Los Angeles in December
Good time to visit
December offers mild, pleasant weather that feels like autumn anywhere else. Holiday crowds and decorations create a festive atmosphere, though you'll pay premium prices around Christmas and New Year's.
Weather
December brings LA's winter charm with mild days around 70°F and genuinely cool evenings that might require a jacket. Rain chances increase to about 4-5 days, usually light affairs that clear quickly. The air stays dry and comfortable even on cloudy days.
20°C high9°C low5 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$200/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday light displays
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
- •Christmas markets and festivals
December Tips
- •Hotel rates spike during Christmas and New Year's weeks
- •Many attractions have holiday decorations and extended hours
- •Pack a warm jacket for evening events - it actually gets chilly
All Months
LA's weather spoils you—it's basically 70-80°F and sunny most of the year. But timing still matters. March through May gives you perfect beach weather without the summer crowds. September through November might be even better—the marine layer lifts, giving you those crystal-clear mountain views. Summer (June-August) means beach season but also means tourists, higher hotel prices, and occasional heat waves that push temps over 90°F. The marine layer can keep beaches cool and gray until afternoon. Winter (December-February) is LA's 'rainy' season, which means maybe 15 days of actual rain. Temperatures drop to a frigid 60°F. Hotels are cheapest, but you might not get that perfect beach day. Avoid visiting during award season (January-March) if you're staying in West Hollywood or Beverly Hills—hotel prices spike and traffic gets even worse around venues like the Dolby Theatre.
Los Angeles Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
7/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
9/10
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