Irvine in December
Good time to visit
December offers pleasant winter weather but holiday crowds and pricing. The festive atmosphere can be worth the extra cost and congestion for many visitors.
Weather
December brings cooler but still pleasant weather with occasional rain systems. Temperatures drop to winter levels but remain mild by most standards. Marine layer becomes more persistent on some mornings.
20°C high8°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$250/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday celebrations
- •New Year's preparations
- •Holiday shopping events
- •Winter festivals
December Tips
- •Holiday season means higher prices and crowds
- •Pack layers for variable temperatures
- •Book restaurants well ahead for holiday dining
All Months
March through May gives you perfect weather without the summer crowds. Temperatures hover in the 70s, and you can actually find parking at the Spectrum on weekends.
Fall (September through November) works just as well. The heat breaks, but it's still warm enough for outdoor dining. UC Irvine students are back, so the area has more energy, but they're not overwhelming the restaurants yet.
Summer gets hot and crowded, especially around the Spectrum Center. But if you're bringing kids, this is when the outdoor concerts and festivals happen. Just book hotels early – families from all over Southern California descend on Irvine during summer break.
Winter is mild but can be surprisingly rainy. December through February sees more overcast days, though temperatures rarely drop below 50°F.
Irvine Scores
Solo
5/10
Couples
5/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
6/10
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