Things to Do in Sacramento in December

December Weather in Sacramento

55°C (132°F) High Temp

38°C (101°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Crisp, clear air perfect for outdoor activities - December's cooler temperatures (15-18°C/59-64°F average) make hiking American River Parkway and exploring Midtown Sacramento comfortable all day
Holiday events peak season - Farm-to-Fork Festival transforms into holiday markets, ice skating rinks appear downtown, and the State Capitol building hosts special evening tours with holiday lighting
Excellent dining weather - Sacramento's famous outdoor patios and beer gardens remain comfortable for evening meals, while seasonal farm produce creates December-specific menus at farm-to-table restaurants
Tourist crowd lull before New Year - Most attractions have shorter lines and better availability mid-December, while hotels offer pre-holiday rates before December 26th price surge

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern - December brings 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) spread across 10 days, often as surprise afternoon drizzle that can disrupt outdoor plans without warning
Early sunset limits afternoon activities - Daylight ends by 5:00 PM in December, cutting short outdoor exploration time and making evening commutes darker
Holiday closures affect dining - Many locally-owned restaurants close December 24-26, and some farm-to-table establishments have limited hours during harvest off-season

Best Activities in December

American River Parkway Cycling Tours

December's moderate temperatures make the 50 km (31-mile) paved trail system ideal for cycling. Morning temperatures around 8°C (46°F) warm to comfortable 16°C (61°F) by midday. The parkway connects Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake, offering views of winter wildlife including migrating waterfowl and resident deer herds that are more active in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes available year-round. Bike rentals typically ฿800-1,200/day. Book guided nature tours 5-7 days ahead through certified park guides. December offers best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Old Sacramento Waterfront Walking Tours

December weather is perfect for exploring the cobblestone streets and wooden sidewalks without summer heat exhaustion. The historic district's covered walkways provide shelter during brief December showers. Holiday decorations and period Christmas celebrations add seasonal authenticity to the 1860s Gold Rush atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-guided audio tours available daily. Historical society guided tours typically ฿600-900 per person, book 3-5 days ahead. December evening tours include holiday ghost stories and are particularly atmospheric.

California State Capitol Building Tours

Indoor climate-controlled environment perfect for December's variable weather. December features special holiday decorations and extended evening tours. The building's marble interior maintains comfortable temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions, and December crowds are lighter than peak summer tourist season.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours available daily except major holidays. Advanced reservations recommended for holiday-themed evening tours typically ฿400-600. Book 10-14 days ahead for December special programs.

Sacramento Farm-to-Table Food Tours

December showcases winter seasonal menus featuring root vegetables, citrus, and preserved foods unique to the Central Valley harvest season. Cooler weather makes walking between restaurants comfortable, and many establishments offer heated outdoor seating areas perfect for December dining.

Booking Tip: Group food tours typically ฿2,000-3,500 per person including tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as December holiday parties reduce restaurant availability. Evening tours take advantage of comfortable temperatures.

Crocker Art Museum Cultural Experiences

December's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The museum features California art collections perfect for rainy day exploration. December often brings special exhibitions and holiday-themed programs that aren't available other months, plus comfortable indoor temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions.

Booking Tip: General admission typically ฿500-800. Special exhibition tickets ฿800-1,200. December features extended holiday hours and special programming. Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through museum education department.

Sacramento River Delta Boat Tours

December's cooler air and variable conditions create dramatic photography opportunities along the delta waterways. Wildlife viewing is excellent as migratory birds concentrate in the delta during winter months. Covered boat tours provide shelter during brief December showers while maintaining scenic views.

Booking Tip: Delta tours typically ฿1,500-2,500 per person for 3-4 hour excursions. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators. December offers best bird-watching opportunities but check weather conditions day-of.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Sacramento Holiday Market

Local artisan market featuring Central Valley agricultural products, handmade crafts, and seasonal foods. Takes place in downtown plaza areas with vendor stalls offering regional specialties perfect for gift shopping and experiencing local culture.

Mid December

California State Fair Holiday Celebration

Special holiday programming at the fairgrounds featuring local performers, seasonal food vendors, and family activities. Includes indoor and outdoor components designed for December weather conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layerable clothing system - December temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) daily, so pack light merino wool base layers with cotton long sleeves for easy adjustment

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - Those 10 rainy days often bring surprise 15-20 minute showers, and Sacramento's limited covered walkways mean you'll get caught outside

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Old Sacramento's cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring downtown areas

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off Sacramento River creates stronger sun exposure than expected during outdoor activities

Warm evening layers - Temperatures drop quickly after 5 PM sunset, making outdoor dining and evening activities require extra warmth

Daypack for weather changes - December's variable conditions mean carrying rain gear, extra layers, and sun protection simultaneously

Moisture-wicking socks - 70% humidity makes feet sweat more during walking tours, even in cooler temperatures

Light gloves for morning activities - Early morning temperatures around 8°C (46°F) make outdoor photography and cycling more comfortable with hand protection

Power bank for devices - Shorter December days mean more indoor time using phones for navigation and photography in museums and covered areas

Reusable water bottle - Dry Sacramento air and moderate temperatures require consistent hydration during walking tours and outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local lunch timing advantage - Most tourists eat at noon, but Sacramento locals eat lunch at 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM, giving you better restaurant availability and service during off-peak hours

Parking strategy for December - Downtown holiday shoppers create parking challenges after 2 PM weekdays, but arriving before 10 AM gets premium street parking within 2 blocks of major attractions

Weather pattern recognition - December rain typically starts as light mist around 2 PM, intensifies by 4 PM, then clears by 6 PM, so plan indoor activities for mid-afternoon

Farm-to-table seasonal timing - December menus change weekly based on Central Valley harvest schedules, so restaurants posting daily specials offer the freshest seasonal ingredients rather than standard menu items

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - Tourists pack only for average temperatures but December swings from 8°C (46°F) mornings to 18°C (64°F) afternoons, requiring layering strategy

Ignoring early sunset impact - Many visitors plan full afternoon outdoor itineraries not realizing December darkness by 5 PM cuts exploration time short and makes navigation difficult

Assuming California means no rain - Those 10 December rainy days catch unprepared tourists without rain gear, particularly problematic in Old Sacramento's historic areas with limited shelter