What to expect in San Francisco in December
December is a mixed month in San Francisco. You get 15° / 8°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
San Francisco weather in December
Typical conditions in San Francisco during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 15°C 59°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 8°C 46°F |
| Rainfall | Wet 55/100 |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 15°C with lows near 8°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for San Francisco — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
Prices run mid-range this month: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 15°C by day and about 8°C after dark is a two-jacket kind of month. Add a compact rain shell and shoes you do not mind soaking; this is one of the wetter months.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for San Francisco — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 23% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
San Francisco in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 21° / 12° | Moderate | $$ | 61 |
| November | 18° / 10° | Moderate | $$ | 64 |
| December · This month | 15° / 8° | Moderate | $$ | 55 |
| January | 14° / 8° | Low | $ | 59 |
| February | 15° / 8° | Low | $ | 60 |
These months score higher for San Francisco on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated August 2026
