Hello, February in San Diego. It’s really nice to see you! February, outside of President’s Day weekend, is still a shoulder month when rates are lower before spring breakers, and sunnier weather arrives.
With Mardi Gras celebrations, San Diego Museum Month, Valentine’s Day, and more, you can make it a family-friendly trip or romantic getaway when you visit America’s finest city, San Diego.
You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.
San Diego February Weather
San Diego weather in February typically serves up some rain. It’s cloudy and “cold” (for San Diego) with bursts of sunshine and low relative humidity — though the weather is crisp even if the skies are blue.
Our Microclimates
February San Diego weather is also when you see more dramatic weather changes throughout our microclimates: coastal, inland valleys, mountains, and desert.
I drove between San Diego and Orange County yesterday, and while it was jeans and T-shirt weather along the coast, the hills and mountains to the east are COVERED in snow and completely white. This is when residents take San Diego day trips to the mountains to see snow.
Pack warm layers when heading to the inland valleys. I went to San Diego Zoo Safari Park last February and it was sunny but very cold in the morning. We could shed our jackets toward the afternoon.
Some Blue Skies and Some Rain
San Diego in February, to me, is cold. But, those of you on the East Coast will probably laugh at me after reading the below San Diego February weather statistics:
- February average temperature (high/low): 66°F/51°F
- Rainfall: 2.3 inches
- Days of rain: 7
- Days of sunshine: 71%
- Daylight: 11 hours
- Ocean temperature (high/low): 59.7°F/58°F
Can You Go to the Beach in February?
Yes, you can go to beaches in San Diego in February. Lots of people are walking their dogs on the beaches, exercising, surfing, and kayaking.
In fact, you’ll see people on our beaches year round (especially with an average high temperature of 60F), but in particular, popular Ocean Beach and Solana Beach are always busy.
The hearty are sunbathing on sunny days. Most residents leave the swimwear at home.
Ocean Tips
As noted above, the average water temperature means you will need a wetsuit to swim in the ocean in February. If you don’t have one to pack, you can rent them at various surf shops and surfing schools around San Diego. Kids’ sizes are available, too.
You CAN and should still take surfing lessons or learn how to stand-up paddleboard. Our water sports are available year-round.
Advice for Booking Hotels in February
I’m stepping in here to say that if you are thinking of coming to San Diego during the summer of 2023, please book your trip now. Our hotels are already booked up for some summer dates.
Prices for San Diego hotels in February tend to be very reasonable outside of President’s Day weekend.
As I mentioned in my San Diego in January review, there are advantages to visiting in the off-peak winter season. Aside from lower rates, it’s a bit more pleasant to sightsee when average temperatures are not as hot outside.
Beach valet services may be limited in February at some resorts, but you can ask me or call the hotel in advance to see what is on offer.
San Diego February Events
February events in San Diego are back this year in full force and here are some you will want to check out.
San Diego Museum Month
San Diego Museum Month provides locals (and tourists) the opportunity to visit over 60 museums at half-off the normal price of admission for the entire month.
This fun event is a chance to save money while visiting San Diego attractions that is hard to pass up – plus, it’s the perfect idea for indoor activities on rainy days.
Find more information on these social media platforms for San Diego museum month:
Lunar New Year in San Diego
San Diego in February also marks Lunar New Year with many festivals and events happening around town. The backbone of many cultural celebrations involves food, and Lunar New Year is no exception! Here are a few new San Diego restaurants open just in time for the new year.
- Haidilao San Diego: Head to Haidilao, a famous Chinese hot pot restaurant from Sichuan province. During our most recent visit, performers (like traditional face changing) were handing out lai see to guests.
- QiWest Noodles: Quick service and casual is the name of the game at this popular Chinese chain from L.A. Noodles are often eaten to celebrate the new year and to represent long and uninterrupted prosperity and life. With classics like chicken chow mein, beef noodle soup and cold noodles with cucumbers, your meal will bring good fortune for the rest of the year.
- White Rice Bodega: This Filipino rice-bowl chain has made a splash on the San Diego foodie scene not only for its crispy pork belly, tofu sisig and ube milk tea, but the fact that every meal purchased means one donated to San Diegens facing hunger. Mixing delicious food with a fantastic cause is the definition of winning in our book.
- Market on 8th: This food hall hosts a variety of food genres, including a Filipino kitchen, Thai street food, ramen, and poke. No matter what you choose, there is something here for everyone.
Prefer a quiet, at home affair? Order some takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant.We like several in the Convoy area (we used to live in Hong Kong), including Shanghai Saloon, Jasmine Seafood, and Emerald Chinese Cuisine.
Maybe stop for Taiwanese shaved snow at Iceskimo while you’re there (conveniently located in the same parking lot as the former two restaurants).
Valentine’s Day in San Diego
The mild San Diego weather in February means our beautiful city is excellent for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.
Stroll the beach with your Valentine and take in one of San Diego restaurants (advanced reservations are always a good idea) or visit the San Diego Maritime museum and take to the seas for a sailing adventure.
Black History Month in San Diego
One of my favorite initiatives for Black History month is by the San Diego History Center.
You can visit their exhibition page to nominate a Black hero and submit milestones and memories that are important to our Black community’s history in San Diego.
Take a few minutes to scroll through the timeline they’ve already pieced together, starting in 1798.
SAN DIEGO CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS
Live music, creole and cajun cuisine, and of course beignets can all be found on the weekends through February 26 at SeaWorld while the Gaslamp quarter in the city celebrates Mardi Gras on February 17, 18 & 21 as the New Orleans inspired carnival takes life in San Diego.
CARDIFF KOOK RUN – 5k, 10k and costume contest
Enjoy breathtaking views along the Pacific ocean on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12 and walk or run either the 5k or 10k. There’s even a kids race and no matter what you do, make sure to join the costume contest for a chance at a prize.
OCEANSIDE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Indie filmmakers share their talents along the north county region from February 21-25 as the community celebrates the unique artistic community.
2023 SAN DIEGO BIRD FESTIVAL
Avid birders and wildlife enthusiasts gather every year in San Diego to enjoy some of the best birding in the country.
The San Diego Audubon Society presents this festival February 22-26 with proceeds going to education, conservation and sanctuary programs.
SAN DIEGO JAZZ PARTY
Renowned jazz musicians play all weekend long in this party that guarantees smooth vibes you won’t find anywhere else. February 24-26.
Things to Do in San Diego in February
In addition to fun events, those who visit San Diego in February will find theme parks, attractions, tours, and museums open for outdoor operations. Visitors with families will want to know all about things to do in San Diego with kids.
Look for Baby Seals
It’s pupping season at Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla. Bring your zoom camera lens and get ready to be entertained by harbor seal babies in this very rare urban rookery.
And, don’t go without reviewing my guide to visiting the La Jolla seals and sea lions.
Head to the Tide Pools
Check the tide charts. Afternoon minus tides are happening between February 8-14 and February 22-28. We’re slowly heading to the end of tide pooling season, so use this as a chance to go out and safely explore.
Please leave them as you found them. I’ve been a few times and have noticed people taking large quantities of shells and other items home. Outside of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, this is permitted but remember that the shells are often animal homes.
La Jolla is one of our favorite spots for tide pools and if you choose to explore the tide pools in La Jolla along Coast Blvd, you can very easily see the baby harbor seals at the same time.
For other spots, see my list of where to go tide pooling in San Diego.
Walk Through a Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park is a lovely place for a zen walk. (Did you know that you can adopt one of their koi?)
For fun in the Hamilton Children’s Garden or to clock some miles on a mild or moderate walk, head over to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.
San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
We love visiting the Zoo and Safari Park in the winter as the animals are often more active (which is always more fun!)
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Go Gray Whale Watching
Gray whales are on their annual migration during February in San Diego whichh means you can go gray whale watching in San Diego.
Whales are a little more difficult to see from land in February because they’re already in Mexico or heading back north with their calves (when they swim further from shore).
Popular places to try to see them from land include:
- Whale point at Cabrillo National Monument
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Various cliffs and piers — just keep an eye out for spouts
What to Wear in San Diego in February
Your San Diego packing list for February sweaters, long-sleeved T-shirts, jeans, and jackets.
Here’s what to put in your suitcase:
- Face covering: You’ll probably not need one unless you are in a health care setting or feel more comfortable with one, but I advise having at least one on hand just in case.
- Medium weight jacket for the afternoons and evenings (I wear a Patagonia or Lululemon puffer jacket)
- Athleisure and hiking shoes for outdoor activities
- Portable umbrella and/or light rain jacket
- Bathing suit and warmer cover-up for the beaches
- Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection and warmth
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat for sun protection
- Flip flops for the beach and pool
- Shorts for beachgoing
- T-Shirts (mostly long-sleeved)
- Pants or jeans
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
- Casual wool/warm dress or collared shirt, sweater, and nice jeans (if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
- Sweaters and sweatshirts
- Ugg boots
- Wetsuit (you can rent one)
Leave the fur coats and accessories at home as they are usually not well received here.
Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To
San Diego weather in February makes it a great time to visit and staycations and vacations are booming!
If you are planning to visit San Diego during spring break or in the summer of 2023, please book now for this reason. And, if you’re headed anywhere else in the world, you’re better off booking that now, too.
If you are a local, please share your thoughts about San Diego in February!
Weather and temperature sources: seatemperature.org, currentresults.com, NOAA
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
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