With the increase in online travel and tourism, California is becoming more popular as a tourist destination.
The state of California is located in the western region of the contiguous United States and includes major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego.
California is known as the Golden State because of its abundant natural resources, particularly gold reserves that were discovered in 1848.
It is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and diverse population.
The state has many attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, and beaches, making it a perfect vacation spot.
The golden state is also filled with cultural and historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world.
California has fantastic weather most of the year, making it perfect for visiting all year round, but December is the perfect time to enjoy the most diverse landscapes of the state.
If you are wondering what to pack for your December trip to California, fret not!
Keep reading to find comprehensive guidelines on what you should wear in California in December for daytime and nighttime adventures.
California’s Weather in December
The weather in California has changed over the years due to global warming and many other factors. The summers are getting warmer, and the winters are getting colder than before.
While the State never got too cold in December in the past, the Californian weather in December is getting harsher as the years progress.
Also, since California is a large state comprising numerous cities, the weather tends to vary significantly from one city to another.
Generally, the weather in California starts getting colder in December, with an average temperature ranging between 60°F and 75°F.
As the month progresses, the temperature keeps dropping by 1-2°F daily. The state experiences rainfall during the second half of the month with an average of 3.4 inches.
What to wear for Daytime activities in California?
California’s weather during the daytime in December is pretty comfortable. It remains moderate to a bit on the colder side, making it a perfect time to enjoy the state during the day.
California is home to some amazing and nicest beaches, and December is an ideal month to enjoy those beaches.
If you are in San Diego, you can go to Coronado beach, Mission beach, Fiesta Island Park beach, or Torrey Pines State beach. If you are in San Francisco, you can head to Baker beach.
We’d recommend going to La Jolla beach in San Diego, as it’s beautiful in December, and you can spot seals or enjoy paddleboard.
You can also go to Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, or numerous other beaches in California, depending on where you are.
If you want to spend a day at a park, there are numerous options, including Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and more.
If you like a little adventure, you can dedicate a day to visiting Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood to enjoy their hyper-realistic simulator rides.
If you want to enjoy the architectural marvels of California, you can check out Hearst Castle or the remarkable Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
If you are more of a nature lover, you can explore plenty of places, such as Redwood National and State parks, Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, and Channel Island National Park.
While California has endless daytime activities to keep you occupied, you need to ensure you are dressed according to the weather to enjoy every activity to the fullest.
Since the daytime weather is pretty nice, you can pack a combination of tops, including full-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and blouses.
However, you need to add layers to your clothing to be prepared for a sudden change in weather.
You can go for a cardigan, vest, or blazer. Keep swimwear with you for the beaches.
For bottoms, jeans are the most versatile piece of apparel that will go well with almost all daytime activities and the weather.
You can also wear pants made of other fabrics or a long skirt. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it’s warm and comfortable.
Lastly, you might have to walk quite a bit, so make sure your shoes are comfortable. A nice pair of lightweight sneakers would do.
What to wear for Nighttime activities in California?
California has a very active and exuberant nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, breweries, and restaurants.
You can check out the city view of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory or take a stroll down the Hollywood walk of fame.
Sunset Strip Hollywood is home to some of the wildest nightclubs in the US. If you are a party animal, you can spend a night at one of those.
You can also see the skyline from Mulholland drive or head out to any theatre to enjoy live performances.
Another excellent night activity is going to a movie in any of the cinemas or going to a nice restaurant to treat yourself to a fine dining experience.
The nights in California in December are colder than days, so you need to cover yourself up. Wear jeans or thick pants for everyday activities along with a sweatshirt or full-sleeved shirt.
Layering is a must, and it’s better to keep a heavy outer layer for the nighttime. Similarly, your shoes must be comfortable and warm. It is recommended to add a winter cap to your attire as well.
If you want to go for dinner, you should wear a dress that is both comfortable and provides full coverage to protect you from the cold. However, you must wear a warm jacket on top.
Additional things you should pack while going to California in December
Here’s a list of all the additional yet important things you must pack.
- Swimwear
- Bath towels
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Beach slippers
- Gloves and scarves
- Winter caps
- Reusable water bottles and utensils
- Snacks
- Charger and extra batteries
Final Advice
California is amazing in December. The weather is getting chilly but not enough to impede you from enjoying yourself. In fact, it is perfect for enjoying the golden state during both day and nighttime.
Pack warm clothes and keep extra layers with you all the time to make your trip worthwhile. Also, since California is packed with beaches, don’t forget to pack your beach gear.
Don’t overpack, and don’t pack too much of everything. Keep it light; keep it simple. Above all, keep your comfort as priority no.1, and you’ll have the best time in California.
