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

San Diego in May offers comfortable weather, stunning beaches, and a calendar full of outdoor festivals and events. The first half of the month is a sweet spot for visitors, with lighter crowds and hotel rates that haven’t yet climbed to summer highs. By mid-May, local schools begin letting out, and the energy shifts noticeably as families flood the beaches and theme parks.

There is one thing you should know before you book: the coast experiences a weather pattern called May Gray, a marine layer that can keep mornings overcast before burning off to sunshine. It’s not a dealbreaker, and I’ll explain exactly what to expect.

From Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Old Town to Memorial Day weekend along the waterfront, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego in May. I’ll tell you about the weather, what to expect at hotels, events happening around town, and more so that you can decide when the best time to visit San Diego is for you.

San Diego Weather in May

Let’s address the elephant in the room that residents know well but many travelers may not be aware of. San Diego (and coastal Southern California) experiences a weather phenomenon locals call “May Gray.” On any given morning, a layer of low clouds can blanket the coast, making it look overcast. The intensity varies from year to year and even week to week, but it’s a defining feature of May weather along the coast.

Don’t let the name scare you off, though. May Gray is not rain, and it’s not cold. It’s a marine layer that typically hangs over the coast through the morning hours and often clears by midday or early afternoon, leaving sunshine. Some days it never fully burns off, but those days are outnumbered by the ones that turn gorgeous. Head a few miles inland, and you’ll often find blue skies even while the beach is still socked in.

Weather at a Glance

Here are the San Diego May weather averages for the coastal region:

• Average temperature (high/low): 70°F/60°F
• Rainfall: Less than 1 inch
• Days of rain: 2
• Days of sunshine: 59%
• Daylight: 13 hours 50 minutes
• Ocean temperature (high/low): 64.5°F/60.7°F

Our Microclimates: What to Know This Month

San Diego has four distinct microclimates, and the difference between them matters more in May than almost any other month. While the coast might be socked in with morning fog, it can be sunny and 80 degrees just 20 minutes inland.

Most visitors spend their time along the coast, where the most popular San Diego attractions are located, but it helps to understand what’s happening across the county.

• Coastal (Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Downtown San Diego): Most affected by May Gray. Expect morning clouds that often burn off by afternoon.
• Inland valleys (Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona): Often sunny all day even when the coast is cloudy. This is where San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located.
• Mountains (Alpine, Julian): Cooler temperatures, especially at night. Great for hiking before summer heat sets in.
• Desert (Borrego Springs, where Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located): Already heating up significantly in May. Daytime highs can reach the 90s or above, so morning visits are best if you’re heading out this way.

Our local television stations give weather forecasts by microclimate. If you punch in “San Diego” on your weather app, it may not give you the data you’re looking for.

It provides data for the City of San Diego in the coastal region, not weather data for the entire county. Input the specific city within San Diego County you’re headed to for the most accurate forecast.

What That Actually Feels Like

Here’s what I tell my travel advisory clients: mornings along the coast in May can feel cool and damp, the kind of air that makes you reach for a sweatshirt over your coffee. By noon or early afternoon, the clouds often peel back, and you’re left with a warm, breezy day that feels perfect for being outside.

On some days, the marine layer never burns off, and people go to the beach anyway. It’s not cold, it’s just overcast, and plenty of San Diegans prefer it that way.

The evenings are still cool enough that you’ll want a jacket or sweater, especially near the water. If you’re planning a sunset dinner on a patio in La Jolla or Coronado, layers are essential. The temperature can drop noticeably after sunset.

One thing that catches visitors off guard is how quickly conditions can change between neighborhoods. You might leave your coastal hotel under gray skies, drive 15 minutes inland, and find yourself in brilliant sunshine. If the coast is overcast, you have plenty of sunny alternatives nearby.

Can You Go to the Beach in May?

Yes. You will start to see more San Diegans enjoying beaches in San Diego in May, especially later in the month, because the ambient weather is warmer and the ocean temperatures are ever-so-slightly warmer.

The time has changed, and the days are longer. More people will be staying on the beaches to watch the sunset, and you might even score a fire pit where available for evening grilling.

San Diego Beaches in May

Early May, before local schools let out, is a nice window for enjoying San Diego’s beaches without peak-season crowds. Parking is easier, you can find a spot on the sand without arriving at dawn, and weekdays at places like La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, and Del Mar still feel relaxed. That changes as the month goes on. By Memorial Day weekend, summer energy is in full swing, and the beaches get noticeably busier.

Morning cloud cover from May Gray can actually work in your favor if you enjoy beach walks. The soft light is beautiful for photography, and the cooler temperatures make for comfortable strolling along the shore. By afternoon, when the sun usually breaks through, the beach scene shifts to sunbathing and playing in the waves.

Is It Warm Enough to Swim in the Ocean in May?

The honest answer is that the Pacific Ocean in San Diego is still cool in May, with water temperatures hovering between 60°F and 64°F. You’ll see plenty of people wading in, and kids especially don’t seem to mind the chilly water.

But for extended time in the ocean, whether that’s surfing, bodyboarding, or open-water swimming, you’ll want a wetsuit. You can rent wetsuits, including kids’ sizes (call ahead for availability), at various surf shops and surfing schools around San Diego. A spring wetsuit (3/2mm) is typically sufficient for May water temperatures.

Surf lessons are a fantastic activity this time of year because the water is less crowded and many instructors offer smaller group sizes outside of peak season.

Advice for Booking Hotels in May

If you are thinking of visiting San Diego during the summer of 2026, please book your trip now. Many popular hotels are already full during some summer dates, and prices will only rise between now and September.

Early May: Shoulder Season Value

The first two weeks of May offer some of the best hotel value you’ll find between spring break and fall. Schools are still in session across most of the country, so demand is lower, and rates reflect that. This is an excellent window for couples or adults traveling without kids who want to experience San Diego without peak-season pricing.

You can often find availability at popular properties like Hotel del Coronado, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and the beachfront resorts in Carlsbad and Encinitas at rates that would be significantly higher just a few weeks later.

Memorial Day Weekend and Late May: Prices Rise

Once schools start letting out and Memorial Day weekend approaches, rates climb noticeably. Memorial Day weekend itself is one of the busiest hotel weekends of the year in San Diego, as it effectively marks the start of the summer tourism season. If you’re planning to visit over that long weekend, book as far in advance as possible.

The earlier you can come in May, the happier your wallet will be. As summer approaches, the prices start to rise, and I literally can’t say this enough because you never know what a difference waiting even a day makes. Sometimes it’s $100 a night or more, and sometimes it means the room you want selling out—trust me.

Katie’s Hotel Tips

One question I’m asked frequently is whether it’s still worth spending more for San Diego hotels on the beach during May Gray. I say yes because we may not have May Gray at all, and it usually burns off by the afternoon, when most people go to the beach anyway.

If you want to avoid coastal cloud cover, you could stay inland at the lovely Rancho Bernardo Inn, which is located inland. You’ll have easy access to golf and spa on the resort, great pools, and they’ll take good care of you. You can also grab a hotel pool day pass through ResortPass at properties like Omni La Costa, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and Hotel del Coronado for a luxe daycation without the overnight commitment. You can also see my list of San Diego resorts for more staycation and vacation ideas.

San Diego May Events

May kicks off outdoor festival season in San Diego, with celebrations ranging from cultural festivals to food and music events. Many of the best May events in San Diego are annual traditions that locals look forward to every year.

Carlsbad Spring Village Faire

May 3, 2026 | Downtown Carlsbad Village

The Carlsbad Spring Village Faire is one of the largest one-day street fairs in California, stretching along Carlsbad Village Drive with more than 850 vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to antiques, clothing, plants, and home decor.

Live entertainment, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere make this a full day out for the whole family. The faire is free to attend and draws visitors from across the county.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2026 | Old Town San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, and venues throughout the city

San Diego’s proximity to the Mexican border makes Cinco de Mayo one of the most vibrant celebrations in the city. One of the best places to go is Old Town San Diego, where the annual Fiesta Old Town Mercado features live mariachi music, traditional folklorico dancing, artisan vendors, and restaurants offering food and drink specials.

The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts a lively fiesta with lucha libre, live music, and street food. California’s birthplace is one of the best places to experience the culture of Mexico without crossing the border.

Gator by the Bay

May 7-10, 2026 | Spanish Landing Park

The Louisiana bayou comes to San Diego in spectacular style during this annual four-day festival. Gator by the Bay is the largest and most authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou, featuring over 100 live music performances across seven stages.

Expect zydeco, blues, Cajun, and roots music, along with large dance floors and free dance lessons. The food is a highlight in itself, with beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, and 10,000 pounds of crawfish imported directly from Louisiana. Kids 17 and under enter free with a paid adult.

Mother’s Day

May 10, 2026 | Restaurants throughout San Diego

Many of San Diego’s best restaurants offer special Mother’s Day brunches, prix fixe menus, and celebrations. This is one of the busiest brunch days of the year, so make reservations well in advance. Waterfront dining spots in La Jolla, Coronado, and the Embarcadero are particularly popular for the occasion. Stay tuned for my annual brunch round-up.

La Jolla Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

May 16, 2026 | 6:30 a.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds to La Jolla Cove

One of San Diego’s most scenic running events, the La Jolla Half Marathon starts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and follows a stunning coastal route before ascending to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The course then rolls through La Jolla Shores before finishing at picturesque La Jolla Cove.

A 10K and a mostly downhill 5K option are also available. The race is organized by the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, with proceeds supporting charitable organizations throughout San Diego.

Memorial Day

May 25, 2026 | Venues throughout San Diego

San Diego is a proud military city, and Memorial Day is observed with deep respect across the county. Expect commemorations at the USS Midway Museum, Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, among other locations.

Many restaurants and attractions run Memorial Day weekend specials, and the long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in San Diego. Check back closer to the date for specific 2026 event details.

More Things to Do in San Diego in May

In addition to the events listed above, San Diego in May offers plenty of activities that take advantage of the comfortable weather and lighter crowds. For family vacations, explore my full guide on things to do in San Diego with kids.

Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are typically open through Mother’s Day in May, making the early part of the month your last chance to see the nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus in bloom. Rows of vibrant flowers covering a hillside near the coast is one of the most photographed scenes in San Diego County.

You can learn from Master Gardeners, let kids enjoy the playgrounds, shop for plants and flowers, and much more. They have a packed events calendar with options like yoga, sunset wine tastings, and live music.

Enjoy Our Theme Parks

May is a great time to visit San Diego’s theme parks. Before the summer rush, crowds are smaller, and lines are shorter. The cooler weather is a big plus, too, because who likes sweltering while waiting in line with hundreds of other people?

SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California are both excellent choices in May. I have all the details on how to get discount LEGOLAND California tickets and discount tickets to SeaWorld San Diego.

San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park

May is also a fantastic time to visit San Diego Zoo in the middle of the city and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park further north in Escondido. Weekdays in May, before schools let out, are some of the least crowded days of the year at both parks. The animals tend to be more active in the comfortable spring temperatures, and you can cover more ground without the exhaustion that comes with summer heat.

Do not forget that I have the BEST PRICES on San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets.

Catch a San Diego Padres Game

Head to downtown San Diego for a Padres home game at Petco Park. May typically features a full home schedule, and attending a game is one of the best ways to experience downtown San Diego’s energy. Some of our best restaurants have outlets at the park, and the Gallagher Square area beyond the outfield offers live music and family-friendly activities. Kids Run the Bases events are held after select Sunday home games. Check the schedule, and book your tickets early for popular series.

Pay Tribute to Our Military

With Memorial Day taking place in May and San Diego being a city with deep military roots, there are meaningful ways to honor and learn about our armed forces throughout the month.

Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial is free to visit, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the county while reading the stories of service members on the thousands of plaques that line the walls. The Veterans Museum in Balboa Park documents individual stories of U.S. Armed Forces members to preserve legacies and educate the public. And the USS Midway Museum downtown is worth a visit any time of year, but especially meaningful around Memorial Day.

Go Grunion Running

One of San Diego’s most unique experiences, grunion runs happen on sandy beaches at night during certain tides in spring and early summer. These small silver fish ride the waves onto shore to spawn, and watching thousands of them wriggle across the sand is genuinely remarkable.

Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife calendar for expected run dates. During May, you can only observe grunion, not fish for them. Head to any wide, sandy beach after high tide on the scheduled nights for the best viewing.

Grab a Hotel Pool Day Pass

You can opt for a luxe daycation at many of San Diego’s most beautiful hotels without paying for an overnight stay. May is a great month to secure a great spot, as hotel pool decks are less crowded than they will be in summer.

Pool decks you can access through ResortPass include Omni La Costa, Hotel del Coronado, Park Hyatt Aviara, and several more. Browse all San Diego ResortPass hotels and resorts.

What to Wear in San Diego in May

Your San Diego packing list for May includes layers. You’ll need shorts and t-shirts for when the May Gray disappears, but you will likely want to bundle up in the mornings. A jacket or sweater is still necessary at night, especially at the beginning of the month.

Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

• Lightweight jacket for the afternoons and evenings
• Athleisure (a San Diego wardrobe staple for both men and women — like Athleta or Lululemon)
• Hiking shoes for trails
• Bathing suit and cover-up
• Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection and warmth
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Flip flops
• Shorts
• T-Shirts
• Pants or jeans
• Sweaters or sweatshirts
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
• Casual cotton dress or collared shirt, sweater, and nice jeans (if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
• Sweaters and sweatshirts for after sunset at the beach

Even though May Gray sounds ominous, you don’t need to pack a raincoat. Rain is extremely rare this time of year. Many San Diegans don’t even own raincoats, honestly.

Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

May is a fantastic time to be a tourist at home before the peak summer season. Our restaurants and museums are less crowded, trail walks are more comfortable, and our beaches are as beautiful as ever. There’s a certain energy in the air as residents start dusting off their beach gear and making summer plans.

Locals are taking advantage of the longer evenings for beach bonfires and sunset dinners on restaurant patios. Farmers markets are in full swing at Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays and Hillcrest on Sundays. You’ll notice more people jogging and cycling along the coast in the early mornings, and weekend hiking groups are out in force at Torrey Pines and Iron Mountain before the summer heat makes midday hikes uncomfortable.

It’s also the month when many of us start renewing our theme park memberships and Zoo passes, gearing up for a summer of entertaining visiting friends and family.

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