The Seasons in San Diego

The Sunny City by the Sea

San Diego may have a reputation for being perpetually sunny, but its seasons still offer vacationers unique conditions and experiences throughout the year.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Jun 13, 2024

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

The Seasons

Experience the Seasons

Highlights

Experience Each of the Seasons in San Diego

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, whether it’s a weekend stay or an all-out family vacation, one of the most pressing questions is when you should visit.

Southern California’s year-round dry and sunny climate means that the temperature, and general weather conditions, don’t vary much throughout the year. But in San Diego, there are activities that are better experienced during specific seasons.

While there are pros and cons to visiting during each season, there really is no such thing as a bad time to visit San Diego! Still, knowing what to expect in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter can help you narrow down your trip date and create the most fun-filled itinerary for your visit.

Spring in San Diego

Having Fun in the Sand at Seascape Beach

With mild temperatures typically in the mid-'70s and clear blue skies, you'll not only be comfortable sightseeing, but you'll also be able to take great selfies with your family.

The blooming desert flowers and cooler weather conditions make Spring an excellent time to go hiking through preserves like Sunset Cliffs and Mission Trails. The San Diego Botanical Garden and Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fieldsare also in bloom in these months.

There's hardly any rain at this time of year in March, April and May, so whether you stay in the city, relax by the ocean, or head for the mountains around Julian, you'll avoid the crowds while basking in the sunshine and really making the most of that Southern California outdoor lifestyle.

San Diego Weather Forecast

January

48°F / 68°F

February

49°F / 69°F

March

52°F / 70°F

Summer in San Diego

Busy Boardwalk next to Woodies in Pacific Beach

In the summer months of June, July, and August, the tourist season reaches its peak! The beaches tend to be at their most crowded in summer, and for good reason; the conditions are perfect for sunbathing with breaks to cool off by swimming in the ocean. The average temperature in the city peaks at around 75 degrees, with relatively high humidity.

Inland it's somewhat warmer with high temperatures in the desert often reaching above 100 degrees during the day and dipping by around 30 degrees to the 70s during the overnight hours.

San Diego has minimal rainfall during the summer, though the rare drizzle can create foggy conditions in the early mornings. Still, the fog typically dissipates quickly, so it shouldn’t put a damper on any travel plans for long.

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Fall in San Diego

Relax at North Pacific Beach

As the mercury falls, signaling the end of summer, the tourists head home, and the city prepares to come out and party! The weather is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, swimming (still), and generally exploring every corner of the city.

Plan a full-day trip to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or maybe an exciting day enjoying top-flight horse-racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

We actually feature Fall as the best time to visit San Diego! It’s also an ideal season for surfing thanks to the Santa Ana winds creating larger, more consistent swells offshore. Luckily, cloudless, sunny skies keep ocean temperatures warm well into the evenings.

Winter in San Diego

Santa's Sleigh at December Nights in Balboa Park

If you love exploring, the winter months of January, February and March are the ideal season to visit. The climate is still mild, and although you may experience a few rain showers, they'll most likely be brief and refreshing. The sun will soon be back out, and the sky clear and blue.

While December and January hold the distinction as the months with the least number of daylight hours, they also carry the prize as the months with the highest sunshine percentage of the entire year. January averages 74% sunshine and December averages a whooping 75% sunshine during the daylight hours!

Though water temperatures can reach the 50s and below, many serious surfers still hit the beach to ride the waves. In winter the currents are stronger, creating thrilling surfing conditions. Beginners should steer clear, but they can get in on the fun too by watching local pros from the shore.

Exploring the city on foot and visiting San Diego’s many museums are popular activities during this time of year. Sunny yet cool afternoons lend themselves well to hiking too. Head out to La Mesa's uplands, the mountains around Julian, or the desert and Borrego Springs to really get to know the region.

This Month's Forecast

48°F / 69°F

Jan

48°F / 68°F