What's the Weather like in Los Angeles in December
Temperature
Like November before it, December is one of the coolest months in Los Angeles with an average temperature of 14°C (around 56°F). It is also a very wet month with an average of 66 mm of rainfall that falls during the month. The average high temperature still reaches 19°C (about 66°F) but can dip as low as a rather chilly 8°C (around 46°F).
Sunshine Hours
The amount of average daily sunshine drops significantly come December, to about seven hours a day. Your chance of rain on any given day is about 22 percent and the chance of clouds is 15 percent, still giving you an excellent chance of a good day to enjoy the outdoors.
Rain
The average number of rainfall days is six, so it would be best to bring a light jacket and an umbrella with the higher chance of showers. You still have a good chance of sunny weather, however, with a 68 percent chance of a sunny day.
Weather in Los Angeles during the winter months is fairly unpredictable and can switch quite rapidly, so it would definitely be best to plan ahead and check the local weather before heading out. And, don't forget that the temperatures on the coasts are usually 10 degrees colder than the temperatures inland, so plan accordingly when going between the two.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is only 16°C (around 61°F), so it is not recommended that you try and go swimming unless prepared with the proper cold water suits. The sun will most likely be shining at the beach, though, so you can still enjoy beach activities in the warm sun.
Dress Code
During the day, you'll probably want longer sleeves and maybe even long trousers and at night, you'll definitely want to bring along a sweater or jacket.
Los Angeles Beach for December
White Point Royal Palms Beach
White Point Royal Palms Beach in San Pedro has a seaside promenade and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for visitors to enjoy when not soaking up the sun on the beach. Other beach features include tidepools, playground and picnic tables. Visitors can enjoy surfing, as well as swimming, if the water's warm enough for their tastes.
Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach offers both a beach and a nature preserve to enjoy the outdoors. The beach is made up of cliffs and rocky coves, offering a picturesque setting for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and sunbathing. It's also a prime location for viewing the California gray whale migration that takes place from December to April.
Las Tunas Beach
In southern Malibu, the Las Tunas Beach is less populated and gives visitors a quiet beach-going experience compared to other Los Angeles beaches. Though private, the beach is easily accessible and popular with fishermen.
Bars and Restaurants
Orsa and Winston
Orsa and Winston blends two cuisines not usually combinedapanese and Italian. The small restaurant serves dinner on Tuesdays through Saturdays and lunch Tuesdays through Fridays. The rotating dinner menu changes daily, offering six, ten or 20-course tasting menus with optional add-on wine pairings.
Bestia
Bestia, situated in central Los Angeles, offers diners classic Italian dishes in a modern and industrial setting. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, meat dishes, dessert and cocktails with favorites like margherita pizza, spaghetti rustichella and grilled whole branzino.
Things to do in Los Angeles in December
Christmas and New Years in Los Angeles
Even thought it may lack the snow, Los Angeles still knows how to ring in the holiday spirit with numerous Light displays throughout the city. Some of the most popular ones include the LA Zoo Lights, Westlake Village Inn and The Grove. Many neighborhoods around the LA area also sponsor residential Christmas light contests that attract visitors from all over.
There are also numerous Christmas parades across Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade, that have floats, music, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself!
On the last day of the year, take advantage of one of the plethora of New Years Eve parties taking place all over the city. Popular choices include the NYE Block Party, Long Beach Fireworks New Years Eve Cruise and the Hollywood VIP New Years.
