What to Pack for San Diego in December: Essentials for a Fun, Effortless Vacation

San Diego in December? Yes, please! It’s one of the mildest winter spots in the U.S., perfect for beachy days, breezy nights, and laid-back SoCal vibes. Winter here is more about layering than bundling up.

Expect sunny afternoons and cooler evenings. Bring clothes you can layer, plus beachwear just in case. December in San Diego is chill—literally and figuratively.

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📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for San Diego 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 🌦️

• Average high: 19°C / 66°F
• Average low: 9°C / 48°F
• Mostly sunny, with occasional rain
• Cooler near the ocean in mornings and evenings

What to Pack for San Diego in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Carry-on – Easy for weekend getaways or road trips 🧳
• Daypack – For beach, hikes, or museums 🎒
• Packing cubes – Light layers need order 🧩
• Shoe bags – Keep sand off your clothes 🩴
• Toiletry kit – All-in-one and leakproof 🧼
• Travel organizer – For ID, beach pass, and museum tix 📁
• Beach tote – Dual use for day trips or groceries 🛍️
• Laundry bag – For post-beach clothes 🧺
• Luggage lock – Peace of mind 🔒
• Luggage scale – Avoid overweight fees ⚖️
• Compact towel – Beach-ready 🏖️
• Neck pillow/sleep mask – For flights or long drives 😴

👗 Clothes

• T-shirts & tank tops (4-6) – Light and beachy 👕
• Light sweaters (2-3) – For evenings 🌆
• Hoodie or denim jacket – Layering essential 🧥
• Windbreaker – For ocean breezes 🌬️
• Jeans or travel pants (2-3) – Comfy and casual 👖
• Shorts or capris – For sunny afternoons 🩳
• Sundresses – Easy and stylish ☀️
• Swimsuits (1-2) – Pools and spas still open 👙
• Swim cover-up – Casual beach look 🏖️
• Pajamas – For cooler nights 🛏️
• Underwear & bras – Always comfy 👙
• Socks – Lightweight and breathable 🧦

💆 Skincare

• Cleanser – Light gel or foam 🧴
• Toner – Refreshing and hydrating 💧
• Moisturizer – For post-sun hydration 🌞
• Sunscreen SPF 50 – Year-round must-have ☀️
• Makeup remover – Wipe off salt and sand 🧽
• Exfoliator – Gentle for weekly use 🧼
• Eye cream – Revive travel-tired eyes 👁️
• Facial mist – Keep cool and fresh 🌬️
• Sheet mask – Beach recovery treat 😌
• Lip balm with SPF – Essential! 💋
• Spot treatment – Be prepared for any blemish 🌚

💄 Makeup

• Tinted moisturizer – Lightweight glow ✨
• Concealer – Keep it light 🎯
• Setting powder – For shine control 💨
• Blush – Add a beachy flush 🌺
• Bronzer – Enhance your glow 🌞
• Eyeshadow palette – Warm neutral tones 🎨
• Eyeliner & waterproof mascara – Just in case! 🖊️
• Brow gel – Keep it tidy 👁️
• Lip gloss or tint – Low-maintenance beauty 💄
• Makeup brushes – Travel-sized 🖌️
• Setting spray – Lock in fresh looks 💦

💇 Hair Care

• Comb/brush – De-sand your hair 💇
• Hair ties – Always handy 🎀
• Shampoo & conditioner – Beach-friendly 🧴
• Dry shampoo – Great between washes 🌫️
• Heat protectant – For styling tools 🔥
• Wave spray – Beach hair vibes 🌊
• Mini dryer or curler – Optional 💨
• Hair serum – Shine & smoothness ✨
• Beach hat – Style + sun protection 👒

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Walking shoes – Great for exploring Balboa Park 👟
• Flip flops – Beach + hotel ready 🩴
• Casual sandals – Day to night look 👡
• Light scarf – Coastal breeze protection 🧣
• Sunglasses – Must-have in San Diego 😎
• Crossbody or backpack – Light and secure 🎒
• Minimal jewelry – Coastal chic 💍
• Hat – Straw or bucket for daytime ☀️

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport/ID – Especially if flying 🛂
• Travel insurance – Always a smart idea 📑
• Flight & accommodation confirmations 📄
• Credit/debit cards – Contactless preferred 💳
• Cash – Small bills for beach vendors 💵
• Local maps or app screenshots 🗺️
• Notebook – Great for planning or journaling 📓
• Wallet – Compact and beach-safe 👛

🚑 First Aid

• Band-aids – Sandals = blisters 🩹
• Disinfectant wipes – Quick cleanups 🧽
• Allergy relief – Pollen may appear 🌸
• Thermometer – Always good to have 🌡️
• Scissors & tweezers – Just in case ✂️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Medications – All required scripts 💊
• Painkillers – Beach volleyball aches 🏐
• Hand sanitizer – Crowded boardwalks 🧴
• Toothbrush/toothpaste – Travel kit 🪥
• Floss & mouthwash – Small size 🦷
• Deodorant – Ocean breeze doesn’t hide all smells 👃
• Razor – Optional but handy 🪒
• Sunscreen – For face and body ☀️
• Bug spray – For outdoor parks 🦟
• Perfume – Light coastal scent 🌺
• Nail clippers – Sand-safe nails 💅

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone + charger – Capture sunsets 🌇
• Camera – Optional 📸
• Portable power bank – Beach days 🔋
• Bluetooth speaker – For beach vibes 🔊
• Headphones – Relaxing playlists 🎧
• SIM or eSIM – For international visitors 📶
• Waterproof case – Protect your tech 🏖️

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – Easy beach reads 📚
• Podcasts – Local history or comedy 🎙️
• Music playlists – SoCal vibes 🎵
• Travel journal – Log your sunsets 📓
• Games – Compact and fun 🎲

🎁 Extras

• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧
• Snacks – Trail mix, fruit, bars 🍌
• Beach blanket – Great for lounging 🏖️
• Shopping bag – Local markets 🛍️
• Sewing kit – Wardrobe fix 🧵
• Laundry soap – Wash swimwear 🧼

🌍 Travel Tips

• Download beach tide schedule 🌊
• Plan for traffic on I-5 🚗
• Use ride-shares for nightlife 🚕
• Photograph your luggage 📷
• Check opening hours – off-season closures 🕒

🛂 Visa Tips

• Visa not required for U.S. citizens 🛂
• Bring printed proof of reservations 📄
• Pack passport if coming from abroad 🌍

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport or ID – Depending on where you’re from 🪪
• Sunscreen – Yes, even in winter! ☀️
• Phone – With maps & playlists 📱
• Water bottle – Stay refreshed 💧
• Day bag – For beach or city 👜

👍 Good-to-Have

• Mini steamer – Warm-weather wrinkle control 👔
• Sleep mask – For mid-day naps 😴
• Neck pillow – Long road trip comfort 💤
• Spare tote – Souvenirs await 🛍️
• Hydration packs – Great for hikes 🥤