5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles gives travelers the chance to bask in mid-winter sunshine. Like most of Southern California, the rainy season occurs in the fall and winter (typical of a Mediterranean climate). However, it rains much less here than in Northern California.
From December through February, the average daily high temperatures range from the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. The winter months are also the rainiest of the year, but it usually only rains for six or seven days out of the entire month.
Besides the balmy wintertime weather, Los Angeles also delights tourists with its world-class cultural attractions. Visitors can expect to find superb restaurants, fabulous shopping, and excellent art museums in addition to the famous sights of Hollywood.
Beautiful beaches are another draw of visiting Los Angeles. Even during winter, you can enjoy the beaches of Los Angeles. In winter, you can take quiet walks along the shoreline and dine at beachfront restaurants.
6. San Francisco
If you don’t mind a little rain (or a lot, depending on the year), the winter is a great time to visit San Francisco. This sophisticated city boasts fabulous cultural attractions and things to do such as museums, theaters, gourmet restaurants, and upscale shopping centers.
Winter weather in San Francisco ranges from mild sunny days to heavy rain. In December and January, the average high temperatures are in the high 50s Fahrenheit, and it rains an average of eight days out of the month. In February, it starts to get slightly warmer with the first signs of spring (cherry blossoms) on the way.
On those chilly Northern California winter days, visitors can wander through the art galleries of the SFMOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in downtown San Francisco or the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, where magnolias and camellias bloom during wintertime. In a glorious setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay, the Palace of the Legion of Honor presents a fine arts collection along with temporary exhibits.
