San Francisco weather
in December
“Green, wet, atmospheric. Bring proper waterproofs.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, San Francisco settles into its quieter, cooler pace. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 14°C (57°F), cooling to 8°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 10 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for San Francisco in December
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for San Francisco in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in San Francisco
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Other places with a similar climate right now
San Francisco in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, San Francisco averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F), with 127mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in San Francisco in December?
What is the average temperature in San Francisco in December?
The average high temperature in San Francisco during December is 14°C (57°F), with an average low of 8°C (46°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does San Francisco have in December?
How many rainy days does San Francisco have in December?
San Francisco averages approximately 10 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 127mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for San Francisco in December?
What should I pack for San Francisco in December?
For San Francisco in December, pack a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is San Francisco in December?
How crowded is San Francisco in December?
Tourist crowds in San Francisco during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.