San Francisco Weather in December: What to Wear, What to Pack, & More Visiting Tips

San Francisco weather in December is cool and breezy with some light rain.

The city is beautiful this time of year as it's lit up for the holiday season.

The temperature in San Francisco in December is also warmer than in most of the US and other places in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year.

Some days will be rainy, but you will find it's still easy to get around town to see all of our attractions and attend some of our holiday shows.

Even with rainy December weather in San Francisco, you will find that the rain is typically light, so a coat with a hood will protect you enough and keep you warm.

To help you prepare more for your stay, I've included details about the weather in San Francisco in December, a list of items to pack for your stay, and a few of my favorite things to do.

In addition, you will find a few of my favorite places to find deals around SF.

Weather Conditions to Expect

Tourists often ask me, "Does it snow in San Francisco in December?" The answer is, No—it's not cold enough here!

San Francisco December weather brings in both sunny and rainy days.

I took the picture above on a bright, sunny day in late December. You will find many days like this throughout the month. In fact, San Francisco weather on Christmas is often sunny!

That said, San Francisco usually sees more rain in December than in other months of the year. The humidity ranges from 60 to 90% during this month.

When we do get rain, we don't typically get big storms with pouring rain. It's usually light drizzle mixed with rain and it might last for several hours or all day long.

Temperatures in San Francisco in December

During the day, you will find the highest temperature in San Francisco in December to be in the mid-50s. It will dip down into the mid-40s after the sun goes down.

For San Francisco weather in December in Celcius, that's between 8 and 14 degrees. Pretty mild, right?

Average High in December: 57° F / 14° C

Average Low in December: 46° F / 8° C

Average Monthly Rainfall: 4.6 inches

Record High: 76° F / 24° C (year: 1958)

Record Low: 28° F / -2° C (year: 1990)

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What to Wear in San Francisco in December

With the San Francisco weather in December bringing both sun and rain, you will need to bring along clothes that you can layer.

This will allow you to add and remove items as needed to stay dry or to not overheat on a sunny day.

Recommendations for Women

Jackets: Jacket of medium weight (would be great if it had a hood—this will keep you warm and dry on those rainy days!) Find additional jackets here on Amazon.

Sweaters: Medium-weight sweaters to wear under your jacket. Find additional sweaters here.

Shirts: Short or long-sleeved light-weight shirts, to wear under your sweater. Here are some additional options.

Long Jeans or Pants: Casual is fine for most places here. I do recommend long pants rather than shorts or skirts, as it is cool this time of year. Find additional options on Amazon here.

Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes and ones that you don't mind getting a little wet. This can be key to making your stay a little more enjoyable.

Recommendations for Men

Jackets: Medium-weight jacket with a hood to keep you warm and dry on those cool rainy days. That way, you won't have to carry an umbrella around. Find more here. 

Shirts and/or Sweaters: I recommend bringing a few long-sleeved, medium-weight shirts and/or sweaters. This will keep you warm if you decide a jacket is too much on the sunnier days. Find more here.

Jeans or Pants: Jeans or pants, casual is fine for most places here. I do recommend long pants as it is cool this time of year. More ideas on Amazon here.

Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes and ones that you don't mind getting a little wet. This can be key to making your stay a little more enjoyable. Here are some additional ideas.

The above packing list for the December weather in San Francisco should give you a nice variety of items to stay warm without getting too hot.

If you plan to head out on an SF cruise on the bay, you will find plenty of seating both indoors and out. I typically take along a heavier jacket for these trips, so I can enjoy the sights from outside. The cool wind off the water makes it feel quite a bit cooler, but it's nice and refreshing if you're prepared.

You will also want to wear something a little warmer when you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. It's windy on the walkways, so make sure to prepare for it to be cooler than in the city during your walk.

>> More about what to wear when you visit

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco in December

1. Check out the Christmas lights: All around town, you will see Christmas light displays. Some of the most popular are in Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Find a list of the best ones each year.

2. Enjoy some Christmas Eve & Day activities: There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on Christmas Eve & Day. You will also find that many restaurants and shops are open for the holidays, so you can pick up last-minute gifts. Use my insider's guide to plan a special trip during Christmas time.

3. Watch the fireworks on NYE: Thousands of people flock to the water's edge in front of the Ferry Building to ring in the new year. The annual fireworks display starts at 11:59 and runs for about 15 to 20 minutes. More details on attending this free event.

4. See Santa around SF: If you plan to visit SF with your kiddies, then make sure you stop by and say hi to Santa. He will be receiving visits at several locations around the city. Find a full list here.

5. Catch a performance of the Nutcracker with the SF Ballet: The SF Ballet was the first company in the US to perform the Nutcracker. It's become a holiday tradition and one of the most sought-after tickets this month in SF. Check out a list of upcoming shows in SF.

More Fun in SF this December

If you happen to be here on a rainy day, don't let the SF weather in December stop you from getting out and having fun! There are plenty of great, indoor, rainy-day activities for you to discover all around SF.

Where to Stay in SF

Are you looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit? Most tourists stay in either Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf.

If you are looking for some great discounts during your stay, check out the deals on either Booking.com or TripAdvisor.

Not sure if you should stay in Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square? Check out my page that gives details about each district so you can select the one that is right for you.

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