San Jose in December
Not the best time
December combines holiday festivities with the return of cooler weather and occasional rain. Perfect for indoor attractions and holiday events, though outdoor activities become less appealing.
Weather
December brings cooler temperatures and increasing rain as winter approaches. Days remain mild but nights get genuinely cold. Rain becomes more frequent though still lighter than January and February totals.
18°C high6°C low6 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$175/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Christmas in the Park
- •Las Posadas celebrations
- •New Year's Eve at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
December Tips
- •Book holiday events early as they fill up despite cooler weather
- •Pack warm clothes for evening celebrations - it gets surprisingly cold
- •Hotel rates spike during holiday weeks but drop significantly after New Year's
All Months
April through June gives you perfect weather without the summer crowds that hit other Bay Area destinations. Temperatures hover in the 70s, and you can actually find parking downtown without circling for 20 minutes.
September through November works just as well. The heat breaks, and fall events like Cinequest Film Festival bring energy to the downtown core. Plus, hotel rates drop after summer travel season ends.
Skip December through March unless you love gray skies and occasional rain. It's not terrible weather, but you're not getting the California sunshine you came for. Summer gets hot – we're talking 85-90 degrees regularly – though evenings cool down nicely.
San Jose Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
7/10
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