United States, North America
San Diego in December
Gray whale season begins, holiday lights and December Nights in Balboa Park. Rates rise over the holidays.
The straight answer
December is a good month to visit San Diego. Gray whale season begins, holiday lights and December Nights in Balboa Park. Rates rise over the holidays.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 65F (18C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What December is like in San Diego
December is mild and festive. Highs sit near 65F (18C), nights get chilly, and the first winter rain can arrive. The ocean is cold. Early in the month is quiet and fairly cheap, but prices and crowds rise over the holidays as families come for sun. Gray whales start passing Point Loma, and Balboa Park lights up for December Nights.
This month suits families escaping winter, holiday lovers, and anyone who wants whales and lights instead of beach swimming. It is not a swim month. If you want the beach at its best, come back in September. If you want quiet and low prices, choose the first half of December or January.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about San Diego this month.
December Nights in Balboa Park
Balboa Park fills with holiday lights, music, and food for this early December celebration. Expect big crowds in the evenings.
The start of whale season
Gray whales begin their migration south past Point Loma. Late December is the start of good watching from Cabrillo.
A quiet early December
The first half of the month is calm and fairly cheap, and the zoo and the Midway are easy to enjoy before the holiday rush.
What to pack for December
- A warm jacket for chilly evenings
- A compact umbrella
- Binoculars for whale watching
- Layers for sunny days and cold nights
Our timing tip
Visit in the first two weeks of the month for low rates, and book a whale watching boat for late December once the migration picks up.
Book San Diego for December.
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- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San DiegoOpens a hotel search for San Diego in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in San DiegoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in San DiegoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Diego for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in December
Gray whale migration
Roughly December through April, peaking January to March
Whales pass close to Point Loma. Boat tours and shore watching from Cabrillo.
Things to do in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
Go at opening; the animals are most active in the morning. Plan a full day.
Balboa Park
Seventeen museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial buildings. Many museums close one day a week, so check.
La Jolla Cove
Sea lions, seals, and snorkeling. Best in early fall when the water is warmest.
Cabrillo National Monument
Point Loma views, tide pools at low tide in winter, and gray whale watching from December through March.
USS Midway Museum
A walk-through aircraft carrier on the bay. A hit with kids.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Open-range animal habitats in Escondido, about 45 minutes north.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Comic-Con week downtown unless you are going. Stay in La Jolla or Coronado if dates overlap.
- Hit La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines early in the morning. Parking fills fast by late morning in summer.
- Visit the zoo on a weekday outside school holidays.
- Choose September and October for summer weather without summer prices.
Know before you go
- The city runs fully year-round. Some Balboa Park museums close one weekday each week.
- Beach water quality advisories can close stretches of shoreline after rain, especially near the Tijuana River in the South Bay. Check before swimming.
- Santa Ana wind events in fall can bring heat and fire danger to the region.
San Diego in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit San Diego?
December is a good month to visit San Diego. Gray whale season begins, holiday lights and December Nights in Balboa Park. Rates rise over the holidays.
What is the weather like in San Diego in December?
Mild, highs near 65F (18C).
Is San Diego crowded in December?
Crowds in San Diego are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in San Diego in December?
Gray whale migration (roughly december through april, peaking january to march).
Keep planning San Diego.
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Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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