Sacramento in December
Good time to visit
December's cool and often gloomy but holiday festivities brighten the mood. Low tourist season means great deals if you don't mind the weather.
Weather
December brings Sacramento's winter chill with frequent overcast skies and the return of morning fog. Rain becomes more regular and temperatures drop to jacket weather. Humidity rises with the moisture.
14°C high4°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday lighting ceremonies
- •New Year's Eve downtown celebration
December Tips
- •Downtown holiday decorations make evening strolls worthwhile despite weather
- •Many attractions have holiday hours - check schedules ahead
- •Hotel deals abound but some restaurants close for holiday breaks
All Months
March through May brings perfect weather — 70s during the day, cool evenings, and everything blooms. The almond trees flower in February if you time it right. Fall runs September through November with similar temps and harvest season at nearby wineries. Summer? Brutal. July and August hit 100+ degrees regularly, and the Central Valley heat feels oppressive. But hotel rates drop by half, and you'll have the American River to yourself. Winter stays mild (50s-60s) with occasional rain. The State Capitol Christmas tree lighting in December draws crowds, and restaurant patios stay open year-round. Avoid major legislative sessions in spring and fall when hotel prices spike and downtown gets crowded with lobbyists.
Sacramento Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
5/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
5/10
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