If you are hoping for calm, easy holiday travel in California next year, early forecasts say you might be in luck. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its long-range Christmas outlook, and much of the state is expected to see mild, mostly dry weather to close out 2025.
The Almanac predicts sunny, comfortable conditions for the Pacific Southwest to start Christmas week, with a chance of showers later in the season. Southern California’s desert regions are expected to stay warm with only isolated wet patches, making for generally smooth travel conditions.
AccuWeather’s long-range forecasters agree that early and mid-December may run warmer than usual for central and southern California, with occasional windy periods. Northern California could also see above-average temperatures and fewer storms early in the month. Forecasters note that a shift may occur later in December, bringing a couple of storm systems capable of rain and mountain snow, although the exact impact zone is still uncertain. Temperatures may cool slightly as the holiday approaches.
Fire risk is projected to remain low statewide in the short term thanks to recent rainfall, although it could increase again by mid-December.
For those heading into California’s mountain regions for Christmas, Caltrans is already reminding travelers to prepare for winter conditions by carrying chains, checking for road closures and monitoring weather updates.
As for Thanksgiving 2025, the Almanac expects a wet holiday across most of the state, with steady showers in northern and central California and scattered rain in the southern deserts.
Overall, the early outlook suggests a mild start to the Christmas season, with eyes on the possibility of wetter weather as December progresses.