San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is a popular tourist destination known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty. But is December a good time to visit San Francisco? The answer is not a simple yes or no. December can be a great time to visit San Francisco, but it depends on what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to tolerate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting San Francisco in December and help you decide if it’s the right time for your trip.
Weather in December
San Francisco’s weather in December is typically cool and wet, with average highs in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (13-18°C). It’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop below 40°F (4°C) on some days, especially in the mornings and evenings. The city experiences an average of 17 rainy days in December, with most of the rain coming from Pacific storms.
The fog is also a significant factor in San Francisco’s weather in December. The city is known for its foggy mornings, which can last until mid-morning. However, the fog usually burns off by the afternoon, revealing a clear and sunny sky. It’s essential to pack layers for your trip, as the temperature can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.
Here’s a breakdown of San Francisco’s average weather conditions in December:
| Temperature (F) | Temperature (C) | Humidity | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| High: 58 | High: 14 | 64% | 2.5 inches |
| Low: 46 | Low: 8 | 73% |
Pros of Visiting San Francisco in December
Despite the cool and wet weather, December has its advantages when it comes to visiting San Francisco. Here are some pros to consider:
Less Crowded: December is considered the low season for tourism in San Francisco, which means smaller crowds and shorter wait times at popular attractions.
Lower Prices: With fewer tourists, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities tend to be lower in December.
Holiday Events: San Francisco hosts various holiday events and festivals in December, including the Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting, the San Francisco Zoo’s Zoo Lights, and the Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Festival.
Shopping: December is a great time to hit the shops in San Francisco, with many retailers offering discounts and promotions during the holiday season.
Food and Drink: San Francisco’s culinary scene is in full swing in December, with many restaurants offering special holiday menus and wine tastings.
Cons of Visiting San Francisco in December
While December has its advantages, it’s essential to consider the cons as well: (See Also: When Is Best Time to Visit – Paradise Found)
Rain and Fog: San Francisco’s weather in December can be quite gloomy, with rain and fog making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
Cold Temperatures: The cool temperatures in December can make it uncomfortable to explore the city on foot, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Short Days: December is one of the shortest months of the year, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm.
Some Attractions Closed: Some attractions and businesses in San Francisco may close or have limited hours in December due to the low season.
Things to Do in San Francisco in December
Things to Do in San Francisco in December
Despite the cool and wet weather, there are still plenty of things to do in San Francisco in December. Here are some ideas:
Outdoor Activities
While the rain and fog may make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, there are still some options to consider:
- Golden Gate Park: This massive urban park is a great place to explore on a rainy day, with plenty of museums, gardens, and walking trails to discover.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Take a walk or bike ride across the iconic bridge, which offers stunning views of the city and the bay.
- Crissy Field: This former military base turned park offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.
Indoor Activities
San Francisco has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy on a rainy day:
- Museums: San Francisco is home to many world-class museums, including the de Young Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the California Academy of Sciences.
- Shopping: San Francisco’s shopping scene is in full swing in December, with many retailers offering discounts and promotions.
- Restaurants and Bars: San Francisco’s culinary scene is in full swing in December, with many restaurants offering special holiday menus and wine tastings.
Holiday Events
San Francisco hosts various holiday events and festivals in December:
- Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting: This annual event features a giant Christmas tree, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus.
- San Francisco Zoo’s Zoo Lights: This festive light display features over a million lights and is a fun activity for the whole family.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Festival: This festive event features live music, holiday decorations, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Accommodations in San Francisco in December
San Francisco’s accommodations scene is in full swing in December, with many hotels and vacation rentals offering special holiday packages and discounts: (See Also: Busiest Time to Visit Disney World? During Peak Season)
Hotels: San Francisco’s hotels are a great option for a December visit, with many offering comfortable rooms, amenities, and services.
Vacation Rentals: San Francisco’s vacation rentals are a great option for a December visit, with many offering spacious apartments, houses, and condos.
Hostels: San Francisco’s hostels are a budget-friendly option for a December visit, with many offering dorm rooms and private rooms.
Getting Around San Francisco in December
San Francisco’s public transportation system is in full swing in December, with many options for getting around the city:
Muni Metro: San Francisco’s Muni Metro system is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Bus: San Francisco’s bus system is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Taxi: San Francisco’s taxi system is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Ride-hailing: San Francisco’s ride-hailing services are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Recap
San Francisco is a great destination for a December visit, with plenty of things to do, see, and experience. While the cool and wet weather may make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. With its rich cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant neighborhoods, San Francisco is a city that has something for everyone. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Montana – Peak Season Guide)
Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s famous landmarks, enjoying the city’s culinary scene, or taking in the holiday events and festivals, San Francisco is a great destination for a December visit. So pack your bags, grab your umbrella, and get ready to experience all that San Francisco has to offer in December.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
Q: Is December a good time to visit San Francisco?
A: Yes, December is a great time to visit San Francisco, with plenty of things to do, see, and experience. While the cool and wet weather may make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco in December?
Q: What are the best things to do in San Francisco in December?
A: Some of the best things to do in San Francisco in December include exploring the city’s famous landmarks, enjoying the city’s culinary scene, taking in the holiday events and festivals, and visiting the city’s many museums and galleries.
What are the best accommodations in San Francisco in December?
Q: What are the best accommodations in San Francisco in December?
A: Some of the best accommodations in San Francisco in December include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Many of these options offer special holiday packages and discounts, so be sure to check them out.
How do I get around San Francisco in December?
Q: How do I get around San Francisco in December?
A: San Francisco’s public transportation system is in full swing in December, with many options for getting around the city. Some of the best options include Muni Metro, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing services.
What are the best restaurants in San Francisco in December?
Q: What are the best restaurants in San Francisco in December?
A: Some of the best restaurants in San Francisco in December include those serving traditional holiday dishes, such as turkey and ham, as well as those offering special holiday menus and wine tastings.
What are the best shopping districts in San Francisco in December?
Q: What are the best shopping districts in San Francisco in December?
A: Some of the best shopping districts in San Francisco in December include Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury. These areas offer a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to vintage clothing stores.