San Francisco in December
Wet holiday season
- Temperature
- 8–14°C
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Prices
- $$
+Holiday lights around Union Square.
–The rainiest month.
December is the rainiest month, but Union Square's holiday tree and lights make the city festive.
San Francisco vs San Diego in December
San Diego edges it in December. San Francisco averages 8–14°C with low–moderate crowds; San Diego 10–19°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
San Francisco and San Diego
The verdict for December
- WeatherSan Diego has the better weather5.5/10 vs 6.5/10
- CrowdsVery similarLow–Moderate vs Moderate
- PricesVery similar$$ vs $$$
- OverallSan Diego comes out ahead6/10 vs 6.5/10
San Diego in December
Holiday season
- Temperature
- 10–19°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
+Holiday lights and the first whales.
–Cooler, with some rain.
December is mild, with holiday events and the start of gray whale season.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month