Are you looking to escape the cold this winter? If you’re saying “that’s me” then you’ll want to head to the warmest place in California in December. From chic beach towns and cosmopolitan cities to desert oasis, California is home to some of the most pleasant destinations for a winter getaway.
And the best part is, travel during December means fewer crowds, better hotel deals, and plenty of hiking trails that let you bask in the sunshine.
So…what’s the warmest place in California you ask? Well, it’s Palm Springs and it’s located in sunny SoCal. While it may be the hottest place during winter, there’s plenty of other warm destinations that great for a sunshine-y getaway.
As a California native, I’ve curated a list of best places in California worth checking out. Keep on scrolling to find out what they are.
Feel free to jump ahead!
- Warmest place in California in December
- Best warm places to visit in California in December
- Warmest beaches in California in December
- Best cold places in California in December
- What is the best time to visit California?
- FAQs: Warmest place in California in December
- Conclusion: Warmest place in California in December
Warmest place in California in December
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about planning your trip to California during the winter. From what city to visit, which activities to do, and deciding if your wintery holiday should turn into a surf holiday, I got you covered.
What’s the weather like in California in December?
California is a huge state a predominantly Mediterranean climate. However, it’s also one of the few places where you can experience different climates depending on where you’re visiting.
For instance, Northern California tends to be pretty temperate and often experiences more rainfall than Southern California. During winter, the average temperature tends to fall between 33°F and 60°F.
SoCal, on the other hand, tends to be warmer and drier, with mild winters. While there are pockets of places that experience a snowy flurry, the average temperature in SoCal is between 33°F and 71°F in December.
The coastal regions tend to waiver in the upper 60s during the winter.
What part of California is the warmest in the winter?
Southern California is hands down the warmest part of the state during winter. It’s drier, rains less and has warmer temperatures compared to other parts of the state. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing shorts, you probably could get away with it every now and again since the winter weather is so pleasant and calm.
What’s the warmest city in California in December?
The warmest place in California in December is Palm Springs as it can hit around 70°F during the winter. That’s pretty warm, and a great reason to bring back out those favorite pairs of shorts!
A close second is Anaheim, home to the happiest place on earth (aka Disneyland). It averages around 69°F during the winter.
Are California beaches warm in December?
Overall California has some great cities for the warm getaway during winter, but that heat doesn’t necessarily apply to all the beaches. The Pacific Ocean along the coast of California tends to be pretty cold compared to other beaches in the country. It’s refreshing to jump into the cold ocean during a hot summer’s day, but during a cool winter afternoon, it may not feel as rejuvenating.
But if that’s your jam, go for it! It may just be a bit too cold for me, but it’s still a lovely time of year to take a beach stroll and enjoy a meal oceanside.
Additionally, the beaches in Southern California are warmer than the beaches up north. The average water temperatures range from 56.7°F to 61.4°F in December (source).
Best warm places to visit in California in December
Palm Springs
- Average temperature in December: 70°F
- Highlights: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, museums, restaurants
Palm Springs wins for being the number one warmest place in California in December. With average temperatures around 70°F during the daytime, it’s easy to step foot into the forever summer mindset.
While you may be reaching for your tank tops and sandals, make sure to pack a light jacket and pants. Why? Because the evening temperatures tend to drop to 44°F.
Some of the best things to do in the area are riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum, and indulging in the tasty food scene. I also recommend checking out Joshua Tree National Park, which is only an hour drive from the city.
Where to stay
The Skylark, a Palm Springs Hotel – A modern hotel near the downtown area.
Los Angeles
- Average temperature in December: 68°F
- Highlights: Great dining scene, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, hiking, nightlife, beaches, museums
The second warmest place in California in December is Los Angeles. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art fanatic – there’s truly something here for everyone to enjoy during winter. And the average temperature is about 68°F, which means pleasant weather as you ring in the holiday season.
Enjoy the sunset overlooking LA from the Griffith Observatory or head to the Santa Monica Pier for a thrilling afternoon along the beach. If you’re looking for festive Christmas activities, plan a day trip to Universal Studios and watch the park come to life with the Grinch decor and twinkly lights.
There’s also great hiking in and around Los Angeles if you’re looking to work up a sweat. Here’s a hiking guide just outside LA.
Where to stay
Sheraton Universal – This is a great hotel if you’re looking for something downtown.
San Fransisco
- Average temperature in December: 59°F
- Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Pier 39, museums, holiday lights
For those looking for a warm winter escape in Northern California, San Francisco is your place. Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, there are endless choices for travelers to choose from.
Grab a sample of sourdough bread at Boudin Sourdough Bakery or Café or explore the many hiking trails outside the city. And if you’re a fan of the TV series Full House, plan a visit to see The Painted Ladies – brightly colored houses that have appeared in several movies and TV shows.
During December you can expect the weather to hover around 58°F. With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and holiday lights, you’re bound to enjoy the holiday season in San Francisco.
Where to stay
Holiday Inn San Francisco – It’s a great choice for couples and located next the Golden Gate Bridge.
Joshua Tree National Park
- Average temperature in December: 61°F
- Highlights: Hiking, bouldering, and stargazing
This national park is a desert oasis filled with the classic gangly “Joshua Tree”. It’s the intersection of the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which means during summer time, it’s scorching hot here. That’s why December is one of the best times to go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park.
During December the average temperature in the daytime is in the 60s. In the evening it drops to the 40s or uppers 30s. The cool weather and fewer crowds makes this a top hiking destination in winter.
The best hikes to trek are Ryan Mountain and Fortynine Palms Oasis, but you can find more trails on my hiking guide to Joshua Tree National.
Where to stay
Jumbo Rocks Campground is the best spot to camp in the park. Just remember it is winter time and temperatures do drop below freezing, so pack and plan accordingly.
Solvang
- Average temperature in December: 67°F
- Highlights: Danish bakeries, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, museums, holiday lights
Solvang is a hidden gem in California that’s worth a visit if you love fairy-tale towns and fresh baked pastries. Located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, this town is heavily influenced by Danish architecture and heritage.
While it’s about a 40 minute drive from Santa Barbara, upon arrival you feel as if you’ve been transported to Denmark. With thatched roofs, wooden windmills, and streets that glow during the cool winter nights, it’s like living out a Disney dream.
To truly soak up all the Danish beauty, grab some food at Danish Mill Bakery or Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Then plan a visit to Elverhoj Museum of History and Art or Solvang Amber & Viking Museum at the Copenhagen House to learn more about the Danish experience immigrating to California.
Where to stay
King Frederik Inn – Has rooms with styled with Danish decor and it located in the heart of the town.
San Diego
- Average temperature in December: 66°F
- Highlights: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, beaches, great food scene
For anyone craving a city with laid back personality that’s also a warm to visit during the holidays, San Diego is a great option. This beach city is bustling with a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and tasty restaurants that will leave you craving more.
When December rolls around, San Diego is brimming with timeless holiday activities. At night time the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Botanical Garden light up the sky with colorful light displays. Meanwhile, there’s ice Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado.
Temperatures are typically about 66°F in the daytime and drop to 49°F in the evening.
Where to stay
Sands of La Jolla – A beautiful stay for anyone looking to be right near the ocean.
Anaheim and Orange County
- Average temperature in December: 68°F
- Highlights: Disneyland, Newport Beach, Anaheim Packing District
Another popular warm destination in December (and year round, let’s be honest) is Anaheim. It’s located in Orange County and is home to the most enchanting place on earth – Disneyland! If you’re a Disney fanatic, this is the absolute best time to visit as you get the best of both worlds- Disney and Christmas.
Beyond Disneyland, Anaheim is also home to the Angels stadium and the Anaheim Packing District – an upscale and historic food hall. But just outside this vibrant city you’ll find even more things to do in the region of Orange County such as exploring the chic beach, Newport Beach.
During winter you can expect daytime temperatures to reach a high of 68°F, with nighttime temperatures reaching a low of 46°F.
Where to stay
Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim and the Embassy Suites By Hilton Anaheim are both great stays close to the center and come with breakfast.
Temecula
- Average temperature in December: 67°F
- Highlights: Old Town Temecula, wine tasting, hiking, eateries, hot air balloons
Temecula is known for being the wine country of Southern California. This city is about a two hour and fifteen minute drive from Los Angeles.
Some of the best things to do in Temecula include going wine tasting, wandering through the quaint Old Town Temecula, and dining at the many yummy restaurants. E.A.T Marketplace is one of the best restaurants for those looking for vegan-friendly and/or gluten-free baked treats. Think glazed donuts, chocolatey brownies, and more – I’m obsessed!
Other adventure-based activities to try are hot air-ballooning and hiking Vail Loop Tail (7.2 miles out and back). Just be sure to check the weather in December and bring a rain jacket as rain can affect both of these adventures.
Where to stay
Home2 Suites By Hilton Temecula – This is great hotel for couples and it’s located close by Old Town Temecula.
Warmest beaches in California in December
For those wanting to lounge at the beach during the daytime, go for swim, or grab a meal ocean side, here are some of the best beaches to visit during winter.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach wins the round of being the warmest beach in California during winter. The average temperatures reach about 67°F, while the average ocean waters are around 56.8°F. However, one year it was recorded that the ocean waters reached an all-time high of 63.7°F.
While it’s still not comfortable to swim in, these are great temperatures for a cozy beach outing to admire the beautiful landscape. Enjoy the day walking along the promenade and pier in the heart of downtown. Make a stop at Avila Valley Barn, then keep heading up the mountainside for a luxurious soak at Avila Hot Springs.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is another great beach city for a winter getaway. I’ve lived in Santa Barbara for many years and it’s one of my favorite beach cities in California! There’s truly so much to do and see during the winter time.
For starters, there’s an annual parade on State Street to kick off the holiday season. There’s also an ice skating rink in Goleta, its neighboring town. If you’re a fan of wine, the Funk Zone has several different wineries and breweries that makes for a memorable Friday night. It’s also a great destination for foodies as it has restaurants whipping up plant based cheeseburgers to taco joints serving unusual types of salsa like peanut and pistachio.
Beyond the countless restaurants, Santa Barbara has some great hiking trails to explore. Inspiration Point is 3.5 miles out and back, and offers the best views in town.
On the other side, if you’re looking for some beach time, Hendry’s Beach is the best for a leisurely stroll and brunch. Whereas East Beach is great for playing volleyball.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a hidden gem found in Central California that is famous for one thing – a giant rock. Yup, you read that right! Morro Rock is an enormous volcanic rock that sits right on the beach.
It’s one of the warmer beach towns as the temperature in December reaches the lower 60s, while the ocean water hits 56.7°F on average.
In addition to the warm weather during winter, Morro Bay is an outdoorsy paradise. Roam through the charming downtown of Embarcadero, eat some fresh salt water taffy, or take a day trip to the famous Hearst Castle. Read through my guide to Morro Bay to learn more.
San Clemente
If you’re looking for the warmest ocean water, then you’ll want to head to the laid back beach town, San Clemente. This beach is an extremely popular surf and camping spot during summer, but during winter its charm doesn’t fade. In fact, the average ocean water temperature in December is 61.6°F.
Grab a meal overlooking the beach, go wine tasting, or explore the numerous museums in the city. They even have one about surfing called the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. Here you can learn and celebrate what it means to surf.
There’s also great hiking trails to explore at San Clemente State Beach (4.5 miles out and back) and Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail (5.7 miles out and back).
Best cold places in California in December
While Palm Springs is at the top of the list as the warmest place in California in December, there are many other great places to visit within the sunshine state that offer colder, snowy weather.
Yosemite National Park
My all time favorite place to visit for some snow in California is Yosemite National Park. If it’s your first time visiting the park, here’s a Yosemite guide to help you plan.
Found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this national park is stunning during any season. It features gorgeous natural attractions like Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel Road which offers a scenic view of The Valley Half Dome.
Spring is full of cascading waterfalls, summer screams of backcountry hiking, while fall brings in cooler hiking weather and winter allows you to ice skate in Curry Village beneath the moonlit sky.
Besides ice skating, some of the best things to do in Yosemite during winter are skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at Badger Pass. The best hiking trails are Mirror Lake Trail, Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow Loop, and hiking along Mariposa Grove Road.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is another infamous California winter destination. Known for its groomed ski resorts, fresh powder, and grounding ambiance, this town is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts who love winter. Crowds gather in Tahoe during the winter months for a chance to ski, snowboard, snow tube, sled, or even go on a sleigh ride.
While December to February are the coldest months in this city with average temperatures around 30°F, you can still expect to see some sunny days here and there.
Big Bear Lake
Another great place to visit during the winter if you’re looking for a break from the warm winter weather is Big Bear Lake. This mountain town is found in Southern California. It’s about a two hour drive southeast of Los Angeles and is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to cool down their days.
While most cities in California tend to draw less crowds during the winter, this outdoor town is quite the opposite. During December, Big Bear Lake becomes a hot spot for skiing and snowboarding. There’s also some great winter hikes in the area! Some of my favorite hikes in Big Bear that I recommend checking out are Alpine Pedal Path and Castle Rock Trail.
What is the best time to visit California?
What I love about California is that anytime is a great time to visit, seriously! California is the land of sunshine.
If you’re planning to visit Southern California, the climate tends to be dry and hot. It’s the hottest in July and this warm season typically last till September or early October. The temperature on average ranges from 83°F to 95°F.
However, this number can easily jump up the further south you head in California and if you’re exploring more desert terrain. This includes Palm Springs, Death Valley National Park (which holds the record for being the hottest place on earth), and many other places.
Central California tends to be a bit cooler and Northern California tends to be the coolest.
Prices also tend to be more budget-friendly during the winter months than the summer and fall months. So, if you’re looking to score some deals, a winter trip may be calling your name!
Ultimately, the best time to visit California boils down to what you prefer temperature wise and your budget. You’ll also want to factor in what activities you’d like to experience (e.g. Disneyland at Christmas time, surfing, camping in Yosemite, etc.).
That said, anytime of year is really a good time to visit California, including December.
FAQs: Warmest place in California in December
Where’s the warmest beach in California in winter?
With temperatures in the mid 60s, Avila Beach is the warmest beach in winter. It’s also home to beautiful natural hot springs that feature private tubs! Other warm beaches worth checking out in the winter are Newport Beach, Long Beach, Laguna Beach, Morro Bay, and many beaches in Santa Barbara.
Should you visit California in December?
Absolutely! If you prefer fewer crowds, better prices, and warm weather then California is great to visit during winter. Keep in mind that California is a big state and the temperature does vary across the state.
A good rule of thumb is that the further north you travel the cooler it is, while the further south you go, the hotter the temperature will be.
Is California warm in January?
Depending where you are visiting California can be very warm in January. If you’re looking for a warm getaway, a couple of great places to check out are Palm Springs, Anaheim, and Santa Barbara.
However, if you’re looking for colder getaways, journey up the coast to Northern California for a stop in Lake Tahoe.
Conclusion: Warmest place in California in December
If you’re planning to visit California during winter, you can rest assured that you made a good choice. Visiting in December means fewer crowds, budget-friendly prices, and if you’re a Disney fanatic you’ll be able to see Disneyland lit up in Christmas magic during the winter. And the weather is still warm!
Just make sure to pack accordingly!
I highly recommend packing a light jacket, raincoat, some pants, and some close toed shoes. Even if you plan on hitting the beach, you never know when it may occasionally rain.
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