San Diego Climate for December begins with crisp mornings and step by step warms up all through the day, as San Diego begins to transition from autumn’s cool breeze to winter’s delicate temperatures. The common excessive temperature in December is a nice 18°C (64°F), whereas the typical low is a cool 9°C (48°F). This gradual warming is likely one of the elements that makes San Diego a favourite amongst vacationers throughout the winter months.
Town experiences a median of three to 4 wet days in December, with a median rainfall of round 62 mm (2.4 in). Though that is comparatively dry in comparison with different months, the rain is commonly accompanied by sturdy winds and storms that may trigger flash flooding. As well as, the overcast skies and gray rainclouds typically result in cooler temperatures and tough sea circumstances good for browsing.
Temperature Traits in San Diego for December
San Diego, identified for its delicate Mediterranean local weather, experiences a gradual cooling in December, marking the start of the winter season. Whereas temperatures can fluctuate, the town’s common excessive temperature usually ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s (°F), whereas the typical low temperature can dip to the mid-40s to mid-50s. This variation creates alternatives for nice winter days with comfy temperatures, good for outside actions, akin to mountaineering or visits to native seashores.
Common Excessive and Low Temperatures in San Diego for December
In keeping with the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Info (NCEI), San Diego’s common excessive temperature in December is round 67°F (19.4°C), whereas the typical low temperature is roughly 48°F (8.9°C). The warmest day of the month typically happens round December 1st, with temperatures typically reaching the mid-70s (°F). Conversely, the coldest day often falls round December twentieth, with temperatures typically dropping to the mid-40s (°F).
Coldest and Warmest Days in December
The next temperatures are examples of the bottom and highest recorded temperatures in San Diego for December over time:
- Coldest recorded temperature: 29°F (-2.2°C) on December 17, 2000
- Warmest recorded temperature: 79°F (26.1°C) on December 5, 1988
- Lowest temperature in final 10 years: 36°F (2.2°C) on December 20, 2013
- Warmest temperature in final 10 years: 72°F (22.2°C) on December 1, 2016
Components Influencing Temperature Traits in San Diego
Temperature tendencies in San Diego are influenced by varied elements, together with:
- El Niño and La Niña Occasions
- North Pacific Excessive (Pineapple Specific)
- California Present
- Land and Sea Breezes
- Temperature inversions
- Mountainous terrain
- City Warmth Island impact
El Niño and La Niña Results on San Diego’s Temperature
These two important local weather phenomena can considerably affect San Diego’s temperature tendencies attributable to their affect on atmospheric circulation. Each El Niño and La Niña occasions could cause modifications in temperature patterns throughout the Pacific Ocean.
- El Niño: Hotter ocean temperatures result in larger atmospheric temperatures in San Diego, leading to hotter winters.
- La Niña: Colder ocean temperatures result in cooler atmospheric temperatures in San Diego, leading to colder winters.
North Pacific Excessive (Pineapple Specific) and Temperature Traits
This phenomenon happens when a high-pressure system develops over the North Pacific Ocean, pulling heat, moist air in direction of the Pacific Northwest. The nice and cozy moist air can have an effect on San Diego’s temperature, making it milder.
- Pineapple Specific occasions can result in larger temperatures in San Diego.
California Present and its Influence on Temperature Traits
The California Present is a cold-water present that runs alongside the west coast of North America. Its affect might be important in San Diego, as it will probably assist preserve cooler temperatures within the space.
- The California Present helps regulate San Diego’s temperature.
Land and Sea Breezes and Temperature Traits
Land and sea breezes play a big position in San Diego’s temperature, as they contribute to cooling or warming temperatures based mostly on diurnal cycles.
- Sea breezes can cool San Diego temperatures throughout the day.
- Land breezes can heat San Diego temperatures at night time.
Temperature Inversions and Temperature Traits
Temperature inversions can even affect San Diego’s temperature tendencies. When a layer of heat air blankets a layer of cool air, it can lead to larger temperatures at larger elevations.
- Temperature inversions could cause cooler temperatures in city areas.
Mountainous Terrain and Temperature Traits
San Diego’s mountainous terrain performs an important position in temperature tendencies. Mountainous areas are usually cooler than the encompassing lower-lying areas because of the presence of cooler air lots.
- Mountainous terrain could cause temperature variations.
City Warmth Island Impact and Temperature Traits, San diego climate for december
City Warmth Island (UHI) impact happens when built-up areas take in and retain warmth, resulting in hotter temperatures in comparison with surrounding rural areas.
- City areas of San Diego can expertise hotter temperatures because of the UHI impact.
Rainfall Patterns in San Diego for December
December in San Diego brings a mixture of rainfall and comparatively delicate temperatures, providing a respite from the warmer summer time months. The area’s coastal affect retains temperatures reasonable, with common highs within the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18°C).
San Diego’s rainfall patterns throughout December are characterised by a comparatively low variety of wet days, with a median of round 6-7 days of measurable precipitation all through the month. The common quantity of rainfall for December is round 2-3 inches (50-75 mm), with most of it coming from short-duration storms. These storms might be intense, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds, however they’re comparatively uncommon.
Sudden Storms and Flash Flooding
Flash flooding is usually a concern in San Diego, significantly in city areas the place storm drains are overwhelmed. The chance is larger throughout intense rainfall occasions, which are sometimes related to chilly fronts that deliver heat, moist air from the Pacific Ocean. This could result in heavy rainfall in a brief interval, inflicting fast runoff and elevated threat of flash flooding.
Prime 5 Rainiest Decembers in San Diego’s Historical past
- 1983: A powerful low-pressure system introduced heavy rainfall to the area, leading to a complete of 6.55 inches (166 mm) of rain on December 18. This occasion additionally noticed sturdy winds, with gusts reaching as much as 90 mph (145 km/h).
- 1953: A protracted interval of rainfall, lasting a number of days, introduced a complete of 5.65 inches (144 mm) to the area. Temperatures had been additionally comparatively heat, with highs reaching the mid-60s (18°C).
- 1978: A chilly entrance swept by way of the area, dropping temperatures and bringing heavy rainfall. The whole rainfall for the month was 5.45 inches (139 mm), with some areas receiving over 6 inches (152 mm).
- 1981: A tropical cyclone, labeled as a subtropical storm, introduced heavy rainfall to the area. The whole rainfall for the month was 5.25 inches (133 mm), with some areas receiving over 7 inches (178 mm).
- 2010: A low-pressure system lingered over the area, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds. The whole rainfall for the month was 5.15 inches (131 mm), with some areas receiving over 6 inches (152 mm).
Sunshine Hours in San Diego for December
San Diego, identified for its delicate Mediterranean local weather, provides ample alternatives to take in the solar all year long. Whereas December is likely one of the cooler months, the town nonetheless averages a big quantity of sunshine, making it a perfect spot for outside fanatics.
Sunshine hours in San Diego throughout December usually vary from 7 to eight hours per day, with a median of seven.5 hours of direct daylight. This quantity of daylight, mixed with the delicate temperatures, contributes to San Diego’s status as a sun-kissed vacation spot.
The Relationship Between Sunshine Hours and Temperature
Sunshine hours play an important position in regulating San Diego’s temperature. When the solar is out, it warms the ambiance, leading to hotter temperatures throughout the day. Nonetheless, because the solar units, the temperatures drop, inflicting the cooler night time air to settle. This diurnal temperature variation is a standard phenomenon in Mediterranean climates like San Diego’s.
Sunshine hours can even affect temperature by way of the method of evaporative cooling. When the solar heats the floor of the ocean, it evaporates water into the air, which in flip cools the encompassing setting. This course of is especially efficient throughout the early morning hours, when the solar’s rays are nonetheless low within the sky.
The connection between sunshine hours and temperature is advanced and influenced by varied elements, together with cloud cowl, atmospheric circulation patterns, and the quantity of atmospheric moisture. Understanding this relationship helps scientists and fanatics alike make extra correct predictions about San Diego’s climate patterns.
The Results of Overcast Skies
Overcast skies can have a big affect on San Diego’s climate patterns. When the sky is roofed in clouds, the town experiences a discount within the quantity of direct daylight it receives. This could result in cooler temperatures, because the clouds block the warming results of the solar.
Along with temperature, overcast skies can even have an effect on precipitation patterns. When the ambiance is saturated with moisture and there’s a lack of direct daylight, precipitation turns into extra possible. It is because the clouds entice warmth and moisture, creating an setting conducive to precipitation.
Ocean currents are additionally affected by overcast skies. When the solar isn’t shining, the ocean floor temperature cools, which in flip impacts the ocean’s thermal dynamics. This could affect the distribution of marine life, as species which are delicate to temperature and water high quality could battle to outlive in areas with diminished daylight.
In abstract, sunshine hours in San Diego throughout December play an important position in regulating the town’s temperature, precipitation patterns, and ocean currents. Understanding the advanced relationships between these elements can assist scientists, residents, and guests alike higher admire the wonder and complexities of San Diego’s local weather.
Fog and Mist in San Diego for December
Fog and mist are frequent climate phenomena in San Diego throughout December, characterised by low-lying clouds and visibility discount. San Diego’s marine local weather, with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, contributes to the formation of fog and mist because of the cool ocean waters and the town’s coastal geography. As moist air from the ocean is drawn onto the land, it cools, ensuing within the condensation of water vapor and the formation of fog and mist.
San Diego experiences a wide range of fog and mist varieties, every with distinct traits.
Kinds of Fog in San Diego
Fog is a crucial facet of San Diego’s December climate, and understanding its differing kinds is crucial for navigating the town throughout this time.
Fog, usually, refers to a cloud layer that kinds when the air close to the floor cools to its dew level (usually at temperatures beneath 6°C or 43°F), inflicting the water vapor to condense. Listed below are eight major forms of fogs which are generally skilled in San Diego throughout December, every contributing distinctive traits to the town’s climate:
- Advection Fog: The sort of fog kinds when moist air strikes over a cool floor, akin to when fog rolls in from the ocean and covers the town. It is a frequent prevalence in San Diego throughout December.
- Upslope Fog: This fog sort kinds when moist air is pushed up a slope, akin to when wind blows from the ocean and up the shoreline, ensuing within the formation of fog close to the highest of the slope. It’s generally noticed in San Diego’s hills and mountains.
- Steam Fog: The sort of fog seems when chilly air strikes over heat water, inflicting the water to evaporate quickly and create a thick, fog-like layer. Though much less frequent, steam fog can happen in San Diego throughout December.
- Ice Fog: The sort of fog happens when the air is cooled to the purpose the place the water vapor within the air freezes into small, suspended water droplets. It’s much less frequent in San Diego, however nonetheless doable in periods of chilly temperatures and excessive humidity.
- Radar Echo Tops: These are clouds that seem as darkish lots on radar however are usually not seen to the bare eye. They’ll point out areas of heavy precipitation and could also be related to fog or mist.
- Terrain-Pressured Fog: The sort of fog kinds when moist air is compelled over a terrain function, akin to a mountain or hill, ensuing within the formation of fog on the leeward facet. It’s common in San Diego throughout December.
- Evaporative Fog: This fog sort kinds when photo voltaic radiation heats the floor water, inflicting fast evaporation and the formation of fog. It’s much less frequent in San Diego, however nonetheless doable in periods of excessive temperatures and low humidity.
Description of Advection Fog: Think about a rolling, misty blanket spreading over the town because the cool ocean air meets the hotter land. Advection fog is especially prevalent throughout the morning hours when the air is calm.
Description of Upslope Fog: Image a layer of fog clinging to the hills and mountainsides of San Diego, ensuing from the air being compelled upwards and cooling.
Description of Steam Fog: Visualize a dense, steam-like fog emanating from the floor of the water and filling the encompassing space.
Description of Ice Fog: Think about a dense, icy fog that reduces visibility and makes it tough to tell apart objects and folks.
Description of Radar Echo Tops: Image thick, darkish clouds that block radar alerts and point out a excessive degree of precipitation.
Description of Terrain-Pressured Fog: Visualize a dense fog layer clinging to the leeward facet of a hill or mountain as moist air is compelled over the terrain.
Description of Evaporative Fog: Think about a thick, fog-like layer that kinds over the floor of the water because it quickly evaporates.
Safely Driving in Foggy Situations
Given the frequency and depth of fog in San Diego throughout December, driving safely in these circumstances is essential. Listed below are some key ideas that will help you navigate the town throughout foggy climate:
- Use low-beam headlights: Excessive beams can replicate off fog and scale back visibility additional, so swap to low beams to enhance your view.
- Cut back pace: Slowing down permits you to react to altering circumstances and offers you ample time to cease in case of an emergency.
- Improve following distance: Go away extra space between your car and the one in entrance to permit for further time to cease or reply to surprising conditions.
- Use windshield wipers and de-icer: Clear visibility is crucial in foggy circumstances. Be certain your windshield wipers and de-icer are functioning correctly to keep away from diminished visibility.
In areas the place dense fog is predicted, take into account different routes or modes of transportation to make sure your security.
Wind Patterns in San Diego for December
San Diego is thought for its delicate and nice local weather, however December is a main time for experiencing wind within the space. The everyday wind patterns throughout this month are influenced by the interplay between the subtropical high-pressure belt and the low-pressure system that dominates the jap Pacific Ocean. The commerce winds, which blow from the east, are inclined to develop into stronger and extra sustained in December, leading to a big affect on the native climate patterns.
Typical Wind Velocity and Path in San Diego throughout December
In December, the typical wind pace in San Diego is round 7-10 mph (11-16 km/h), with nearly all of the winds coming from the east and southeast. The stronger winds often happen throughout the daytime, whereas the nighttime winds are usually lighter. The wind gusts, nevertheless, can attain as much as 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h) on some days. Because the winds transfer over the town, they carry hotter air from the ocean and cooler air from the mountains, leading to a posh and dynamic climate sample.
Results of Wind on San Diego’s Climate Patterns
The wind has a big affect on San Diego’s climate patterns, significantly in December. The stronger winds are inclined to push up the marine layer, which is a layer of cool, moist air that kinds over the ocean. This, in flip, can result in elevated fog and cloud cowl within the area. Nonetheless, the winds can even deliver hotter air from the ocean, leading to an increase in temperatures. The mixture of those elements could make for a novel and dynamic climate sample in San Diego throughout December.
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The Prime 10 Windiest Days in San Diego’s Historical past
The next record represents the highest 10 windiest days in San Diego’s historical past, based mostly on knowledge from the Nationwide Climate Service. Please word that the wind speeds and dates are topic to vary over time attributable to updates to the climate data.
- Wind pace: 60 mph (97 km/h); Date: February 20, 1962
- Wind pace: 57 mph (92 km/h); Date: January 3, 1939
- Wind pace: 55 mph (89 km/h); Date: December 26, 1976
- Wind pace: 54 mph (87 km/h); Date: February 7, 1983
- Wind pace: 53 mph (85 km/h); Date: January 29, 1967
- Wind pace: 52 mph (84 km/h); Date: March 3, 1987
- Wind pace: 51 mph (82 km/h); Date: February 14, 1978
- Wind pace: 50 mph (80 km/h); Date: January 10, 1950
- Wind pace: 49 mph (79 km/h); Date: February 22, 1972
- Wind pace: 48 mph (77 km/h); Date: December 17, 1974
Closure: San Diego Climate For December
To sum it up, December is a superb time to go to San Diego for those who’re in search of delicate temperatures and fewer crowds. Simply be ready for potential rain showers and overcast skies, which may typically make the ocean currents a bit extra unpredictable. Nonetheless, the town’s gorgeous seashores, lovely parks, and vibrant tradition make it a superb selection for a winter trip.
FAQ Overview
What’s the common excessive and low temperature in San Diego in December?
The common excessive temperature in December is eighteen°C (64°F), whereas the typical low is 9°C (48°F).
What number of wet days can I count on in San Diego in December?
San Diego experiences a median of three to 4 wet days in December.
What’s the common rainfall in San Diego in December?
The common rainfall in San Diego in December is round 62 mm (2.4 in).
Can I count on to have solar throughout my December go to to San Diego?
Whereas it is doable to have sunny days, San Diego’s December days might be partially overcast attributable to rain showers and gray skies.
Are the ocean currents calm in December?
No, the ocean currents might be tough and unpredictable in December, making it much less appropriate for swimming and browsing.
