United States · December
San Francisco in December
December in San Francisco offers a festive urban escape with fewer crowds than summer. The city truly shines with its iconic landmarks beautifully adorned for the holidays, and the crisp air is perfect for exploring.
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. 9-14°C, cool and often damp, but can have bright, crisp days — Christmas week sees a surge in crowds and prices.
Overall: Decent
Crowds: Heavy
Prices: Peak season
What makes December worth visiting
- •Holiday lights and festivities
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
What to pack for San Francisco in December
Winter-specific items.
Clothing
- ●Water-resistant jacket
- ●Layering pieces (sweaters, long-sleeve shirts)
- ●Comfortable walking shoes
- ●Scarf
- ●Gloves
Electronics
- ●Portable power bank
- ●Camera with extra battery
Weather-Specific Gear
- ●Umbrella
- ●Waterproof bag or cover
Health & Safety
- ●Hand sanitizer
- ●Basic first-aid kit
Miscellaneous
- ●Reusable water bottle
- ●Small backpack or daypack
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