Snow shovels and heavy coats can wear you down by December. San Diego offers a gentler kind of winter. The coast has winter wildlife, tide pools, and seaside walks, and the climate stays mild. Some days will be cool, cloudy, or wet. Long-term climate averages show cool evenings and a few rainy days.
Below are the best things to do in San Diego for a memorable December.
What Is the Weather Like in San Diego in December?
December is mild and often sunny. It is also the coolest month of the year. The numbers below come from long-term averages. They show typical conditions, not a forecast.
| Measure | Typical December |
| Daytime high | About 65°F to 66°F |
| Overnight low | About 48°F to 50°F |
| Rain | About 1.7 inches |
| Wet days | Roughly 4 to 6 |
| Sunshine | About 73% of daylight hours |
| Daylight | About 10 hours |
| Ocean temperature | About 57°F to 62°F |
Temperature and Microclimates
Sunny spells can push highs into the low 70s. Nights feel much cooler once the sun drops. Plan dinner outdoors only if you have a warm layer. Daily averages show sunset coming around 4:40 to 4:50 p.m. The coast stays moderate. Inland valleys, mountains, and desert areas get colder nights and wider swings.
What to Pack
- Short sleeves or light tops for the day
- A sweater or jacket for the evening
- A compact umbrella or light rain shell
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Dress in layers. Shade and shoreline wind can feel chilly even on a bright day.
Watch for Gray Whales Along the Pacific Coast
Every winter, gray whales leave feeding grounds near the Bering Sea. They swim to the warm lagoons of Baja California. Their route runs right past San Diego.
Where to Watch From Land
Sunset Cliffs is a good public spot. The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park covers 68 acres on the west edge of Point Loma. Whales can often be seen from the cliffs there. Three popular access points are:
- Ladera Street
- Luscomb Point
- Osprey Street
Parking is on the street or in small lots. The park has no restrooms, so plan ahead.
How to Spot a Whale
Most whales pass San Diego in late December, January, and February. The peak comes in mid-January. December is the early part of the season. Expect fewer sightings than you would see a month later.
- Bring binoculars.
- Look west and scan the water between the kelp and the horizon.
- Watch for a bushy spout, which can rise about 15 feet.
- Wait for a tail, called a fluke, before a deep dive. Dives last several minutes.
- Choose a calm morning. Overcast skies cut the glare.
Whales swim south at about 5 mph. Sightings depend on conditions, and some animals stay far offshore. Give yourself plenty of time and plan to watch for at least an hour. Patience is important, because many visitors see their first spout only after scanning the water for a while.
Take Your Winter Escape to New Heights With Go Parasailing
We built our trips around one idea. San Diego looks different from above. A flight lifts you over Mission Bay and the nearby coastline. You see the water, the shoreline, and the city from a new angle.
How a Flight Works
We run winch-direct parasailing. You take off from the boat’s flight deck. The crew slowly lets out the line, and you rise into the air. After your flight, the crew reels you back to the same deck. You do not need to launch from the beach or land in the water.
December Hours
Our seasonal hours cover November and December on weekends and holidays. We fly from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting. However, hours can change. So, check the schedule first. If a weekend or holiday date is full, try the next one.
Plan Your Flight
- Look at flight options and bookings before you choose a time.
- Book early. Each trip has limited seats.
- Dress casually. Add a sweatshirt or windbreaker for the cooler air.
- Check the weather on the morning of your flight.
Flight conditions change by the day. We cannot promise a specific flight setup. Our captain makes the final call on safety.
Explore the Tiny Marine World in San Diego’s Tide Pools
Low tide opens a small world along the rocks. You can find tide pools at Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla. These pools hold anemones, crabs, snails, and other small sea life.
Plan Around the Tides
Check a tide table before you go. There’s a prediction of extra-low tides on December 5 to 10 and 20 to 25 in 2026. Arrive before the lowest point and leave as the water starts to rise again.
Protect the Animals
Follow these tide-pool care guidelines to protect animals.
- Look, but do not touch.
- Never move or remove plants or animals. Even a small shift can harm them.
- Walk gently and avoid crushing life beneath your feet.
- Stay on trails to protect plants and prevent erosion.
Sea anemones curl up when disturbed, so give them space.
Stay Safe on the Rocks
Wear shoes with good grip. The rocks are slick, and barnacles are sharp. Follow the city’s coastal safety rules and never turn your back on the ocean. A sudden wave can sweep people off rocks and bluffs. Stay off slippery rocks and away from spots that waves can reach.
Trade Snowy Trails for Oceanfront Walks and Hikes
San Diego trades snowy trails for coastal paths. Cool air and soft winter light make a walk by the sea feel fresh.
Where to Walk
The city manages more than 400 parks and about 26 miles of shoreline. City parks and open spaces range from coastal bluffs to canyons.
| Area | What You Will See |
| Sunset Cliffs | Carved bluffs, arches, and sea caves |
| La Jolla shoreline parks | Ocean views and grassy lawns |
| Torrey Pines area | Sandstone bluffs and beach access |
| Pacific Beach and Mission Beach | A beachside boardwalk, Belmont Park, and Crystal Pier |
Pick a Route That Fits You
- Start with short walks if you are new to the area.
- Check trail access before you set out, since closures can happen.
- Stay on marked paths and public viewpoints.
- Bring water and a light jacket.
Respect the Cliffs
Coastal bluffs can be unstable. Some rise up to 300 feet, and lifeguards handle about 50 cliff rescues a year. The city’s cliff rescue program explains the risk. Keep well back from edges and watch children closely near any bluff. Do not explore unofficial beach-access routes. Choose public viewpoints with railings or clear paths. If a trail looks worn or crumbly near the edge, turn around.
Slow Down With a Waterfront Afternoon at Mission Bay
After an active morning, give yourself a quiet afternoon. Mission Bay Park covers more than 4,000 acres, split about evenly between land and water. Its shoreline stretches 27 miles, and 19 of those miles are sandy beach.
Easy Ways to Enjoy the Bay
- Walk the shoreline paths. The park has close to 14 miles of bike and walking paths.
- Spread out a blanket for a picnic on the grass.
- Look for birds near the nature reserve at the north end.
- Take photos of the water and the city skyline. Sunlight in December is softer, which flatters most photos.
- Fly a kite or sit on a bench and watch the boats.
The bay is calm and close to downtown. It sits next to Mission Beach and Belmont Park. You can find public restrooms and showers around the park.
Finish the Day With a Pacific Coast Sunset
December sunsets come early, around 4:40 to 4:50 p.m. That makes it easy to catch the show before dinner.
Good Public Viewpoints
- Ladera Street, Luscomb Point, and Osprey Street at Sunset Cliffs are popular sunset spots.
- Other shoreline parks: The city’s shoreline parks cover Ellen Browning Scripps Park and Cuvier Park in La Jolla. Calumet Park in Pacific Beach is also on the list.
Tips for a Safe, Easy Evening
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to find parking and a safe spot.
- Bring a warm layer. Temperatures drop fast after sunset.
- Stay on designated paths.
- Keep away from unstable cliff edges.
- Bring a flashlight for the walk back.
Where Should You Stay in San Diego in December?
Your base shapes your trip. Match your location to your travel style. Here are three areas to consider.
Mission Bay
This area suits visitors who want water views and shoreline paths. It is also close to our departure area on Quivira Way. Lodging ranges from resorts to budget stays, and downtown is just minutes away. Learn more about Mission Bay and its beaches here.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach
These neighborhoods fit travelers who want beach walks and a lively coastal feel. The boardwalk links the two. Belmont Park anchors Mission Beach. Pacific Beach has Crystal Pier and a busy street of shops and restaurants. See the central beach neighborhoods for more.
Downtown San Diego
Downtown works for visitors who want city life, restaurants, and public transportation. Downtown neighborhoods include the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, East Village, and the Embarcadero. The airport is only minutes away.
Make December Feel Different
San Diego gives you a real winter break. You can watch for whales, explore tide pools, walk the coast, and catch a sunset. Mission Bay adds a slow, scenic afternoon. If you want a bolder view, join us for a parasailing flight over the bay. Check our seasonal availability, and plan around the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is San Diego worth visiting in December?
Yes. December brings mild weather, early gray whale sightings, tide pools, and sunset walks. Some days are cool or rainy, so pack layers. The coast is a good escape if you want a gentler winter.
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What should I wear in San Diego in December?
Dress in layers. Bring light tops for the day and a sweater or jacket for the evening. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain shell. Comfortable walking shoes work well for beaches, bluffs, and city streets.
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How cold is it in December in San Diego?
Daytime highs usually reach the mid-60s °F, and nights fall to about 50°F. Wind and shade can make it feel cooler. Inland areas and mountains get colder, and mountain snow is possible.
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Is San Diego swimmable in December?
Most people stay out of the water. The ocean averages about 57°F to 62°F, which feels cold without a wetsuit. If you swim, stay near lifeguards and never swim alone. Learn what to do in a rip current.