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.