California Winter Packing List for December: The Ultimate Guide for Warm Days and Cool Nights

California in December offers a mix of climates—from snowy mountains to sunny beaches. Whether you’re hitting up San Francisco, soaking in the SoCal sun, or skiing in Tahoe, you need a flexible packing strategy. Layering is your best friend in this season.

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Weather varies wildly: it might be 5°C (41°F) and foggy in San Francisco, while it’s 22°C (72°F) and sunny in San Diego. Be ready for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly nights—plus rain in the north and snow in the mountains.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for California in winter in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🌁 San Francisco: 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F), fog, rain, and chill.
• ☀️ Los Angeles/San Diego: 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 72°F), sunny and dry.
• 🏔️ Lake Tahoe/Yosemite: -6°C to 5°C (21°F to 41°F), snowy and cold.

What to Pack for California in Winter in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Rolling suitcase – Easy to maneuver through cities.
• 🎒 Lightweight daypack – For day trips or hikes.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Great for organizing warm vs cool weather wear.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Separate beach sandals from boots.
• 🧼 Toiletry bag – TSA-approved and organized.
• 📂 Travel document folder – Road trip or flight confirmations.
• 👜 Reusable tote – For groceries or beach trips.
• 🧺 Laundry pouch – Separate beachwear or sweaty gear.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – No surprises at check-in.
• 🔒 Travel lock – For hostel or Airbnb security.
• 🎒 Zipper pouch – Sunscreen, shades, charger all in one spot.
• 🧻 Quick-dry towel – For beach, hot springs, or cabins.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For long drives up the Pacific Coast.
• 😴 Sleep mask – Hostels, hotels, or red-eye flights.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 T-shirts (3-5) – Layering essential for daytime sun.
• 🧥 Sweaters/hoodies (2-3) – Morning and evening layers.
• 🧥 Light jacket – Perfect for LA and the coast.
• 🧥 Insulated coat – If visiting Tahoe or Yosemite.
• 👖 Jeans (2-3) – Reliable and versatile.
• 👖 Leggings – Comfy for hiking, city walks, or lounging.
• 🧣 Scarf – Light but cozy for NorCal evenings.
• 🧤 Gloves – Only needed in mountain regions.
• 🧦 Socks (5-7) – Mix of cotton and wool for different climates.
• 👚 Long-sleeve tops (2-3) – Great for layering.
• 👙 Swimsuit – Yes, for spas or heated hotel pools!
• 👗 Casual dress/skirt – Add leggings and boots for winter style.
• 👘 Pajamas – Light or thermal, depending on destination.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Comfortable base layers.
• 🧴 Bras – Regular and sports bras for activities.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Gentle cleanser – From beach to snow, your face needs it.
• 💦 Toner – Helps rebalance after dry winds.
• 🧴 Lightweight moisturizer – Year-round essential.
• 🧴 Sunscreen SPF 50 – California sun is strong, even in winter.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Especially after dusty hikes or beach days.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Weekly refresh.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Keep the eyes hydrated post-sun or wind.
• 🌫️ Face mist – Refresh during outdoor adventures.
• 🎭 Sheet masks – Rehydrate after flights or dry air.
• 💄 Lip balm (SPF) – Constant sun/wind exposure = dry lips.
• 💊 Spot treatment – Environmental shifts can cause flare-ups.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted moisturizer – Easy and hydrating.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Cover fatigue from travel.
• 🧼 Powder – Keep it light and matte.
• 💗 Cream blush – Natural glow in variable climates.
• ✨ Highlighter – Shine for selfies and sunsets.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Add warmth on cloudy days.
• 🎨 Neutral palette – Simple but versatile.
• ✒️ Eyeliner – Optional, but helps glam it up.
• 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Good for wind or beach.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Frame the face with minimal effort.
• 💄 Lip tint – Pop of color, low maintenance.
• 💦 Setting spray – Lock in makeup across climates.
• 🖌️ Brushes – Bring only what you use.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Brush/comb – Basic grooming.
• 🧷 Hair ties + scrunchies – For wind or heat.
• 🧴 Mini shampoo/conditioner – Pack moisturizing formulas.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Between beach and trails.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – Dry desert air or hot tools.
• 🧴 Styling cream – Tame frizz in varied humidity.
• 💨 Compact hair dryer – If not provided in hotels.
• 🪞 Flat iron or curler – Optional for style-focused travelers.
• 💧 Hair oil – Restore moisture after sun/wind exposure.
• 🎀 Accessories – Clips, headbands, mini claws.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👟 Sneakers – Great for city walks and hikes.
• 🥾 Hiking boots – If heading to national parks or trails.
• 🥿 Flats or sandals – For SoCal cities and warmer areas.
• 🧢 Sun hat or cap – For beach or desert sun.
• 🧤 Gloves – Just if you’re going to higher altitudes.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – A must across all of California.
• 👜 Day purse or belt bag – Travel-friendly and secure.
• ☂️ Compact umbrella – Especially for NorCal rain.
• ⌚ Watch – Outdoor-friendly and useful.
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Keep it easy and safe.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 ID + driver’s license – Especially for car rentals.
• 📄 Insurance – Health + car if needed.
• 🗺️ Printed reservations – Especially for rural Airbnbs.
• 💳 Cards and small cash – Some parks or small towns are cash-only.
• 🖊️ Pen – For forms and journaling.
• 📒 Notebook – Notes, contacts, or local finds.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – Blisters from long walks.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – For quick cleaning.
• 🩺 Pain relievers – For jet lag or sore feet.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – For travel health checks.
• 🧽 Cotton pads/Q-tips – Multipurpose use.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Medications – Always carry extras.
• 💢 Allergy meds – Pollen or dust possible in CA.
• 🚗 Motion sickness pills – Coastal or mountain drives.
• 💊 Vitamins – Keep your immunity high.
• 🧴 Sanitizer – For hikes, beaches, or gas stations.
• 🧻 Tissues – Always useful.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Bring your preferred brand.
• 🪥 Toothbrush/toothpaste – Daily musts.
• 🧴 Deodorant – California gets warm even in winter.
• 🌬️ Light body spray – Freshen up mid-road trip.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone + charger – Road trip essential.
• 🔋 Power bank – Long hikes or desert areas.
• 📸 Camera – Especially for scenic routes and national parks.
• 💻 Tablet/laptop – For work or streaming.
• 🎧 Headphones – City walks or long drives.
• 🗺️ Offline maps – Some parks have no signal.
• 📶 SIM or hotspot – Stay connected off-grid.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Road trip book – Something California-themed.
• 🎧 Podcasts/music – Curate a road trip playlist.
• 📝 Journal – Track that Pacific Coast journey.
• 🎲 Card game – Great for group travel or downtime.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Trail mix, energy bars, and fruit.
• 💧 Water bottle – Reusable and essential in dry areas.
• 🛍️ Shopping bag – California charges for plastic bags.
• 🧺 Laundry detergent sheets – Self-serve laundry ready.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Quick fixes on the go.
• 🧦 Foot warmers – If skiing or in northern regions.
• 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Keep things fresh between hikes.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🚘 Book rental cars early—December is peak season.
• 📲 Download maps and hiking trail apps.
• 🏞️ Check park alerts before visiting national parks.
• 💳 Use tap-to-pay in cities, cash in small towns.
• 🧳 Always pack for both warm and cold zones.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📄 U.S. ESTA or visa needed if you’re not American.
• 📸 Bring ID for park entry or age verification.
• 📅 Return ticket and accommodation confirmation for entry.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 📱 Phone + charger + power bank.
• 🛂 ID or passport.
• 🧴 Sunscreen + moisturizer + lip balm.
• 👟 Sneakers or walking shoes.
• 💧 Water bottle.
• 👜 Day bag or backpack.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🔖 Extra tote for groceries or souvenirs.
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones.
• 💤 Travel blanket or footrest for road trips.
• 🧦 Backup socks + underwear.