San Diego in June: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips

Beach lovers flock to San Diego during the summer, but many struggle to determine which month delivers the best weather and the most exciting events.

There are definitely things to know about visiting San Diego in June. Keep reading to learn why you’ll love visiting early in the summer, even as you hear the phrase “June Gloom” repeated constantly.

San Diego June Weather

Take a brief look at the stats outlined below, and you might assume that June delivers the year’s best weather in San Diego. There’s a lot to love about 70 degree days and minimal rain, right?

• Average temperature (high/low): 71°F/62°F
• Rainfall: 0.07″
• Sunshine: 58%
• Daylight: 15 hours
• Ocean temperature: 66.4°F/62.8°F

The average rainfall and temperatures look wonderful on paper. What these two San Diego weather statistics don’t capture, however, is the prevalence of a phenomenon that locals fondly refer to as June Gloom. This follows the appropriately named May Gray discussed in my round-up of San Diego in May and is why the sun shines an average of 58% of the time.

As you can guess, May and June deliver coastal fog and clouds to the coast on some but not all days. These are typically most visible in the morning when the dreary appearance can make getting out of bed a struggle for locals on their way to work.

If you prefer sunny skies, don’t let the cloud cover during June Gloom scare you away. Yes, it can be a bummer when the sun goes on hiatus, but these conditions can actually create a downright magical environment when viewed from the right perspective.

It’s far more pleasant to visit some of our outdoor attractions like San Diego Zoo Safari Park when there is more shade than sun. There’s less of a chance for sunburn but it’s not zero.

TIP: APPLY SUNSCREEN IN JUNE GLOOM

You can still get sunburned in San Diego when it’s cloudy. Do not forget sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors.

For example, a drive into the mountains can be an enchanting experience, with the mist slowly giving way to sunshine as you ascend or even just drive east away from the coast. Some coastal hikes also have a certain gloomy charm that is best captured during those cloudy June mornings.

Keep in mind that, technically, there is no such thing as “typical” weather in San Diego. Microclimates determine everything from the average wind speed to the humidity in locations such as the ocean beach, the desert, and the mountains. Prepare accordingly, as the average high temperature could feel comfortable on the coast and scorching in the desert.

It’s important to note that even when June Gloom is in effect, it’s not cold and still shorts weather along the coast. And, June Gloom does not happen every day. There will be June days that look like this.

What the Beach Is Like

Clouds may be a persistent feature during the month of June, but San Diego beaches are still appealing. A lot depends on when you stop by the beach and what you hope to accomplish while you’re there.

If sunbathing is your main priority, late afternoon is definitely the time to visit to avoid morning cloud cover on days with June Gloom. For a morning jog or stroll, however, local beaches can provide a wonderfully peaceful environment.

But when the sun is out, it’s warm and you should enjoy the fully beach all day without hesitation in June.

Ocean Temperatures

As balmy as the average temperature may seem onshore, wearing a wetsuit is still a wise decision if you hit the water in June for long periods of time like on a guided tour. You definitely should take a kayaking tour or perhaps some surfing lessons. June is a great month for this.

You’ll see people start to ditch wetsuits and swim in the ocean for longer periods of time than in May, especially on sunny days. However, the water will get progressively warmer in July, August, and early September.

Advice for Booking Hotels in June

If you plan to visit San Diego in June, you’ll want to book your hotel as soon as possible. San Diego beachfront hotels will sell out. Rates for rooms and suites will increase as summer check-in dates approach. Do not wait.

Yes, you will pay more for our hotels during summer months like June than you will during other months. Many schools let out in May so rates start to climb from Memorial Day weekend and onward. However, if you can come earlier in June before many California schools let out, the rates will be better than at the end of the month.

TIP: BOOK FLEXIBLE RATES

If you book in advance and see the rates drop, you can have the hotel adjust your rate down if you have a flexible rate. It’s better to lock in a rate in advance than wait to see if it falls. In San Diego, it will rise more than fall.

The most popular hotel for June stays is Hotel del Coronado by a landslide. In June 2022, they will still be building the Shore House neighborhood so there will be some renovations in progress.

Read my full Hotel del Coronado review and stick to booking rooms and suites in The Cabanas, The Victorian, and Beach Village at The Del.

The popular La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club will have a 7-day stay minimum though you can book La Jolla Shores Hotel next door for shorter stays, if you’re looking for other beachfront options.

San Diego June Events

As school lets out and the tourist season picks up, the county comes alive with a variety of exciting San Diego events, some of which are absolutely free. If possible, make time in your schedule for these special occasions.

San Diego County Fair

If you only make it to one event in June, try to hit up the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds which runs from roughly Memorial Day through July 4.

Arrive ready to eat your fill of delicious and decidedly unhealthy foods. No trip is complete without Tasti Chips, Big Ribs, and Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls. Don’t forget lemonade to wash it all down.

Agricultural exhibits and rides provide plenty of entertainment for visitors young and old. And let’s not forget the rides and concerts that often feature big acts.

San Diego International Beer Festival

As the largest beer festival in the state of California, this annual event brings over 200 amazing vendors to San Diego so that beer enthusiasts can enjoy their longtime favorites (or discover their new favorites) in a festive setting. Enjoy easy access to specialty brews that are often difficult to find elsewhere.

Kids are more than welcome to hang out at the family-friendly festival, and, with multiple non-alcoholic options, they should have no trouble finding delicious beverages to rival those enjoyed by their parents.

Summer Shakespeare Festival

San Diego is home to The Old Globe, which is modeled after the iconic theater in London. During the Summer Shakespeare Festival, the theater previews and then debuts a selection of highly-anticipated productions.

Held at its acclaimed outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, these plays provide a powerful reminder that Shakespeare’s works remain relevant in a variety of settings and situations.

Art Alive

Head to the San Diego Museum of Art to witness a larger-than-life kaleidoscope. During the annual Art Alive weekend, the museum’s galleries are chock full of floral designs, including flower-based interpretations of notable works of art.

Between the beauty of the flowers and the wonderful scents they deliver, this event truly is a feast for the senses.

Things to Do in San Diego in June

The events highlighted above should keep you plenty busy, but they are by no means the only options for having a blast in and around San Diego. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or would rather head inside due to cloud cover, you can easily occupy yourself with these things to do in San Diego in June:

Stroll Through Little Italy During the ArtWalk Summer Series

While exhibits from the ArtWalk in Little Italy are available through September, the kickoff in June is worth checking out. On specific Sundays, over two dozen artists highlight their best works along the Piazza Della Famiglia. Visit for the beautiful art and the pleasant ambiance.

Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden is gorgeous throughout the year but really shines bright during the month of June. This urban oasis boasts the largest children’s garden on the West Coast, as well as an annual Fairy Festival that provides a variety of photo ops for young fairy seekers.

During the fairy-themed event, live music and even dessert trucks can be found at the botanic garden. Even if you don’t manage to visit in time for the fairies, you’ll love the themed gardens and the overlook, both of which beckon you to snap lots of pictures.

Wake Up In a Cozy Coffee Shop

If the cloudy San Diego weather has you feeling drowsy during the morning, take advantage of the atmosphere and check out one of the city’s many charming coffee shops. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is always a great choice when you need a caffeine fix and a bit of friendly conversation. Multiple locations can easily be accessed throughout San Diego. Other local favorites include:

• Zumbar Coffee & Tea
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
• Scrimshaw Coffee
• Communal Coffee
• Cat & Craft

Visit the San Diego Zoo at Night

June is the kickoff of Nighttime Zoo, when you can hang out with the animals after dark. Don’t worry: many animals remain visible when the sun goes down. What’s more, live music can be enjoyed, as several of the region’s hottest bands stop by to perform in the evening. You might also see acrobatic performances or even pageantry puppets.

What to Wear in San Diego in June

Your San Diego packing list for June includes layers but definitely shorts and swimwear. You’ll want a sweater or wrap for the evenings.

Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

• Face coverings — they’re required for unvaccinated people over the age of 2 at some attractions. You’ll see signage around town where restaurants and shops recommend that everyone wear them, but it’s not enforced.
• Athleisure (a San Diego wardrobe staple for both men and women — like Athleta or Lululemon)
• Hiking shoes for trails
• Swimwear and cover-up
• Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Flip flops
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Pants or jeans
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
• Casual cotton dress or collared shirt and nice jeans (if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
• Sweaters and sweatshirts for after sunset at the beach

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Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

We are gearing up for summer in a big way. Public school kids are out of school typically in the second week of June. So, we’re vacationing and staycationing. Basically, living in flip-flops.

And, we’re dining outdoors at home and in our local restaurants. With more restaurants appearing in the Michelin guide and people comfortable getting out and about, reservations are highly recommended.

Weather and temperature sources: seatemperature.org, currentresults.com, NOAA