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): 72°F/63°F
• Rainfall: 0.09″
• 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 it’s 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. The beautiful Shore House neighborhood addition is now complete and is a great option to stay at.

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 has minimum day stays for some dates so check their website when you book. You can also 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 June 12th through July 7th for 2024. The theme for 2024 is ‘Let’s Go Retro’, so expect live music and entertainment spanning the decades from the 1950s on.

Arrive at the fair 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 Brew Festival

This popular beer fest is in its 13th year and takes place at NTC Park in Point Loma on June 8th from 12 – 4 p.m. Seventy breweries participate in the event and over 200 beers are on tap to sample. Add to that, ten of San Diego’s top food trucks, live music and outdoor games, and it’s a great day out for beer lovers.

Parents will need to get a babysitter though, as you have to be 21+ to attend.

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego

This fun event for runners winds through multiple great neighborhoods of San Diego, but how many you pass through will depend on which of three courses you sign up for. There are 5K, half marathon or full marathon options but all start at Balboa Park and end in Downtown.

A favorite event for locals since it began in 1998, the run is part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series that also takes place in many other US states and countries.

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego takes place on June 1 and 2 in 2024, and you can register via their website.

Taste of Julian

The beautiful country town of Julian hosts this summer foodie celebration annually, and this year it falls on June 1st. Julian is around 60 miles north of downtown San Diego, and is best known for its amazing apple pies thanks to its acres of famed apple orchards where crowds flock every September.

The Taste of Julian takes place months prior to apple picking season though, and is designed to showcase the various eateries dotted around this quaint and picturesque town.

You purchase tickets in advance and check in at the Town Hall on the main street of Julian, where you’ll get a wristband and map of restaurants and cafes that are participating in the culinary tour.

It’s a self-guided tour so you can spend as long as you like in each establishment, some of which are outdoors and some indoors. Check in begins at 11.30 a.m. and the tour lasts until 5 p.m. There are lots or other great family-friendly activities to check out while you’re in Julian, too.

Southern California Beach Soccer Championships

This popular soccer festival returns to the sprawling beaches of Oceanside in north county San Diego from June 21 – 23 for 2024. The family-friendly event, also known as BeSoCha, has something for everyone as it features categories for youth soccer, adult pro women’s and men’s beach soccer, and adult amateurs.

The Championships take place at Harbor Beach in Oceanside. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors participating so you definitely can make a day of it.

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:

SeaWorld Summer Spectacular

Seaworld always celebrates summer in style with their annual Spectacular event. It runs from June 17 through August 20 for 2024, and you don’t need an extra ticket as the event is included with park admission.

This year, you can enjoy the ‘Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove’ water stunt show, as well as the Summer Splashtacular Parade. Live music from Jordin Sparks, Vanilla Ice, and more, will be on hand to get you dancing during the Summer Concert Series. And make sure the little ones save enough energy to stay late and enjoy the FantaSEA of Dreams Fireworks Spectacular. Don’t forget that we have advice for buying discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets.

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, and it’s like wandering into another world as you peruse their multitude of stunning themed gardens located along four miles of trails throughout the park.

In June, the gardens hold events like the Bird Walk and Open Air Yoga. Past years have seen them host an annual Fairy Festival, which is great fun for young fairy seekers. There’s no word yet if they will host it for 2024 but keep an eye on their website as it’s a super fun event for the little ones.

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 (Sorrento Valley & Cardiff)
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (various locations in San Diego)
• Scrimshaw Coffee
• Communal Coffee (North Park, South Park & Oceanside)
• Cat & Craft (Vista)

Visit the San Diego Zoo at Night

This year, May 25 kicks off the Nighttime Zoo, where you can hang out with the animals after dark. June is a great month to visit as the evenings are still cool.

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

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