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September in San Diego is largely a month of transition for locals as kids settle back into a school routine. For tourists, especially those with arrival dates after Labor Day, it’s an awesome time to visit. You get fantastic summer-like weather, fewer crowds, and great hotel rates.
The information below will help you determine the best time to visit San Diego for you. Or, if you have a trip booked, you should have a better idea of what to expect in September.
I’ve included a variety of September events around the county, along with some fun ideas for things to do.
San Diego September Weather
The sunny weather that graces San Diego in August often extends into September and cools down toward the end of the month. If you’re trying to decide what to pack or plan, here’s what you can expect.
September Weather at a Glance
Our Microclimates: What to Know This Month
San Diego’s famous microclimates—coast, inland valleys, mountains, and desert—behave a little differently depending on the time of year. In September, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Coastal: Mild and breezy, with temps in the 70s and sometimes foggy mornings that usually clear by midday. This includes most major tourist areas like La Jolla, Downtown, and the beaches.
- Inland valleys: Warmer days, sometimes reaching the upper 80s, especially in places like El Cajon.
- Mountains: Warm during the day, but evenings can be crisp or even chilly.
- Desert: Still hot, though the most intense summer heat starts to ease up.
If you’re staying coastal (as most visitors do), the forecast there will give you the most accurate sense of what to expect day-to-day.
What That Actually Feels Like
While pumpkin lattes are rolling out, San Diego September weather does not usually require long sleeves and sweaters during the day. It’s warm outside. In fact, there’s been a heat wave in the last three Septembers I’ve been updating this article.
The curveball to know about: Santa Ana winds. These hot, dry winds occasionally blow in from the desert, pushing coastal temps higher than usual. They don’t happen often (several days in a row usually), but when they do, you’ll need sun protection and plenty of moisturizer.
Still, it’s an unbeatable time to visit. The summer crowds begin to thin, the ocean is still swimmable, and there are more things to do in San Diego in September than you might expect from surfing and harbor cruises to hiking, open-air concerts, and sunset dining along the coast.
What the Beach Is Like
September is referred to as “the local’s summer” because the crowds of July and August thin out, but the weather and ocean are still at their best. (Local kids head back to school these days in mid-August but still make time to enjoy the beach.)
A Quieter, More Spacious Coastline
San Diego beaches are very busy surrounding Labor Day weekend. That’s because Labor Day weekend is one of the most popular times to visit San Diego and the weather is incredible.
After Labor Day weekend and summer crowds leave, you’ll find more room at the smaller beaches like Windansea Beach and La Jolla Cove. And, you’ll maybe get lucky enough to find weekday street parking. Weekends in nice weather are still busy.
Is It Warm Enough to Swim in the Ocean in September?
Yes, definitely! The ocean has been soaking up the sun all summer, and water temperatures are often at their warmest for the year in early September, averaging around 68°F (20°C). It’s fantastic for swimming, surfing, and playing in the waves.
Locals will start to wear wetsuits for longer surf sessions, especially toward the end of the month (the ocean gets colder as the month progresses). Visitors from cooler climates almost always find the water temperature to be perfectly comfortable and refreshing.
Surfing summer camps have called it quits for the season, but you can (and should) still book group and private lessons if you want to learn how to hang ten in September. Check out our best surfing schools.
A Unique September Experience: Leopard Sharks
One of the most incredible things to do in San Diego in September happens right off the coast of La Jolla. This month is the peak season for the annual gathering of harmless La Jolla leopard sharks.
Katie’s Insider Tips
Head to the shallow waters in front of The Marine Room restaurant at La Jolla Shores Beach. You can snorkel among them or even see their fins from the seawall. It’s a truly magical sight that starts in July and usually ends around September.
Advice for Booking Hotels in September
September offers some of the best value of the year for a San Diego vacation, but your booking strategy should depend on when in the month you’re traveling. It’s essentially two seasons in one: a high-demand holiday weekend followed by a quieter, value-rich stretch.
Labor Day Weekend: High Demand, Limited Flexibility
The first weekend of September, which includes Labor Day, marks the unofficial end of summer. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for hotels, especially beachfront San Diego hotels like Hotel del Coronado.
- Book Early: If you’re planning to visit over the holiday weekend, secure your accommodations well in advance. Rates will be high, and availability will tighten quickly.
- Be Specific: Don’t count on upgrades or flexible check-in options. During this peak period, I suggest you book the exact room type or view you want from the outset.
The Post-Labor Day “Sweet Spot”
Starting the second week of September, the travel landscape shifts in your favor. Crowds thin, the weather remains beautiful, and hotel rates begin to drop—especially at luxury properties.
- Summer Weather, Off-Peak Prices: You’ll still enjoy warm beach days and long afternoons outdoors—but without the premium summer price tag.
- More Value, Fewer Crowds: San Diego hotels begin competing more actively for bookings, which often means better availability and more favorable rates.
Katie’s Hotel Tips
The second week of September through mid-October is a fantastic time to plan a vacation. You’ll benefit from lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and sunny weather.
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.
San Diego September Events (Festivals, Concerts, More)
San Diego events in September focus on the outdoors—think beach, bay, food, and Halloween. It’s a great time to visit San Diego with kids and teens, thanks to family-friendly festivals and early fall fun at the theme parks.
While we don’t get much traditional fall weather, the city makes up for it with festive energy and seasonal flair. The second half of the month brings a wave of San Diego events—many of them free. From air shows to surf competitions, here’s what’s happening.
September 2025 Weekend-by-Weekend Highlights
Always check directly to verify dates and times. We write this post in advance so events are subject to change!
Labor Day Weekend (Sept 6–7)
- Julian Grape Stomp Festa (Sept 6): Grape stomping and wine tasting in the mountains of Julian.
- Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon (Sept 7): Dogs ride the waves at Del Mar Dog Beach in this uniquely San Diego event.
- SeaWorld Spooktacular Begins (Weekends starting Sept 6): Family-friendly daytime Halloween event included with admission.
Second Weekend (Sept 12–14)
- San Diego Bayfair (Sept 13–15): High-speed powerboat racing on Mission Bay.
- San Diego Restaurant Week Begins (Sept 14–21): Multi-course, prix-fixe menus at 100+ restaurants across the county.
- SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Opens (Sept 13): Nighttime Halloween haunt event with scare zones and haunted houses (separate ticket required).
Third Weekend (Sept 19–21 – Festival Season Kicks Off)
- Super Girl Surf Pro (Sept 20–22): The world’s largest women’s surf and beach festival in Oceanside. Free admission.
- ArtWalk Carlsbad (Sept 21–22): Oceanfront fine art festival featuring 175+ artists and live entertainment. Free admission.
- Adams Avenue Street Fair (Sept 21–22): Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival in Normal Heights.
- Pacific Islander Festival – PIFA (Sept 21–22): Cultural celebration at Ski Beach with food, music, and crafts. Free admission.
- LEGOLAND Brick-Or-Treat Begins (Sept 21): Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, live shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Fourth Weekend (Sept 26–28)
- MCAS Miramar Air Show (Sept 27–29): The largest military air show in the U.S. with jet teams, ground displays, and tech exhibits. Free general admission.
- CRSSD Festival (Sept 28–29): 21+ electronic music festival at Waterfront Park with multiple stages and a high-end crowd.
- San Diego Spirits Festival (Sept 28–29): A premium tasting event at the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla featuring fine spirits and cocktails.
Signature September Events
- MCAS Miramar Air Show (Sept 27–29): Jet demonstrations, exhibits, and family activities.
- SeaWorld Spooktacular (Weekends starting Sept 6): Family Halloween fun included with daytime admission.
- SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream (Nights starting Sept 13): Haunted houses and scare zones. Separate ticket required. Save on tickets.
- LEGOLAND’s Brick-Or-Treat (Select Saturdays starting Sept 21): Halloween “Monster Party” with shows and candy trails. Save on tickets.
- San Diego Restaurant Week (Sept 14–21): Multi-course menus at 100+ restaurants.
See also: Guide to SeaWorld San Diego Halloween
Local Food & Culture Highlights
- Taste of Gaslamp (Sept 21): Tasting tour of 20+ restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter.
- San Diego Sake Festival (Sept 21): Tastings and entertainment celebrating Japanese and U.S. sake.
- San Diego Spirits Festival (Sept 28–29): Unlimited premium spirits in a coastal arts setting.
- Major Free-Admission Festivals: Late September is packed with large-scale, free events perfect for experiencing local culture.
- Adams Avenue Street Fair (Sept 20-21): Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival, featuring multiple stages, beer gardens, carnival rides, and hundreds of craft booths.
- Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA) (Sept 20-21): A vibrant cultural festival at Ski Beach showcasing the traditions, music, dance, and food of the Pacific Islands.
- Artwalk Carlsbad (Sept 20-21): A huge fine art festival with over 175 artists, live music, and food vendors, set against an ocean backdrop.
More Things to Do in San Diego in September (All Month Long)
Beyond the fantastic festivals and scheduled events, September is the perfect month to dive into the activities that make San Diego special all year round. Here are some of the top things to do in San Diego in September that aren’t tied to a specific weekend.
Snorkel with the Leopard Sharks in La Jolla
As we mentioned in the beach section, this is a can’t-miss experience. You can wade out into knee deep water, take a snorkeling tour, or watch from a seawall.
Exclusive Everyday California Discount
Use code LJMOM20 for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals.
Hike the Trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
In September, the paths at Torrey Pines are less crowded, and the weather is ideal. Go on a weekday, and you might feel like you have the dramatic cliffs and some of the most stunning coastal views in California more to yourself.
Go Apple Picking in Julian
A classic San Diego fall tradition begins in early September. Take a scenic drive up to the mountain town of Julian for a day of U-pick apples at a local orchard, followed by a slice of the town’s famous fresh-baked apple pie. It’s a perfect family-friendly day trip and a wonderful way to welcome the fall season.
Catch a Padres Game at Petco Park
The baseball season is in full swing, and there’s nothing better than an evening at Petco Park. The Padres have several home games in September 2025 (check the schedule). Grab a local craft beer and a tri-tip sandwich and enjoy the game like a local.
Fall Fest at Belmont Park (Weekends in September and October)
San Diego’s fun beachfront amusement park will welcome the fall season with its annual festival, starting in early September. The festive fun will include plenty of live music, trick or treating, a pumpkin patch, and unique sweet treats from eateries dotted around the park.
Visit the World-Famous San Diego Zoo or Safari Park
I love visiting during shoulder season in September because my photos have tons of blue sky and animals with fewer people around.
1-Day Pass – My 2026 Promo Code for the Zoo or Safari Park
Skip the ticket line, as these can be printed or scanned on a mobile device. They’re also valid for one year from the purchase date!
Final price (after my discount): $70/ages 12+ and $60/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save $8 at both parks below!
Book a Hotel Pool Cabana
And, don’t forget that you can reserve pool day passes, cabanas, and more at San Diego resorts around town through ResortPass. It’s a perfect way to make the best of a heat wave.
Spend the Day in La Jolla
Yes, a small plug for my home community. Why? After Labor Day, we experience some weekday parking relief. So, come on over to shop and dine. Take a seaside walk along La Jolla Cove to see ocean views and our sea lions. With fewer people on the beach at the Children’s Pool, the seals may return in larger numbers (early morning and near sundown are your best bets). Lay a towel in the sand at Shell Beach and grab a gelato at Bobboi with less of a line!
What to Wear in San Diego in September
What to pack for San Diego in September is similar in theory to most months. Our weather patterns usually call for layers, but that’s expected as we transition into fall, even outside of San Diego. Locals love this time of year because they can begin to bring out their favorite hoodies and jackets (in between heat waves, that is).
We residents aren’t wearing as much beachwear while out and about simply because the kids are in school and we’re at the beach less.
And, if you’re wondering whether it’s okay to wear white after Labor Day, San Diegans do it all the time. Bright white, winter white, white jeans, white sundresses—it’s all worn here. Honestly, white tees and jeans are staples for me year-round. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you comfortable.
The packing list is similar to August:
- Face covering (optional in most places – but good to have one just in case)
- Bathing suit
- Rashguard or UV shirt for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Flip flops for the beach and pool
- Sandals
- Bathing suit cover-up
- Shorts
- T-Shirts
- Tank tops
- Pants or jeans (you’ll want these for outdoor dining toward the end of the month)
- Light sweater or wrap 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 )
See also: Fall Things to Do in San Diego
Lifestyle: What Residents Are up To
We’re returning to our daily routines after the thrills of summer are wrapping up. Kids, teens, and college students are heading back to school and parents are readjusting to their schedules. We are embracing pumpkin-flavored everything.
There’s a collective shift back to a more relaxed, local-focused pace of life. Outdoor dining is a fan favorite among locals around this time, too.
Live music and art shows are another huge hit among residents of San Diego. We have so many incredible tours hitting the town this year.
If you live here, please share your thoughts about San Diego in September!
Katie Dillon
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