There is no bad time to visit San Diego. We average 266 sunny days a year, and every season has something worth planning around. That said, if your schedule is flexible, September and October are the sweet spot with warm, sunny weather in the low-to-mid 70s, thinner crowds, lower hotel rates, and an ocean that’s still warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit.
In reality, most people are working around things like school breaks, holidays, work schedules. The good news is San Diego delivers no matter when you come. Summer means peak beach weather and the longest days. Spring break brings comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers. Winter holidays offer mild weather, festive events, and whale watching, you can’t get any other time of year.
I’ve lived in San Diego for more than three decades and work as a professional travel advisor specializing in the area. I’ve helped thousands of visitors find places to stay here in every season, and the advice below is the same guidance I give my own clients.
| What You’re Looking For | Best Months | What Makes It Great |
|---|---|---|
| Overall sweet spot (flexible schedule) | September and October | Warm weather, lower rates, fewer crowds |
| Family savings on attractions | October | Kids Free San Diego at 100+ venues |
| Beach days and swimming | July and August | Warmest ocean temps (66 to 68°F), no wetsuit needed |
| Holiday and school break travel | March, June through August, December | Each has its own appeal (details by month below) |
| Lowest hotel rates | January and February | Budget-friendly plus Restaurant Week and Museum Month |
| Consistently sunny skies | August through October | Warmest, sunniest, almost no rain |
| Foodies and craft beer | November | San Diego Beer Week, Bay Wine and Food Festival |
| Whale watching | December through March | Gray whale migration season |
San Diego Weather Overview
San Diego has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. It rains only about 42 days a year, and even on those days, you’ll can sometimes get little sunshine. The average daily temperature is 70°F, so you’ll want to pack sun protection and shorts no matter what month you visit.
May Gray and June Gloom
From roughly mid-May through June, a marine layer blankets the coast in overcast skies. Locals call this “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” The clouds usually burn off by early afternoon, but some days stay gray all day.
After many years of living here, I can tell you it catches visitors off guard, especially anyone expecting nonstop California sunshine. But I’ll tell you in more detail below why this cloud cover has benefits.
Santa Ana Winds in Fall
San Diego occasionally gets Santa Ana winds between September and November. These hot, dry winds blow in from the desert and can push temperatures into the 90s for a few days, even near the coast.
If a Santa Ana is blowing during your October visit, it will feel like a hot dry summer. A lot of the local kids will head to the beach after school.
Coastal vs. Inland Temperatures
This is one thing visitors don’t always think about. While La Jolla or Coronado might be a comfortable 75°F, neighborhoods 15 to 20 miles inland can be 10 to 15 degrees warmer on the same day.
Keep this in mind if you’re planning a day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or other inland attractions. Bring extra water, sunscreen, and layers for those trips.
Best Time to Visit San Diego by Month
Some months are better than others depending on your priorities, but there really isn’t a bad time to be here.
January
Crowd level: Low (after winter break) | Hotel pricing: $ | Overall rating: Great for budget travelers
January is our coldest month, though “cold” is relative. You’ll see San Diegans in puffer jackets and Uggs when it dips to 49°, but the daytime high still reaches 65°. If you’re coming from somewhere with a real winter, you’ll probably find it refreshingly mild.
- Temperature ranges from a rare low of 49° at night to a high of 65°.
- Approximately seven days of rain and 216 hours of sunshine.
- Average ocean temperature is 58° (wear a full wetsuit).
Restaurant Week typically falls during the last week of January, when more than 100 restaurants across the county offer multi-course menus starting at $30. It’s excellent value, especially when hotel rates are already at their lowest.
January is also prime whale-watching season as gray whales migrate along the coast. You can spot them from shore at Torrey Pines or book a whale-watching cruise from the harbor.
Local’s tip: January is one of the best months to visit Balboa Park museums and theme parks without crowds. You’ll practically have the San Diego Zoo to yourself on a weekday. Learn more about San Diego in January.
February
Crowd level: Low | Hotel pricing: $ | Overall rating: Great value, especially Museum Month
If you can avoid Presidents Day weekend, February is another value month for both hotel rates and activities. You’ll still want to pack more sweaters than short sleeves.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 51° to a high of 65°.
- Approximately seven days of rain and 212 hours of sunshine.
- Average ocean temperature is 57° (wear a full wetsuit).
February is San Diego Museum Month, when more than 60 museums offer half-price admission. We love the San Diego Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Fleet Science Center, and everything in between.
Gray whale watching continues through February, and you’ll also want to check tide calendars for low tides. San Diego tide pools are full of marine life, but please visit with care and look but don’t touch.
Local’s tip: If the dates line up, pair Museum Month with Restaurant Week (which can bleed into February) for an extra affordable San Diego trip for culture and dining. Learn more about San Diego in February.
March
Crowd level: Moderate (rising for spring break) | Hotel pricing: $$ to $$$ | Overall rating: Beautiful weather, busier later in the month
This is the month I get the most questions about since so many families are working around spring break schedules. Hotel rates start climbing around the second or third week of March.
If you need a family room (double queen or specialty suite), book early for mid-March through mid-April. See my list of San Diego family hotels for options.
The weather is noticeably nicer than winter, with more sunshine and longer days thanks to daylight saving time. You’ll start seeing more people in swimwear at the beaches, especially tourists getting into the ocean without wetsuits. (They’re braver than we are.)
- Temperature ranges from a low of 53° to a high of 66°.
- Approximately seven days of rain and 262 hours of sunlight.
- Average ocean temperature is 58° (locals will wear a full wetsuit).
Baseball season kicks off with Padres games at Petco Park. The seasonal Butterfly Jungle exhibit at San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens for a few short weeks, and the Carlsbad Flower Fields open to the public on March 1, with peak blooms arriving late March through April.
Local’s tip: If you have any flexibility, the first two weeks of March (before spring break kicks in) offer noticeably better hotel rates with similar weather. Learn more about San Diego in March.
April
Crowd level: Moderate (spring break early, quieter later) | Hotel pricing: $$ | Overall rating: Lovely shoulder season
Once Easter passes, April becomes a really nice shoulder season. The weather is turning sunnier, rates are dropping from spring break peaks, and the summer rush hasn’t started yet.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 56° to a high of 67°.
- Approximately five days of rain and 242 hours of sunlight.
- Average ocean temperature is 56° to 57° (you’ll see people in spring and full wetsuits).
The Mission Federal ArtWalk brings over 300 artists to Little Italy’s streets, along with galleries and restaurants. The Carlsbad Flower Fields will still be open, as will Butterfly Jungle.
April is also one of the best months for hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and other coastal trails. Temperatures are comfortable, the trails are green from winter rain, and wildflowers are often still blooming.
Local’s tip: Late April weekdays are a sweet spot: good weather, lower rates, and thin crowds. Learn more about San Diego in April.
May
Crowd level: Moderate | Hotel pricing: $$ | Overall rating: Good, but prepare for May Gray
A lot of schools finish for the year in May, and tourism picks up. The catch is May Gray, our seasonal marine layer that brings overcast skies along the coast. It’s not cold or rainy, and sightseeing is still pleasant, but it can feel underwhelming if you were picturing sunny beach days.
How many gray days we get varies every year. Memorial Day weekend is usually sunny, though that wasn’t the case in 2019 or 2023.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 59° to a high of 67°.
- Approximately two days of rain and 261 hours of sunlight.
- Ocean temperature is 61° to 63° (people swim without wetsuits, but the ocean is still a bit chilly).
The Wonderfront Music Festival on the downtown waterfront has become one of San Diego’s signature events, with multiple stages and major headliners over several days. Gator by the Bay at the Spanish Landing across the airport is a music festival complete with pounds and pounds of crawfish brought in from Louisiana.
Local’s tip: If May Gray has you down, head inland. Balboa Park, the Zoo, and neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest are often a little sunnier than the immediate coastline. I personally like visiting theme parks in May Gray because it’s still warm without glare from the sun. Learn more about San Diego in May.
June
Crowd level: Moderate to high | Hotel pricing: $$ to $$$ | Overall rating: Good, but June Gloom is real
May Gray turns into June Gloom. Same marine layer, new name. The clouds usually clear by afternoon, but some days stay overcast from morning to night. It’s overall sunnnier than May, usually, though sometimes it bleeds into July.
When the sun does come out, the beaches fill up fast.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 62° to a high of 71°.
- Approximately one day of rain and 253 hours of sunlight.
- Ocean temperature is 64° to 65° (by now, most people are swimming without wetsuits).
The San Diego County Fair kicks off at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and runs through July 4th weekend. There’s something for everyone: flower shows, carnival rides, decadent fair food, live entertainment, petting zoos, you name it.
June is also when San Diego Pride celebrations take place, centered around Hillcrest and Balboa Park. The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego marathon and San Diego International Beer Festival also draw big crowds. We also have a huge NASCAR race happening in 2026 in Coronado June 19-21 so unless you’re attending the race, I’d avoid Coronado entirely on that day (getting in and out will be hard).
One of my favorite things about June: leopard sharks begin congregating in the shallow warm waters off La Jolla Shores and stay through September. You can snorkel right up to them (they’re completely harmless). My daughter and her friends have done this since they were small, and it’s still one of the most memorable wildlife experiences you can have in San Diego.
Local’s tip: Book beachfront hotels early as rates will rise as your date approaches, even with June Gloom. Learn more about San Diego in June.
July
Crowd level: High to peak | Hotel pricing: $$$ | Overall rating: Peak summer, great weather, biggest crowds
June Gloom is finally gone, and this is what people picture when they think of San Diego. Sunny every day, warm but not oppressive, and the beaches are packed.
It’s a fantastic time to visit if you don’t mind sharing the city with everyone else with the same idea. Hotel rates peak right along with the crowds.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 66° to a high of 76°.
- Approximately 0 days of rain and 293 hours of sunlight.
- Ocean temperature is 66° to 67°.
This is the month for Comic-Con (July 22 to 26 in 2026). If you’re lucky enough to secure badges (they often sell out on release day), it’s an incredible experience. If you’re not attending, just know that downtown San Diego hotels sell out, and rates spike across neighboring areas like Coronado and La Jolla from attendee overflow.
The San Diego County Fair typically runs through July 4th weekend. The Big Bay Boom Fourth of July fireworks show is one of the largest displays on the West Coast, launched from barges across San Diego Bay. Del Mar horse racing season also begins in mid-July.
Local’s tip: If you’re not going to Comic-Con, avoid the last full week of July. Rates are at their absolute peak, and downtown is wall-to-wall crowded. The first two weeks of July offer the same great weather without the convention premium. Learn more about San Diego in July.
August
Crowd level: High (tapering late month) | Hotel pricing: $$$ (dropping late month) | Overall rating: Peak beach weather
This is San Diego at its warmest and sunniest. As kids start heading back to school in the second and third weeks of August, beaches, attractions, and hotels thin out noticeably. If you can time it right, the last week of August (before Labor Day) gives you peak summer weather with far fewer people and lower summer hotel rates.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 67° to a high of 77°.
- Approximately zero days of rain and 277 hours of sunlight.
- Average ocean temperature is 68°.
One of our family’s favorite summer traditions is the San Diego Symphony Bayside Summer Nights outdoor concerts, which actually start in June. Del Mar racing season continues through early September.
Leopard sharks are at their peak at La Jolla Shores in August. Blue whales also feed off the San Diego coast from June through September, making August one of the best months to spot them on a whale-watching trip. You’ll need more patience because they swim further offshore and sightings are less frequent.
Local’s tip: Late August is one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets because the weather is great and while the hotel rates aren’t as low as say January, they’re lower than July. Learn more about San Diego in August.
September (Top Pick)
Crowd level: Low to moderate | Hotel pricing: $$ | Overall rating: Our top recommendation for most visitors
Once Labor Day passes, this is San Diego at its best. Hotel rates come down, the kids are back in school, and the weather is gorgeous: crisp, clear, blue-sky days that feel like summer without the crowds. The ocean is still warm enough to swim without a wetsuit, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo are noticeably less packed.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 66° to a high of 77°.
- Approximately one day of rain and 255 hours of sunlight.
- Average ocean temperature is 66°.
September brings the Miramar Air Show (one of the largest military air shows in the country), San Diego Bayfair boat races on Mission Bay, and Padres baseball at Petco Park. It’s also the start of San Diego’s best surf season, with stronger swells and offshore Santa Ana winds creating clean conditions.
Restaurant Week returns for its fall edition, giving you another chance to enjoy multi-course meals at great prices across the county.
Local’s tip: The week after Labor Day is arguably the single best week to visit San Diego all year. Summer weather, off-season prices, fewer crowds. Learn more about San Diego in September.
October (Best for Families)
Crowd level: Low to moderate | Hotel pricing: $$ | Overall rating: Best month for families, still warm
Days get shorter toward the end of October with daylight saving, but the weather is still warm, especially early in the month. If a Santa Ana rolls through, it can feel downright hot even along the coast.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 65° to a high of 73°.
- Approximately three days of rain and 234 hours of sunlight.
- Average ocean temperature is 63° to 65° (a spring or full wetsuit is a good idea by late October).
The big draw for families is Kids Free San Diego, which runs the entire month. Kids (typically 12 and under with a paying adult) get free admission to over 100 attractions, hotels, and restaurants. That includes the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and many more. If you can come as a family in October, you’ll save significantly.
Fleet Week San Diego also takes place this month, with ship tours and military demonstrations. Old Town San Diego hosts extensive Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and Halloween events pop up across the county.
October is easily one of the best times to visit if you have younger kids who can miss a few days of school or who have a fall break. Learn more about things to do in San Diego with kids and San Diego in October.
November
Crowd level: Low (except Thanksgiving week) | Hotel pricing: $ to $$ | Overall rating: Excellent for foodies and budget travelers
If you can come before Thanksgiving, November offers some of the lowest hotel rates of the year. The weather has cooled a bit, but it’s still mild by most standards.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 54° to a high of 69°.
- Approximately four days of rain and 236 hours of sunlight.
- Ocean temperature is 61° (wear a full wetsuit).
This is a great month for foodies. San Diego Beer Week runs for about 10 days, showcasing more than 150 local craft breweries, and the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is a major culinary draw. Beer Week is when the local scene really shows off.
Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Old Town San Diego typically extend into early November. Thanksgiving week kicks off the holiday season at major hotels like Hotel del Coronado with Skating by the Sea.
Local’s tip: The first two weeks of November, before the holiday rush, offer some of the best overall value in San Diego. Warm enough to enjoy, quiet enough to relax. Learn more about San Diego in November.
December
Crowd level: Moderate (rising for winter break) | Hotel pricing: $$ to $$$ | Overall rating: Festive and mild
A lot of visitors head to San Diego in December to escape cold weather elsewhere, and honestly, it’s hard to beat. Where else can you ice skate in shorts by the beach?
Two of the most festive hotels for the holidays are Fairmont Grand Del Mar with its Winter Wonderland program and Hotel del Coronado Christmas events with Skating by the Sea. If you’re coming over winter break, book San Diego hotels as early as you can.
- Temperature ranges from a low of 48° to a high of 65°.
- Approximately six days of rain and 217 hours of sunlight.
- Ocean temperature is 59° (wear a full wetsuit).
The December holiday season in San Diego is genuinely special. There’s the Holiday Bowl Parade (the country’s largest balloon parade), December Nights at Balboa Park with festive lights and live entertainment, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with more than 80 decorated boats, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe Theater, and The Nutcracker at the Civic Theatre.
Gray whale watching season also begins in December. Later in the month, you may be able to spot whales from shore at Torrey Pines or Cabrillo National Monument, or book a cruise from the harbor.
Local’s tip: If you’re visiting over winter break, book months in advance. San Diego is a top destination for families escaping winter, and the best properties fill up fast. Learn more about San Diego in December.
San Diego Hotel Pricing by Season
I book San Diego hotels for clients every day, and rates follow a very predictable seasonal pattern. Timing your trip wisely can save your wallet.
Low season / best rates ($): January through mid-March (except Presidents Day weekend), and the first three weeks of November (before Thanksgiving).
Shoulder season / good value ($$): April (after Easter), September, and October. You’ll pay less than summer rates and get excellent weather.
Peak season / highest rates ($$$): Mid-June through August, spring break weeks (mid-March to mid-April), and winter break from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Family room types like double queens and suites book up the fastest.
Spike events: Comic-Con week in July is in a category of its own. Downtown San Diego hotels sell out months in advance, and rates spike in neighboring areas. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) and major conventions also push rates higher.
One more tip: weekday stays are almost always less expensive than weekends, regardless of season. If you can arrive Sunday or Monday and depart midweek, you’ll notice the difference. Book San Diego hotels during peak periods as early as possible.
San Diego Ocean Temperatures
The Pacific Ocean here is cooler than Hawaii or the Caribbean, but you can swim, surf, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, and dive year-round. My husband runs to the beach nearly every day and swims in the ocean for a bit even when it’s cold.
- Warmest: August averages about 68°F. (In 2019 and 2020, the water hit a record 79.5°F.)
- Coldest: February can dip to 57°F.
- No wetsuit needed: Roughly late June through early October for most people.
- Full wetsuit recommended: November through May.
You can rent wetsuits at surf shops all over town, even in kids’ sizes. Many of the companies that offer San Diego surfing lessons rent wetsuits and gear as well.
One thing that surprises visitors is that if it’s 80°F and sunny in March, the ocean is still cold. The air warms up long before the water does. You just tolerate the chill better because you can dry off in the sun.
Best Time to Visit San Diego For…
Not everyone is looking for the same thing. Here’s a quick guide based on what matters most to you.
Families with kids: October is the standout thanks to Kids Free San Diego, warm weather, and manageable crowds. I’ve recommended October to hundreds of families through my travel advisory practice, and the feedback is consistently positive.
Summer (July and August) is also great for families who want beach time, though expect peak pricing and bigger crowds. Spring break in March is popular but pricier. See our full guide to things to do in San Diego with kids.
Couples: September and early October are ideal. The weather is gorgeous, crowds are thin, and you can enjoy sunset dinners, wine tasting, and beach walks without competing for space. September also means better room availability at the most sought-after properties, which makes a difference if you’re planning something special.
Budget travelers: January after winter break and early February around Presidents Day deliver the lowest hotel rates of the year, plus bonuses like Restaurant Week and Museum Month. Early November (before Thanksgiving) is another excellent budget window. Travel midweek for the best deals.
Foodies and craft beer enthusiasts: November, hands down. San Diego Beer Week showcases more than 150 local breweries, and the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is a marquee culinary event. Restaurant Week in late January and again in September offers great dining value too.
Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: October through April brings the most comfortable temperatures for hiking at Torrey Pines, Iron Mountain, Cowles Mountain, and other popular trails. February through April can bring desert wildflower blooms in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and fall is apple-picking season in Julian, about an hour northeast of the city.
Surfers: September through November is the best surf season here. Fall brings larger swells from the south and west, and Santa Ana winds create clean offshore conditions.
Avoiding crowds: January and February weekdays are the quietest times at every major attraction. Early November weekdays are also very manageable. If you want warm weather without crowds, target the week right after Labor Day.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit San Diego
These are the questions I am asked the most by people who can be flexible about when to visit San Diego.
What is the best month to visit San Diego?
The best month to visit San Diego is September, after Labor Day. Hotel prices drop, San Diego beaches are less crowded, and the weather is still fantastic. October is a close second, especially for families taking advantage of Kids Free San Diego.
Can you swim in San Diego in the winter?
Yes, you can swim in San Diego in the winter, though wearing a full wetsuit in the ocean is advisable unless you take a quick dip. If it’s a San Diego hotel pool that you seek, rest assured that most are heated year-round.
Is March a good time to go to San Diego?
Yes, March is a great time to go to San Diego, and it’s the month I’m asked about most, probably because so many families are planning around spring break. It can rain, and the ocean is still chilly by our standards, but it’s mostly shorts weather. We don’t usually consider it full beach weather in the sense of sunbathing all day and swimming for hours, but you’ll enjoy being outdoors.
See my list of San Diego family hotels and things to do with kids in San Diego.
When is the rainy season in San Diego?
San Diego’s rainy season runs from November through March, but there are plenty of sunny days mixed in. Annual rainfall averages only about 10 inches, far less than most U.S. cities.
What is there to do in San Diego when it’s cold?
It’s never cold enough to skip our top attractions (though you may want to forego sunbathing on some days). If it’s raining, however, Balboa Park museums are a fantastic indoor activity. Personally, I prefer to explore San Diego theme parks when I’m less likely to get sunburned.
How should I dress in San Diego?
The best way to dress in San Diego is to pack layers. Even on the hottest summer days, it cools down once the sun sets, and you’ll want a light sweater or wrap for evenings. See our full list of what to pack for San Diego.
What are the hottest months in San Diego County?
August is the warmest month in San Diego, but Santa Ana wind events in September and October can push temperatures even higher for several days at a stretch. (One more reason October is great for families: kids get free admission to major attractions.)
Where can I rent a wetsuit?
Wetsuits and other beach rentals can be found all over San Diego, even for kids. If you arrive and decide that the ocean is too chilly, picking up a wetsuit is no problem. Many of the companies that offer San Diego surfing lessons also rent wetsuits and gear.
Can you enjoy San Diego beaches during the winter?
Yes! Remember that during the winter or when the ocean is cold (many local kids, including mine, run straight in year-round), we still go to the beach, though a bit differently.
We do more walking, shelling, tide pooling, and sunset watching than in summer. There will be sunny days. The beach is an asset year-round that is meant to be enjoyed.
What is the cheapest month to visit San Diego?
January is typically the cheapest month to visit San Diego for both hotels and flights. The first two weeks after New Year’s see the lowest demand of the year. Early February (excluding Presidents Day weekend) and early November (before Thanksgiving) are also very budget-friendly.
Is San Diego worth visiting in the winter?
San Diego is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. The weather is mild, with daytime highs in the mid-60s and very little rain. You won’t sunbathe every day, but the top attractions are just as enjoyable and far less crowded. Whale watching, Museum Month in February, Restaurant Week in January, and holiday events in December all make winter a rewarding time to visit.
When is San Diego least crowded?
San Diego is least crowded on weekdays in January and February, after winter break ends an exclusing President’s Day weekend. Early November weekdays (before Thanksgiving) are also very quiet. If you want warm weather without the crowds, the week right after Labor Day is your best bet.
Sources:
U.S. Climate Data
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Katie Dillon
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