Los Angeles, CA Weather in December: What to Expect from the City of Angels
Los Angeles, California is known for its year-round mild climate, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. However, December is one of the cooler months in the city, with cold fronts from the North and wet weather from the Pacific Ocean influencing the region. In this article, we'll delve into what you can expect from the Los Angeles weather in December, highlighting the average temperature, precipitation, and potential weather-related events to keep an eye on.
The winter months mean cooler temperatures in Los Angeles, with average highs in December ranging from 63°F (17°C) to 68°F (20°C), with cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles was 24°F (-4°C) on January 22, 1949. This rare cold snap was caused by a prolonged high-pressure system that blocked the jet stream, preventing any Pacific storms from reaching the city. Typically, Los Angeles weather in December tends to range from mild to cool, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
Weather Patterns to Expect in December
As the winter season takes hold, Los Angeles weather in December brings a mix of cool fronts from the North and wet weather from the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most notable weather patterns to expect include:
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Temperature Fluctuations
* Average high temperatures ranging from 63°F (17°C) to 68°F (20°C)
* Cooler mornings, with temperatures often starting in the mid-40s to low 50s (7-12°C)
* Warmer afternoons, reaching highs in the mid-60s to low 70s (18-22°C)
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Precipitation
* December is relatively dry, with an average of 3.10 inches (7.9 cm) of precipitation
* The wettest month of the year, January, typically sees around 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) of rain
* Snowfall is rare in Los Angeles, but not unheard of. The average snowfall is 0.1 inches (2.5 cm), with no measurable snowfall in the majority of years
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Other Weather Events
* Fog: Los Angeles is known for its morning fog, with December seeing an average of 2-3 foggy mornings
* Thunderstorms: Although rare, the city can experience a few thunderstorms throughout the month, usually with weak winds
## Wind Patterns and Ocean Currents
Los Angeles weather in December is influenced by various wind patterns and ocean currents. The city is located in a region of moderate to strong westerly winds, with average wind speeds ranging from 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h). These winds are brought in by the prevailing westerly winds that originate from the Pacific Ocean. This pattern is fundamental to understanding the winter weather in Los Angeles.
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Sea Surface Temperatures
Pacific Ocean surface temperatures in December are around 58°F (14°C), which is relatively cool and influences the cold snaps that occasionally make their way to the city. These cooler sea surface temperatures help keep daytime temperatures from rising too much.
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Weather Record-Breakers
Los Angeles has experienced some rare and record-breaking weather events in December, including a cold snap in 1949, when the temperature dropped to 24°F (-4°C) on January 22. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures have dipped as low as 24°F (-4°C) only 17 times in the city's history. Some notable record-breaking temperatures for December are:
1. December 22, 1911: 39°F (4°C)
2. December 15, 1983: 33°F (0.5°C)
3. December 21, 1987: 26°F (-3°C)
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Why the Weather is So Mild
Los Angeles' relatively mild December weather can be attributed to the combined effects of its coastal location, wind patterns, and geographical features. Specifically,
* Geographical influences
* Climate patterns
Geographical influences play a significant role in shaping Los Angeles weather in December.
Los Angeles is situated in a coastal environment with mountains, deserts, and valleys surrounding the city. This unique combination creates microclimates, which create variations in weather patterns. For example, the San Gabriels mountains create orographic lift, making the weather cooler and more humid in areas like Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley.
Climate patterns also have a significant impact. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) plays a substantial role in determining the rain patterns in December, which usually occur from the Pacific Ocean. This zone leads to a battle stateside influence on the western edge of the continent, ensuring damp hints consistently hit Los Angeles.
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