What to pack for San Francisco in December
- long sleeves and a warm layer
- a medium jacket
- a compact umbrella or rain shell — rain is frequent
Humidity averages 84%; max daily wind around 22 km/h.
How December compares
Best months in San Francisco: April–October. See the full best time to visit San Francisco guide.
San Francisco in December: the details
In December, San Francisco sees average daytime highs of 14°C (56°F) and overnight lows of 8°C (47°F). Rainfall totals roughly 179 mm across 12.5 rainy days, and the sun shines about 6.3 hours per day with 9.4 hours of daylight mid-month. Relative humidity averages 84%.
In context: December is the coldest month of the year and the wettest in San Francisco. The sunniest month is June (13.2 h/day).
| Metric | December average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 14°C / 56°F |
| Overnight low | 8°C / 47°F |
| Rainfall | 179 mm over 12.5 rainy days |
| Sunshine | 6.3 h/day (9.4 h daylight) |
| Humidity | 84% |
| Travel score | 5.7 / 10 |
These figures are climate normals computed from the ERA5 weather reanalysis (2019–2024) for San Francisco, United States (37.77, -122.42) — see our methodology. Actual conditions vary year to year.
Not set on San Francisco? Browse the best places to visit in December ranked by travel score.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is San Francisco in December?
Daytime highs in San Francisco in December average 14°C (56°F); nights drop to about 8°C.
Does it rain in San Francisco in December?
Expect around 12.5 rainy days and 179 mm of rainfall in December.
Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
December is a fair shoulder-season month in San Francisco — decent conditions with some trade-offs. Overall travel score: 5.7/10. The best months are April–October.
Also good in December, near San Francisco
Where should you go next month?
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