If you’re planning a trip to California and thinking… is it worth visiting California in December? What is California like in winter? I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing what to do in California in winter, from the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between. I’ll also be sharing tips on weather, and packing, unique holiday events to check out, and helpful links to make your trip go smoothly.
California is more than just sunshine and palm trees! But you probably already know that since you’re here to find out what to do in California in winter. The good news is, you have lots of options. Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
- Differences between northern, central, and southern California
- Winter months and what kind of weather to expect
- Mountain, desert, and beach getaways
- Unique experiences happening during wintertime
- Seasonal & Holiday events in CA
- Packing and planning tips for your trip
But before we get into all the details…
Disclosure: Any tips or products shared are things I truly believe in. If you take action (ie make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some money which helps me continue creating travel content for you. Thank you for your support!
What California Is Really Like In Winter
First of all, winter in California is considered to be December through February. And it’s actually really common for weather to vary drastically depending on which part of the state you visit. In fact, California is one of the few places where five major climate types occur. So while the northern part of the state is typically colder and rainier, southern California sees warmer temps and more sunshine. And central California is in the middle as far as weather goes – more on that below!
Thinking of a desert getaway? Winter is a great time to visit the desert to avoid the sweltering heat of summertime. And if snow is more your style, California gets plenty of snow in the mountains. There truly is a little bit of everything in California in winter!
What you want to do on your trip will determine if a winter vacay to California is right for you. If you want a warm and sunny trip and are picturing most of your time spent at the beach, in all honesty you might be better off to visit another time of year (or at a minimum visit Southern California).
But in most other scenarios (visiting the mountains, desert, etc.) winter is still a great time to visit. It’s a less-popular time of year as far as tourism goes, so you get the benefit of less crowds and better deals. (P.S. I LOVE traveling during the off-season! If you do too, read my post How To Use Shoulder Season To Save Money on Travel.)
How Cold Is California In Winter?
Winter weather in California depends on which part of the state you’re in. But in general, winter is the rainy season, so expect more moisture in the air, rainfall, less sunshine, and snow in the mountains. It’s good to be aware of potential road closures, so check out the CalTrans website for more info on that. And be careful driving! Californians are not always the best at navigating during the rain, and our roads are extra slippery since the non-winter months we often see drought.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect:
December
December has average highs of 55-60 degrees in most parts of the state. In Northern California, it can get down to 30 degrees at night. Southern California is a bit warmer with an average high of 60-68 degrees and lows closer to 50 degrees at night. Expect scattered rain showers.
January
January is the coldest month of the year on average in California. During the day you can expect temperatures to be 54-70 degrees and then drop down to 30-45 degrees at night. January is less rainy than December and similar in amount of rainfall to February.
February
February is similar to January in terms of high and low average temperatures (54-70 degrees during the day), but one difference is that February tends to be a bit sunnier for a longer length of time.
What To Do In California In Winter
1. Snowy Winter Getaways in California
Mount Shasta
This gorgeous mountain in Northern California where you can go skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, wilderness camping…. and tons more. If you want to explore nature, see some snow, and experience a cool potentially active volcano, Mount Shasta is a great spot to check out. QUICK TIP: Many of the trails are closed in winter.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
About 90 miles south of Mount Shasta you’ll find Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Lassen Peak volcano erupted in the early 1900’s and has been dormant ever since, and now the park is known for its boiling hot springs and sulfur vents. Definitely a cool place in wintertime, where you can expect up to 30 feet of snow! QUICK TIP: Sulphur Works is the only hydrothermal area open in winter.
Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley is located east of Lake Tahoe in northern California, and the Squaw Valley Ski Park is one of the largest ski areas in the USA. The area is home to an endless supply of winter adventures, to include a scenic aerial tram, snowboarding, snow tubing, hot tubs and more. QUICK TIP: Arrive early to the slopes to find parking easily.
Lake Tahoe
One of the most iconic getaways in California, Lake Tahoe is stunningly gorgeous and the second largest lake in the US. It also gets a ton of snow in the winter, and what better place to be snowed in, am I right??? QUICK TIP: You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle or chains on your tires to navigate the area in the winter.
Yosemite
I’ve heard Yosemite in winter described as “a time of snow and solitude”. What a beautiful sentiment! It’s a great time to see this epic national park covered in snow and with less visitors, too. Perfect for a drive through the park, or through one of the plowed areas. QUICK TIP: Many waterfalls aren’t flowing and backpacking is limited, so spend your time snowshoeing, ice skating, or hiking the valley floor.
Mammoth Mountain & Lakes
Located a little bit south of Yosemite is the winter wonderland Mammoth Mountain. You can expect up to 30 feet of snow during the wintertime, and one cool fun fact is that the lifts and gondolas stay open longer than any resort in the state! QUICK TIP: Take the free shuttle! The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) bus service will take you around town, and there’s also a free Village Gondola.
Mount Baldy
If you’re going to be in Southern California and want to experience snow and wintry weather, head to Mt. Baldy. The highest point in the Los Angeles area, you can ski, snowboard, and go tubing all within an hour of the city. QUICK TIP: Hiking during winter months is not recommended unless you’re an experienced hiker.
Wrightwood
Mt. Baldy’s smaller, cozier neighbor to the north is Wrightwood. This gem of a mountain getaway is serene but still has lots of things to do, like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, etc. QUICK TIP: Visit Wrightwood to unplug! Embrace the slower pace.
Big Bear Mountain & Lake
Located a bit east of Mt. Baldy and Wrightwood, you’ll find Big Bear Mountain. Located alongside a gorgeous lake, it’s another option if you’re headed to Southern California but want to see snow. QUICK TIP: Head to “the village” to experience the quaint charm of the downtown area, with cobblestone streets and over 100 unique shops and restaurants.
Lake Arrowhead
Also located in the same vicinity is Lake Arrowhead, the last of the Southern California winter getaways on this list. Lake Arrowhead is known for being a mountain resort paradise (and where the movie remake of “The Parent Trap” was filmed!) QUICK TIP: Lake Arrowhead is actually a private lake, but if you want to take a tour, check out the Arrowhead Queen narrated boat tour.
2. Escape The Cold And Head To The Desert
Death Valley National Park
Few places on earth have the extremes that you’ll find in Death Valley National Park. In winter, instead of 130 degrees you can expect a mild 60-70 degrees and clear skies. Basically the perfect time to visit! Hiking, stargazing, golfing, and even swimming in a natural spring pool are all options for a winter trip to Death Valley. QUICK TIP: Visit in mid to end of February for your best chance at seeing wildflowers.
Joshua Tree National Park
It’s hard not to feel a sense of wow factor the first time you see a Joshua Tree. A really unique national park, you can go camping (or glamping!), hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, horseback riding, and even bring your dogs in some areas of the park. QUICK TIP: The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a can’t-miss and easy to access 1-mile loop.
Palm Springs
If you want to escape winter and forget it’s even cold outside, head to the posh desert getaway of Palm Springs. Known for great food, mid -century modern architecture and pool parties, Palm Springs is always a fun place to visit and also has great hiking, art, and botanical gardens. QUICK TIP: Modernism Week happens every February, and if you’re into architecture it’s a chance to tour some really cool homes.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego is about 2 hours east of San Diego and filled with cacti and canyons and is very wild and remote. QUICK TIP: No trip here is complete without visiting artist Ricardo Breceda’s enormous metal dinosaur sculptures! It’s a nice bit of whimsy in the desert.
3. California Beaches in Wintertime
Channel Islands
Did you know there are 5 islands off the coast of central California? Channel Islands National Park is a 1-3 hour boat ride from the mainland, and once you’re there you can enjoy nature, watersports, wildlife and more. QUICK TIP: It’s one of the least-visited National Parks in the U.S. and over 145 species that inhabit the Channel Islands are found nowhere else!
Southern California
If you’re dreaming of the beach and want to trade in the winter cold for warm weather, head to southern California where it’s milder in the winter. Need some inspiration? QUICK TIP: As a San Diego native, here are a few recommendations I know you’ll love:
- Curious What To Do in San Diego? 20 Places To Explore
- Local’s Guide To La Jolla California: Things To Do, See and Eat
- USA Beach Towns: Your Guide To Encinitas, California
- Guide To Los Angeles: 5 Itineraries to Explore Today
- Top 10 Things To Do In Southern California
4. Unique Winter Experiences in CA
Stargazing
To fully experience the stars in all their glory, you’ll want to go somewhere remote and away from the city lights. Luckily, California has several desert areas where you can do just that. QUICK TIP: Borrego Springs is California’s first (and only) International Dark Sky Community, meaning they adhere to outdoor lighting ordinances to enhance the stargazing experience.
Glamping
Why camp when you could glamp?! California has tons of options on Airbnb and Hipcamp that will take you (almost) off the grid and into a more rustic way to vacation. They truly make for a unique experience. QUICK TIP: Check out glamping.com for tons of details.
Whale Watching
The wintertime is great timing for catching a glimpse of majestic blue or gray whales as they migrate south. So far it’s been one of my favorite things I’ve done in San Diego! We went in December and it was fantastic. QUICK TIP: Often you are sailing for several hours before you spot any whales, so be patient!
Ice Skating By The Beach
Only in California can you ice skate by the beach! This is definitely a unique experience, and something that happens every year in San Diego. QUICK TIP: This is a bit of a novelty in southern California, so be prepared for big crowds and try to go during an off-peak time.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Hands down one of the most fun things you can do in California is to drive Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on a road trip! During the winter it’s still beautiful and scenic, but you will be more likely to have fog and rain. QUICK TIP: Bring your furry friends along with these Easy Ideas For Traveling With Pets, and be sure to grab the Road Trip Checklist You’ll Be Happy You Used.
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Did you know that every year, from October through early March, monarch butterflies migrate to central & southern California? They travel in huge masses, and sometimes over a distance of 2,000 miles. QUICK TIP: check out this article for more info and viewing locations.
Hot Springs
When it’s cold outside, is anything better than soaking in a natural hot spring? It’s nature’s hot tub! And in California there are many, spread throughout the state. QUICK TIP: Check out this California hot springs guide to choose which one to visit.
Giant Redwood Trees
A truly majestic sight to see on a trip to California in winter is the giant redwood trees. For a map of where to find them, check out my post Giant Redwoods in California: Everything You Need to Know. QUICK TIP: Download the AllTrails app for up-to-date information on closures, trail descriptions, and tons of other useful info.
Tour Alcatraz
Who knew California had so many interesting things to do? A tour of the most infamous prison in U.S. history definitely makes the list. If you find yourself in San Francisco, I highly recommend the guided night tour. QUICK TIP: Bring warm clothes! It’s very, very windy and cold on Alcatraz Island. And be sure to read my post about The Easy Way To Plan A Trip To San Francisco: 5 Tips.
5. Celebrating The Holidays (California Style)
Watch A Boat Parade
When in California…. watch a boat parade! Especially along the southern part of the state, it’s a fun and festive holiday tradition to decorate boats of all sizes with twinkling lights and other Christmas decorations. You can’t miss it! QUICK TIP: Check out this roundup of holiday boat parades in southern California that all happen during the winter months.
Take A Holiday Trolley Tour
If you want a really fun overview of the city and guided tour (hop on, hop off style), I highly recommend taking a trolley tour. The San Diego trolleys are amazing, and they run year-round but do a special holiday version in Nov and December. Other parts of California have trolleys too! QUICK TIP: Go early in the day to really maximize your time and dollar.
Have Fun With Santa
What’s the holidays without Santa? San Francisco actually has Santa Con every year, which is a city-wide pub crawl, and many other towns and ski resorts across California get in the Santa spirit with themed 5K runs and other seasonal events.
Watch a Christmas Parade
A fun and timeless holiday tradition is to attend a holiday parade. From small ones like the annual one in La Jolla where I live, to the glamorous Hollywood Christmas Parade and epic Pasadena Rose Parade, there are parades the whole month of December all over the state of California to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Disneyland
Rounding out this list, we can’t forget Disneyland. It’s absolutely magical in the winter months when the whole park is decorated for Christmas. QUICK TIP: Read reviews before you go to make sure the Christmas decorations are up! They normally begin in early November but it varies year to year.
Packing For Your Winter Trip to California
Whew! That’s a pretty long list, but I hope it helped you get some ideas for your trip. Now that you know what to do in California in winter, let’s continue planning your trip!
Knowing the right things to pack is definitely important, so here are a few tips:
- Pack according to your destination, because a trip to northern California in winter versus southern California in winter will look very different
- Regardless of where your trip takes you, bring layers! And remember that the desert and even coastal areas get cool at night
- Bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket at a minimum
- Use a packing checklist so you have everything you need!
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Have an amazing trip to California in winter! And be sure to comment below what thing on this list you’re most excited to do. Thanks for stopping by!
