Laguna Beach in December

Weather in December

December is the coolest month in the NOAA normals for the Laguna Beach station: an average high of 67°F and an average low of 44°F. Visit Laguna Beach also lists it as the coolest month. The 23-degree spread means mild afternoons and cold evenings.

Rain is more likely now. The December normal is 1.87 inches, with 3.2 days reaching 0.10 inch or more, the most rainy days of any month from May through November. As always, a normal is a 30-year average and any December can differ.

Daylight is at its shortest. In 2026 the U.S. Naval Observatory puts sunset at 4:43 p.m. on December 1 and 4:53 p.m. on December 31, in Pacific Standard Time. The sunset spots page lists where to watch, and the rainy day page has indoor options.

The ocean in December

At NOAA’s San Pedro South buoy (station 46253), December water averages about 62°F across 2015–2025, on its way down to the year’s low of about 59°F in February and March. The buoy sits offshore in 66 meters of water about 23 miles west of Laguna Beach, so it shows the season and not the water at one cove.

The city’s guidance carries into winter: swim near a lifeguard, because not every beach has one at all times, and be careful on the rocks, where the city says unpredictable waves cause injuries. Leashed dogs may be on the beach at any time of day through winter. The ocean safety guide covers flags and rip currents.

What’s on in December

• Hospitality Night. The city and the Chamber of Commerce sponsor this downtown block party on the first Friday each December. The 2026 night is Friday, December 4, from about 5 to 9 p.m. Santa arrives at the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2) to light the tree at 6:10 p.m. On the city’s tentative schedule, downtown streets close from 3 p.m., and a free trolley and on-demand service run from 4 to 11 p.m. Check the city’s page for changes.
• Sawdust Winter Fantasy. The 2026 festival runs through December 20, on five three-day weekends from November 20, Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Pets are not allowed on the grounds.
• Gray whales. Visit Laguna Beach says gray whales are often seen heading south along the coast in December, and the state’s Fish and Wildlife department lists December through April for the nearby coastline. The whale watching page covers shore lookouts and tours.
• First Thursdays Art Walk. The free gallery night continues on the first Thursday; see the Art Walk page.

The January calendar starts with whales and the Art Walk; see Laguna Beach in January. The events guide lists the rest of the year.

Crowds and getting around

December events concentrate in two places. Hospitality Night takes place downtown, where the city closes streets from 3 p.m., so plan around the free trolley the city lists for that evening. Sawdust sits on Laguna Canyon Road, with $5 parking at Lot 16 (1900 Laguna Canyon Road) and a free trolley between the lot and downtown from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the festival is open.

Away from events, the city’s non-summer trolley schedule applies. The Coastal Route is free along Coast Highway every 20 to 30 minutes, and the weekend Canyon Route runs from Lot 16 for $5. Lot 16 is closed to the public Monday to Friday.

For lots, meters and permits read the parking guide, and the getting around guide covers the on-demand Laguna Local service.

What to pack

• A coat for the evening. A 44°F average low and a sunset before 5 p.m. make festival nights cold.
• Rain gear. About three days in December bring 0.10 inch or more.
• Binoculars. Whales pass the coast in winter, and they help from the bluffs.
• Waterproof shoes. The city recommends them on tide pool rocks, and wet bluff paths are slick.
• A full day plan for daylight. Parks and trails run on daylight; OC Parks closes Aliso and Wood Canyons at sunset, and trails there can stay closed for three days or more after rain.