Fresno in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Fresno

18°C (64°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities - no scorching heat or freezing cold, ideal for hiking in the Sierra foothills and exploring downtown on foot
Prime citrus season - local oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits are at peak ripeness with roadside stands offering picking experiences at ₹50-80 per bag
Minimal crowds at major attractions like this destination and Shinzen Tashkent, with shorter wait times and better photo opportunities
Holiday festivities transform the city - Christmas Tree Lane is fully decorated, and the this destination hosts winter markets with local artisans and food vendors

Considerations

Tule fog can roll in suddenly, reducing visibility to 50 m (164 ft) and causing flight delays at Fresno Yosemite International Airport - affects 40% of December days
Many outdoor swimming pools and water attractions are closed for winter maintenance, limiting family activity options
Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor sightseeing effectively ends by 5:30 PM, requiring careful itinerary planning

Best Activities in December

Sierra Nevada Foothills Wine Tasting

December is harvest celebration season in Fresno County's wine regions. Cooler temperatures make vineyard visits comfortable, and many wineries offer special holiday tastings with seasonal pairings. The crisp 18°C (64°F) afternoons are perfect for outdoor tastings without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Contact wineries directly 5-7 days ahead for holiday tasting experiences. Expect ₹800-1,500 per person for premium tastings. Many offer package deals in December. Check the booking widget below for current wine tour options.

Christmas Tree Lane Historic District Tours

Van Ness Boulevard transforms into California's oldest Christmas tree lane in December, with 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of decorated trees dating back to 1920. Cool evenings are perfect for walking tours, and the fog often creates magical atmospheric effects around the lights.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but guided historical tours run ₹400-600 per person on weekends. Book through local tourism offices. Peak viewing is 6-9 PM when temperatures drop to comfortable 8-10°C (46-50°F).

Forestiere Underground Gardens Winter Exploration

The underground gardens maintain a constant 16-18°C (60-65°F) year-round, making December visits particularly comfortable when surface temperatures are cooler. The citrus trees in the underground grottos are often fruiting, and smaller crowds mean more intimate tours.

Booking Tip: Tours run hourly 10 AM-3 PM in December. Book 3-5 days ahead online for ₹600-900 per adult. Winter tours are 90 minutes vs 60 minutes in summer due to extended storytelling opportunities.

San Joaquin River Parkway Cycling

December offers ideal cycling weather with cool morning temperatures perfect for the 35 km (22-mile) trail system. Wildlife viewing is excellent as migratory birds are present, and the native vegetation provides winter colors without summer dust.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available for ₹1,200-2,000 per day. Book through certified shops for insurance coverage. Morning rides (8-11 AM) offer best wildlife viewing and comfortable 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures.

Fresno Art Museum and Cultural District Walking Tours

Indoor cultural activities are perfect for December's shorter days and occasional fog. The museum district clusters multiple venues within 800 m (0.5 miles), ideal for afternoon cultural immersion when outdoor visibility may be limited.

Booking Tip: Museum passes for multiple venues cost ₹800-1,200 and include 3-4 locations. Purchase online for 15% December discount. Guided district tours available weekends for ₹500-700 per person.

Fresno State Winery and Agricultural Tours

The university's working winery and farm offer educational tours showcasing Central Valley agriculture. December visits coincide with winter pruning demonstrations and wine aging processes, plus comfortable temperatures for outdoor farm walks.

Booking Tip: Tours run Tuesdays and Saturdays in December for ₹400-600 per person including tastings. Book 1 week ahead through university extension office. Combines well with campus arboretum walks in cool afternoon weather.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony

The historic Van Ness Boulevard lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season with live music, food vendors, and the simultaneous illumination of 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of decorated trees. Local families gather for this 100+ year tradition.

Mid December

Tower District Holiday Market

Weekend artisan markets in the this destination feature local crafters, food trucks, and live music. The cool December weather makes browsing outdoor stalls comfortable, with hot cider and seasonal treats available.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 4°C (39°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F), so pack removable layers

Light waterproof jacket for occasional December showers - rain is brief but can be sudden

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - morning dew and occasional fog create slippery surfaces

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can feel like -2°C (28°F) with wind chill

Sunglasses despite winter season - low UV index 3 still requires eye protection, especially with fog glare

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS

Light sweater for indoor venues - many attractions keep heating minimal during low season

Camera with good low-light capability - December's atmospheric fog creates unique photo opportunities

Reusable water bottle - dry Central Valley air (65% humidity) requires consistent hydration even in winter

Cash in small bills - many holiday markets and citrus stands are cash-only operations

Insider Knowledge

Tule fog typically lifts by 11 AM - plan indoor morning activities and save outdoor sightseeing for afternoons when visibility improves to normal levels

Local citrus stands along Highway 99 offer the freshest fruit at 60% less than grocery store prices - peak season means oranges picked that morning

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM in December, making evening Christmas Tree Lane visits more affordable

Fresno Yosemite International Airport offers 30% fewer flights in December - book connections with longer layovers to account for fog delays

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming warm California weather year-round - December mornings require winter clothing, and visitors often underpack warm layers

Planning early morning outdoor activities without checking fog forecasts - visibility can drop to 15 m (50 ft) making hiking and driving dangerous

Booking accommodation near the airport without considering fog-related flight delays - downtown hotels offer better backup activity access