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

October in San Diego is a month that is packed with fun family events. Popular Halloween festivities include events where kids can safely trick-or-treat, dress up in costumes, or at least see some decor.

If you’re thinking of planning a San Diego family vacation in October, I would highly encourage it. A major reason is not only that, yes, we still have beautiful beach weather, but we also have Kids Free San Diego all month long.

I’ve included more details below, but in a nutshell, with Kids Free San Diego, children 12 and under get free admission to most of San Diego’s attractions with a paid adult. LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont Park, the museums at Balboa Park, and much more are all on the list.

This month-by-month series aims to help you decide when the best time to visit San Diego is for you. For residents, I add in tidbits about what’s happening around down.

We can help you save on tickets, tours, and hotels. When you purchase through some of the links below, we may be compensated. Thank you for supporting our small business! Our editorial guidelines.

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San Diego October Weather

San Diego weather in October is when the change of seasons is the most noticeable to residents. This usually occurs mid-month. (It’s barely a noticeable change for those of you coming from the East Coast and similar climates.)

San Diego in September can be hot and dry in stretches. We’ve come from an unusually monsoon-like, tropical summer with more cloud cover than usual. September has brought sunnier days, and this pattern bleeds into the first 2-3 weeks of October, typically.

In recent years, early October has even experienced a heatwave, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s inland and low 80s on the coast.

During October, the days grow shorter, and the air feels crisper in the morning and in the evenings. It’s still shorts weather during the day for the most part.

Our Microclimates

San Diego weather in October that matters to you depends on which of our four microclimates you’ll be in the most. These include coastal regions, inland valleys, mountains, and the desert.

San Diego beaches and most of our major resorts are located in the coastal regions.

It’s Still Sunny in October

We usually have hot and dry Santa Ana winds for stretches of several days in a row or a bit longer. Temperatures spike during these days, and so does the risk of wildfires across the state. It’s important to stay hydrated and moisturize during Santa Anas.

You will notice that the days slowly get shorter, and the ocean temperature also cools down. It cools only by a degree or two from September averages, but you will feel it.

For those of you who like weather stats, here they are for October:

• Average temperature (high/low): 74°F/61°F
• Rainfall: .5 inches
• Days of sunshine: 68%
• Daylight: 11.5 hours
• Ocean temperature (high/low): 66.4°F/63.5°F

If you plan to visit San Diego in October, try coming during the first few weeks. The odds of capturing sunny beach days are higher during this timeframe but certainly not impossible for the rest of the month. There will be days of partial sun and some cloud cover.

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What the Beach Is Like

San Diego beaches are less crowded overall in October. In fact, during the week, they’re downright mellow.

You’ll still struggle to find parking on sunny weekends, though. They’ll be busier during the hot and dry Santa Ana winds but not as crowded as they are during peak summer weekends.

Take this opportunity to choose a beach that’s new to you if you’re a local. If you’re a tourist, you don’t need to stress about crowds on the sand at the popular beaches.

Ocean Tips

Locals still swim in the ocean with no problem during the first week or so of October. You can and absolutely should still book snorkeling tours and surfing lessons. I would definitely plan to rent a wetsuit for either activity.

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Advice for Booking Hotels in October

If you book early, October is typically when San Diego hotel rates reach moderate to low levels. However, don’t be surprised to encounter sold-out weekends or price spikes on odd dates as hotels reach full occupancy.

With many Halloween-themed activities popping up all over SoCal, it’s important to acknowledge the higher volume of tourists who might show up for their favorite haunts. It won’t be as packed as, say, Labor Day weekend, but October may still be a bit crowded.

The one thing to check is how a hotel’s beach offerings may be modified. Some beach valet services (shuttles to the beach, chair set-up at the beach, etc.) may pause in the shoulder and low seasons.

If you are visiting San Diego with kids, October is fantastic. Kids stay free anyway at most hotels that I work with. But, many San Diego hotels offer various special gifts or ‘kids eat free’ promotions during Kids Free October. You can check the full list on San Diego Tourism’s website, where you also may need to print a voucher to redeem at the hotel.

To give you an idea, here are a few examples:

• Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa: One kids’ meal is free for ages 12 and under with each paid adult entree at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. You’ll also receive one complimentary paddleboard or kayak rental with the purchase of one adult one-hour or longer paddleboard or kayak rental from the onsite Action Sports Rentals.
• San Diego Mission Bay Resort: Enjoy one kid meal per adult meal purchased at Solrisa, Plaza Del Sol, or Covewood Restaurant. Your child will also receive a fun swag bag of goodies.
• Kids checking into the newly renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina can enjoy a free meal with a paid adult meal at any restaurant, excluding the Marina market, during the entire month.
• Kids also eat free at Kings Inn’s Waffle Spot or Amigo Spot.

And there are many, many more. If you’re considering coming in a future year, note that promotions for this annual event typically aren’t set until between August and October.

A BENEFIT OF FLEXIBLE RATES

If you book a flexible rate through the hotel and you see the rate drop, the hotels can usually modify your reservation to the lower rate. Or, you can cancel and rebook.

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San Diego October Events

San Diego events in October typically focus on Halloween and Kids Free San Diego.

Kids Free October San Diego

Kids eat and play for free at almost every leading San Diego attraction you can think of during this fantastic promotion.

The annual event is one of the best ways for residents and visiting families to save money in San Diego. Families can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of this amazing offer, which includes over 50 museums, plus major attractions like LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and the Birch Aquarium.

You’ll need to check with the specific venue or on the San Diego Tourism website to see what terms and restrictions apply. Typically the promotion applies to kids ages 12 and under, but it can be for ages 9 and under. As already mentioned, you might also need to print a voucher.

San Diego Zoo Halgloween

Weekends in October are filled with glow-in-the-dark fun, performances, and grins at San Diego Zoo. Halgloween happens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October between 5–9 p.m. 

In addition to live music, acrobatic performances, and interactive games, the whole family can jump in a bubble dance party,  check out Dr. Zoolittle’s tips and tricks, and jam to a mariachi band.

And, because it’s October, up to five kids ages 11 and under are FREE! Kids are encouraged to attend in their favorite costumes. Admission to Halgloween is included with San Diego Zoo admission, which you can save on with my promo code.

Autumn Festival At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

On Saturdays and Sundays in October, guests at San Diego Zoo Safari Park are treated to special Autumn Festival activities that include live bluegrass music, interactive characters (Robert the Zebra is a personal favorite), and a chance to learn about the animals and plants that thrive during the fall season.

You’ll be able to taste fall, too, with the likes of pumpkin-flavored drinks (even beer), apple dishes, and more seasonal delights to eat and drink.

SeaWorld San Diego Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream

There are two SeaWorld San Diego Halloween events to enjoy this year. The first is the family-friendly Spooktacular, and the second is the scarier Howl-O-Scream catered toward older kids and adults after dark.

Spooktacular has a fun pirate theme this year which will make for a swashbuckling parade. As always, Spooktacular is a great opportunity for safe trick-or-treating for the little ones, who will also enjoy a pumpkin patch by the waterfront. The Scurvy Squad band be serving up tunes to get kids dancing while Captain Sweet Tooth will lead them on a Candy Quest.

Over at the Mission Bay Theater, O.P. Otter and his SeaWorld character friends will throw a costume and dance party at the O.P. Otter’s Spooktacular Surprise.

Be sure to join in on the fun on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 6 – November 3. Additionally, from November 1–3, the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos will be celebrated in the park.

Because it’s Kids Free San Diego, one child 12 and under receives FREE admission with a paid adult in October. This event is also free for Annual Pass and Fun Card holders. 

The Howl-O-Scream event requires a special ticket for those who dare walk through haunted houses and scare zones, brave rides in the dark, and sit down at the sinister cocktail bar. It’s happening on select nights between September 27 – November 2, starting at 7 p.m., though you may enter the park at 6 p.m. to head to the Carnival of Chaos. This is definitely one for teens and older.

Learn more about how to buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets.

2024 Halloween In San Diego Zombie Crawl

This haunt is designed for adults who want to head to the Gaslamp Quarter for tons of grownup tricks, treats, and more.

This year’s Zombie Crawl takes place on October 25, 26 and 31. Expect costume contests, DJs, drinks, and food over three nights of evening entertainment on your San Diego trip.

LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Party Nights

LEGOLAND California‘s annual and super-popular Brick-or-Treat Party Nights is happening on September 14, 21 and 28 for 2024, as well as Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. 

Dress up in your favorite costume to join this year’s Monster Party, which will be filled with live shows and character meet-and-greets. Kids always love hitting the trick-or-treating stations and the costume contest parade.

Guests can also expect to see their favorite LEGO characters in Halloween costumes. Entry to the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party is included with general admission tickets for the days the event occurs.

Trick-Or-Treat On India Street

On October 27 from 3:30–7:30 p.m., explore the Piazza della Famiglia in your favorite costumes. The businesses in Little Italy encourage you to knock on their door for a trick or treat on this cool, October night.

The Trick-Or-Treat event is fun for the whole family. Businesses give out treats that kids and adults of all ages will scream for. 

Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume to this event!

Del Mar Harvest Festival

Now in its 52nd year, this is the largest arts and crafts show of its kind on the West Coast and it takes place on October 11-13. You’ll explore an eclectic makers market of original wares ranging from jewelry, ceramics, and specialty foods to kids’ clothing, and seasonal decor all under one roof.

The festival is at the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Carlsbad Oktoberfest 

Bring the entire family out on October 5th to the 42nd annual Oktoberfest for live music, some authentic German food, a Bier Garten, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch. There’s even a yodeling contest!

With all proceeds going to the Rotary Club and Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, spending a fun day out with the family at this great beach town even goes towards a great cause.

Halloween aglow at Birch Aquarium

Head to the aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego with your little ones for this fun evening event.

Celebrating the wonder and beauty of the ocean at night, the aquarium will turn into a glowing nightscape on October 25 and 26 from 6 – 8.30pm, with activities, live music, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest.

San Diego International Film Festival 

From October 16–20, the film festival will enjoy its 23rd year of ‘Celebrating the Power of Film’. For five days, the event will screen inspiring and thought-provoking studio and independent films, short films, and documentaries by filmmakers worldwide.

For red carpet action, the opening night premiere and reception will be held at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. At the same time, the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla hosts the Night of the Stars Tribute.

Over at the AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC, there will be Q&As with the filmmakers, and guests can also enjoy the popular ‘Culinary Cinema’ and Fest Lounge. For more information and tickets, visit the festival’s website.

Fall Fest at Belmont Park

San Diego’s fun beachfront amusement park continues the fall fun throughout October with its annual festival, which started in early September. The festive fun includes live music, trick or treating, a pumpkin patch, and sweet treats throughout the park.

You can head to the inaugural BeerFest on Sunday, October 20, or check out their Sip & Paint Classes. Kids will appreciate the trick-or-treating events every Sunday throughout October, and there will be even more candy flowing at the 4th annual Trunk or Treat Car Show on October 27th.

Best of all, remember that thanks to Kids Free October, children ride free on all the attractions all month long with the purchase of an adult wristband.

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Things to Do in San Diego in October

Things to do in San Diego in October that are worth considering include the below!

See San Diego’s Spooky Side

You can check into one of our haunted hotels in San Diego, like Hotel del Coronado or Grand Colonial La Jolla.

Take a self-guided tour through The Whaley House, arguably San Diego’s most haunted house in Old Town — where you can also walk through El Campo Santo cemetery.

Spend a spooky night camping out with Lions, Tigers & Bears!

Book the Old Town Trolley’s Ghost and Gravestones tour in the evening. It takes you to many of our spookiest sites and runs nightly. Check the schedule to book.

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos 

The Day of the Dead celebrations are happening all over San Diego, so catch one of these to celebrate and honor lost loved ones. 

Go to Bates Nut Farm

One place to enjoy fall with the family is Bates Nut Farm. Their pumpkin patch is open from September 19–October 31 in 2024 and it’s well worth a visit.

They’re hosting their usual Halloween events, including the scarecrow contest and dog costume contest, and you can enjoy hay rides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There’s even a mechanical bull if you’re brave enough!

Go to A Pumpkin Patch

It may be warm in San Diego, but our pumpkins still withstand the heat. There are several pumpkin patches that your whole family will love.

Pumpkin Stations are always favorites. The Del Mar location is by the racetrack and offers many great fair rides for the little kids, train rides, giant inflatable slides, a petting zoo, a Ferris wheel, and much more.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s pumpkin patch is another family favorite thanks to its petting zoo, tractor rides, corn maze (there’s also a Haunted Corn Maze in the evenings for older kids and adults), and more.

Go Apple Picking in Julian

U-Pick apple orchards in Julian are open for the season. Check with the U-Pick orchards directly for opening hours. Enjoy some fresh apple pie and other fun things to do in Julian, CA.

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What to Wear in San Diego in October

I realize I sound like a broken record if you’re reading my other San Diego by month posts. What to pack for San Diego in October includes layers. You’ll probably pack more pants and sweaters than you would in our summer months for evenings.

The packing list is similar to September:

• Bathing suit
• Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Flip flops
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Shorts
• T-Shirts (short-sleeved and long-sleeved)
• Tank tops for pool, beach, and hot weather days
• Pants or jeans
• Sweater or jacket for evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
• Casual dress or collared shirt and nice jeans (only if you plan to dine in one of our nicer restaurants )
• Moisturizer if you’re here during Santa Ana winds
• Wetsuit, if you have one (otherwise they’re easy to rent)

See also: Fall Things to Do in San Diego

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Lifestyle: What Residents Are Up To

We are gearing up for Halloween and festive decor around neighborhoods is starting to roll out. Our kids love Halloween events across San Diego at the theme parks, so we’re going to them, too.

There are so many unique experiences in San Diego in October. For example, it’s hard to find a Dia De Los Muertos celebration anywhere else in the United States that’s quite like ours.

Plus, our restaurants are still perfect for outdoor and indoor dining. It’s a great idea to soak up the sun for as long as possible before it gets chillier, like San Diego in November.

If you live here, please share your thoughts about San Diego in October!

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