sees around 11 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in San Francisco in December?
Swimming in San Francisco during December is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 14°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in San Francisco in December?
In December, San Francisco gets approximately 9.6 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in San Francisco?
No, December is not peak season in San Francisco. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Los_Angeles)

Last Updated: February 2026

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