United States · December
San Francisco in December
San Francisco in December offers a festive, crisp urban experience often overlooked in favor of warmer locales. The city shines with holiday decorations, from Union Square's towering tree to the festive lights adorning neighborhoods like North Beach.
Photo by Matthias Mullie on Unsplash
Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
December is a workable month for San Francisco with tradeoffs. 9-15°C, cool and often rainy — Christmas and New Year's crowds can be substantial.
Overall: Decent
Crowds: Heavy
Prices: Heavy
What makes December worth visiting
- •Holiday lights and decorations
- •New Year's Eve events
What to pack for San Francisco in December
Winter-specific items.
Clothing
- ●Water-resistant jacket
- ●Fleece or warm mid-layer
- ●Comfortable walking shoes
- ●Scarf, hat, and gloves
- ●Dressy outfit
Electronics
- ●Portable power bank
- ●Universal travel adapter
Weather-Specific Gear
- ●Compact umbrella
- ●Waterproof bag or cover
Health & Safety
- ●Hand sanitizer
- ●Personal medications
Documents & Money
- ●Photo ID
- ●Credit/Debit Cards
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