what to wear in san diego in december

3 min read 23-12-2024

Meta Description: Planning a December trip to sunny San Diego? This comprehensive guide breaks down the perfect outfits for San Diego weather in December, from daytime adventures to evening events. Discover what to pack for comfortable and stylish exploration of this California gem! (157 characters)

San Diego in December: Weather Expectations

San Diego boasts a famously mild climate, even in December. However, "mild" can be deceptive. You'll experience comfortable daytime temperatures, but evenings can get noticeably cooler, especially near the coast. Expect average highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18° Celsius) and lows dipping into the 50s (around 10° Celsius). Ocean breezes can add a chill factor, so layering is key.

What to Pack for Your San Diego December Trip: A Daytime Look

The Perfect Daytime Outfit

Layers are your best friend: A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or sweater is perfect as a base layer. You can easily add or remove layers depending on the temperature.
Versatile bottoms: Comfortable jeans or chinos are great choices. If you plan on hiking or exploring outdoors, opt for more durable fabrics. A lightweight skirt or dress paired with leggings will also work well.
Comfortable shoes: Walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan on sightseeing. Sandals might be suitable for warmer days, but pack closed-toe shoes as well for cooler evenings or damp areas.
Light jacket or sweater: A stylish jacket, light cardigan, or fleece will be your go-to layer for those chilly ocean breezes or cooler evenings.
Accessories: A scarf, hat, and gloves can add warmth and style for those colder days. Don't forget sunglasses for sunny spells.

What to Wear for Specific Activities:

Beach Day: Even in December, San Diego beaches are often enjoyable. Pack a swimsuit, a light cover-up (like a sundress or sarong), and flip-flops or sandals. But remember that the ocean water will be cold, so a wetsuit might be worth considering for swimming.
Hiking: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Choose moisture-wicking clothing in layers, and consider hiking pants or leggings.
Exploring Balboa Park: Comfortable shoes are important for exploring the vast Balboa Park. A light jacket or sweater will be useful, as the park can get breezy.

Evening Wear in San Diego: Staying Stylish After Dark

As the sun sets, temperatures in San Diego drop. Your daytime outfits may require a little adjustment for a comfortable evening.

Staying Warm and Chic for Evening Events

Warm layers: Evenings can get surprisingly cool, especially near the coast. A warm jacket, sweater, or shawl is essential.
Dressy options: If you're heading out for a nice dinner or evening event, a stylish dress, blouse, or sweater paired with dress pants or a skirt will be a comfortable yet chic choice.
Elegant shoes: Closed-toe shoes or stylish boots are recommended for comfort and warmth.
Accessories: A scarf, necklace, or earrings can complete your look, adding a touch of elegance.

What NOT to Wear in San Diego in December

Heavy winter coats: You won’t need a bulky winter coat in San Diego in December. Pack layers instead.
Heavy boots: Unless you’re planning on extensive hiking in rugged terrain, heavy winter boots are unnecessary. Comfortable walking shoes or stylish boots are sufficient.
Shorts (in the evenings): While shorts might be fine during the day, evenings can be significantly cooler and shorts might leave you feeling chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will I need a swimsuit in December?

A: Yes, if you plan on spending time at the beach. However, bear in mind that the water temperature will be cool.

Q: Should I pack rain gear?

A: While December in San Diego isn't known for heavy rainfall, it's always wise to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case.

Q: What kind of shoes should I pack?

A: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city. Depending on your plans, you may also want sandals, hiking boots or dressier shoes.

Q: How warm will the evenings be?

A: Evenings can get chilly, with temperatures dipping into the 50s (around 10° Celsius). Layers are essential.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a stylish and comfortable December trip to beautiful San Diego! Remember to check the specific forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information.