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

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 hopefully help you decide when the best time to visit San Diego is 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 few September events around the county and ideas for things to do.

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

San Diego September Weather

The sunny weather that graces San Diego in August typically bleeds over into September and cools down toward the end of the month. Let me tell you what that actually means.

Our Microclimates

If you’ve read my recaps of other months, you know San Diego microclimates include coastal regions, inland valleys, mountains, and the desert.

San Diego weather in September that is relevant to you depends on which microclimates you’ll be in the most.

Usually, tourists will keep an eye on coastal weather, where most of our major attractions and beaches are located. Plus, it tends to be way cooler during the day here than inland in say, El Cajon.

It’s Still Sunny in September

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.

September 2022 was one of the hottest months of the year. September 2023 was odd because a few hurricanes in the south caused humidity and even some rain!

We sometimes have Santa Ana winds in September that cause the air to feel very hot and dry for several days at a time. Temperatures spike (and so does fire risk) during these winds. The sun does not take a break; it shines while the Santa Ana winds blow.

It may get a little cloudy early in the morning, but it usually burns off to reveal beach weather. The ocean temperatures begin to cool off a little toward the end of the month. If the sun is shining, you won’t notice this much.

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

• Average temperature (high/low): 77°F/66°F
• Rainfall: .2 inches
• Days of sunshine: 70%
• Daylight: 12.5 hours
• Ocean temperature (high/low): 68.3°F/65.2°F

What the Beach Is Like

San Diego beaches are busy surrounding Labor Day weekend. That’s because Labor Day weekend is one of the most popular times to visit San Diego. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, 2024.

After Labor Day weekend 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.

You should definitely check out La Jolla Shores Beach because the leopard sharks are still swimming near the shore (more on this natural phenomenon below).

Weekends, however, are still busy because locals want to soak up the last of the true beach weather. 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.

Ocean Tips

The September ocean temperature at the beginning of the month is nice for swimming and general beachgoing. Toward the end of the month, the water temperature tends to dip. However, September 2019 saw record ocean temperatures into the 70s lasting longer than usual.

As always, wetsuits are necessary for long days of surfing, surfing lessons, and snorkeling in deeper water.

Advice for Booking Hotels in September

Book as soon as possible if you’re looking at beachfront San Diego hotels during Labor Day weekend and the week leading up to it. The early bird catches a lower rate.

Rates will increase closer to your travel date. They will steadily creep up, rarely falling in between, until the hotel sells out.

And most of our popular hotels will sell out. In 2022, there wasn’t reasonably-priced hotel inventory on the beach during Labor Day weekend, especially if you’re looking at places like Hotel del Coronado. In 2023, there was some because of our odd weather pattern but prices were still high.

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.

If you’re entitled to a room upgrade subject to availability at check-in, like people who book my portfolio of hotels and holders of elite hotel program status are, don’t plan on receiving it during the Labor Day travel period. Book the hotel room that you really want to avoid disappointment.

On the other hand, starting a few days after Labor Day Monday, San Diego hotel rates begin to fall. 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.

Notice how we said lower rates and not low rates. Since the pandemic, San Diego has become a very popular travel destination. Rates have risen to reflect the demand and, of course, the rise in goods and services that we’re experiencing across the country.

San Diego September Events

San Diego events in September focus on culinary and Halloween themes. The latter is fantastic should you visit San Diego with kids and teens. While we don’t necessarily see much traditional “fall weather,” we can create a nice facade with our theme parks and other attractions.

Padres Baseball Season

The Padres play at PETCO Park on select dates in September (check the schedule). Some dates are themed and this year includes Party in the Park: Beerfest, KidsFest, and even a Harry Potter theme on September 2.

SeaWorld San Diego Spooktacular

SeaWorld San Diego Halloween events start in mid-September this year. There’s the family-friendly Spooktacular and the scary Howl-O-Scream evening event which requires a separate ticket.

San Diego Restaurant Week

San Diego Restaurant Week happens twice per year, in September and January. Over 100 restaurants across town put together set menus at several price points, starting at $20. They can go as high as $60 (George’s at the Cove with three courses—still an incredible deal that I take advantage of). You can also order set meals to go from some places.

The idea is to offer customers good value and encourage diners to try new restaurants. In 2024, September’s Restaurant Week will run between September 22 and 29.

LEGOLAND Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights

If you’re ready to start getting spooky, LEGOLAND’s Brick-Or-Treat event is a great way to enjoy family-friendly haunts. 

LEGOLAND’s annual Monster Party provides live entertainment, costume contests, limited-time attractions, character meet & greets, and trick-or-treating! You don’t need a special ticket to the event if you have most day passes, hotel packages, and/or annual passes. There’s usually other brand-new entertainment every year, so you don’t want to miss out!

SAVE ON LEGOLAND TICKETS

We have great pricing on LEGOLAND tickets that you can buy. Use promo code LEGO for savings of $2-18, depending on the ticket.

Miramar Air Show

The popular military air show will return September 27–29, 2024. This spectacular event is largely what San Diego is famous for — the military. As usual, this year’s show features incredible flyovers and demos, some of which you can see just from parking on the surrounding roads. General admission to the show is free but you can also purchase preferred-seating tickets.

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

PAWABUNGA! Surf’s up for your furry friends. San Diego is notoriously a dog town. Everybody has a dog here; to be honest, you stand out more if you don’t have a dog or don’t love dogs! We even have restaurants in town where dogs can order from special menus. It’s no surprise that San Diego would host an iconic Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in the fall. 

The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon takes place on September 8th at Del Mar Dog Beach. You can watch as impeccably trained pups take on San Diego’s waves. Outside of the main event (the surf competition), there are other attractions, too, such as kid’s crafts, live music, and other end-of-summer fun. 

Crssd Festival

Festival season may be coming to a close, but there’s always room for more in San Diego. Live music never stops here since outdoor venues can continue operating year-round. CRSSsD Festival takes over Waterfront Park from September 28 – 29 this year, bringing your favorite electronic music acts to an action-packed weekend at the beach.

This year’s lineup includes heavy hitters like BLOND:ISH, Disclosure, Adam Beyer, and HI-LO. Fans of the electronic music genre will notice that the festival covers a ton of history, making it possible for several different age groups to have a good time here.

CRSSD Festival provides vending from local businesses, offering tasty treats, including food and adult beverages, throughout the whole weekend.

Artwalk Carlsbad

Head to the coastal town of Carlsbad to peruse unique paintings, sculpture, jewellery, photography, and glasswork from both local and Mexican artists. There’s plenty of fun for all the family, including a KidsWalk art display, live music, and food and drinks for purchase.

This year’s ArtWalk takes place on September 21 and 22. It is free to attend and will be located along Armada Drive, just above the Flower Fields.

Fall Fest at Belmont Park

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.

This year marks the festival’s second annual Community 5K run, which aims to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The race takes place on Sunday, September 22, and everyone who registers receives a complimentary wristband for all the Belmont Park rides. 

Taste of Gaslamp

In addition to Restaurant Week, there’s plenty for foodies to enjoy in September, including the Taste of Gaslamp. This self-guided culinary tour around San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp district takes place on September 14 and comprises more than 20 restaurants across sixteen square city blocks. Each will serve unique small bites for guests to enjoy.

Just purchase your ticket online and head to each restaurant any time between 1–4 p.m. on the day.

Surfing Events

Celebrate San Diego’s famed association with surfing at these events:

Super Girl Surf Pro takes place in north county San Diego’s Oceanside. It claims to be ‘the world’s largest women’s surf, lifestyle and music festival’, so definitely one for your inspiring girl surfers.
Where: Oceanside Pier
When: September 20-22, 2024

OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest: Enjoy some nostalgia at this fun event with some seriously cool longboard competitions.
Where: North Side of Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach
When: September 21, 2024

Ken Whalen Surf Challenge: This is a great event to help strengthen your kids love of surfing, all for a good cause. Created in memory of Ken Whalen, whose passion for the surf inspired so many, the event is free to attend with the key element being fun. A great one for both beginner and intermediate kids and teens.
Where: San Fernando Place, Mission Beach
When: September 29, 2024

Things to Do in San Diego in September

September is a fun time in San Diego since everyone is shifting gears. It’s almost like summer year-round here, but we begin to get a taste of fall in September. This year, there is no shortage of things to do all month.

Enjoy the Last of the Summer Beach Weather

Whether you’re taking the kids after school, working full days on the weekend, or enjoying morning surf sessions, enjoy maximizing warm weather and ocean temperatures at San Diego beaches.

Snorkel or Swim With Leopard Sharks

Usually, at the beginning of September or end of August, news outlets will start posting photos that look a lot like the one above. La Jolla leopard shark numbers begin to reach peak numbers toward the end of August and into September.

They incubate their babies in the warm shallow water during the day and feed on squid in the nearby submarine canyon at night.

The best place to see them is on the beach in front of The Marine Room restaurant on La Jolla Shores Beach. You don’t need to swim out too far to see them. Sometimes, all it takes is walking out into knee-deep water.

Bring your own snorkeling gear or book a snorkeling tour that focuses on this part of the La Jolla Underwater Park. Some tours this time of year are dedicated to leopard shark sightings.

Go Apple Picking in Julian

Locals in the know head up to Julian in the fall for apple-picking season in the mountain town’s orchards. Here’s a list of U-Pick orchards. Check with the orchards closer to when you’d like to go to for operating hours.

One popular spot is Julian Farm & Orchard because you can fill up a bag of apples, but also pick up a pumpkin, enjoy the petting zoo, try a rock climbing wall, and u-pick raspberries, blueberries, and blueberries.

You can also head to Menghini Winery in Julian for their annual Grape Stomp Festa on September 7. Kick off your flip flops and stomp on grapes to your heart’s content for this fun event while partaking in the traditional wine-making technique. There are additional games for the kids and, of course, wine tasting.

On your day trip, take advantage of other fun things to do in Julian, CA.

Go to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The shoulder season (basically, in between when schools are back in session and Kids Free San Diego in October), is a fantastic time to explore both zoos with fewer crowds. Sure, there will be some field trips and young families but it’s not quite as busy.

I have an exclusive San Diego Zoo tickets promo code and a San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket promo code that you will want to grab.

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.

See a Concert

Live music in San Diego is unbeatable. There are so many artists that visit our city all year long. Pink will take over Petco Park on September 11 and 12th, and you can rock out to Green Day there on September 28 and 29th. Fans of classic rock will not want to miss seeing Kansas at our intimate venue, Humphrey’s, on September 22nd.

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.

If you’re seeing the leopard sharks, don’t forget that La Jolla Shores is also full of good places to eat. See how to spend a day in La Jolla.

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 or winter white… it doesn’t matter, so don’t stress about it. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you comfortable, including an all-white sundress.  White T-shirts and jeans are staples of mine year-round.

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. Parents are readjusting to school schedules. Grocery stores and Starbucks are putting out pumpkin-flavored items. 

Outdoor dining is a fan favorite among locals around this time, too.

Live music and art shows are another huge hit among San Diego residents. We have so many incredible tours hitting the town this year. It’s so easy to pack your schedule with tons of concerts if you love music in San Diego. Our venues are absolutely incredible and hold lots of history, so I recommend checking out at least one while you’re here.

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