Are you looking to plan a trip to San Diego but don’t know which month or season is the best for you? Do you know what you want to do and where you want to visit in San Diego?
Good news. There are so many helpful tips outlined here to give you an idea of when to come to San Diego! You will want to make sure you pack appropriately so you can enjoy your stay in San Diego no matter what time of year it is.
We will give you a detailed overview of the average weather conditions for each month in San Diego along with ocean water temperatures as well. Keep in mind, all of the data can be relative below and vary year to year.
So, if you are looking to escape the cold winter weather or want to know what to pack for your summer vacation, read on for information on San Diego’s weather!
Average Temperature in San Diego
The average daily high temperature in San Diego during the warm season is over 75°F, which lasts for 2.8 months, from July 10 to October 4. July is the hottest month of the year in San Diego, with an average high of 77°F and a low of 68°F.
The cold season lasts 4.1 months, from the end of November to early April, and has an average daily high temperature of less than 66°F. January is the coldest month in San Diego, with an average low of 50°F and a maximum temperature of almost 65°F.
Quick Checks
- Check the 10-day weather forecast for San Diego
- Check the San Diego Surf Report
- Check the San Diego Tide and Tide Charts
| Monthly Highs and Lows (in Fahrenheit) | ||
| January 66 / 50 | ||
| February 68 / 51 | ||
| March 70 / 54 | ||
| April 74 / 57 | ||
| May 77 / 61 | ||
| June 81 / 65 | ||
| July 82 / 73 | ||
| August 81 / 65 | ||
| September 78 / 63 | ||
| October 75 / 59 | ||
| November 71 / 55 | ||
| December 68 / 52 |
Month by Month Overview
January is the coldest month of the year in San Diego, California. The average high temperature is 66°F (18°C) and the average low temperature for January is 50°F (11°C).
The amount of sunlight will vary from day to day with an average of eight hours per day during this time.
The humidity levels can be as high as 82% which can make it feel chilly on some days, so you’ll want to dress warmly!
If you are looking to hit up one of our many beautiful beaches and enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, keep in mind that our ocean temperatures are at their coldest during this month at 58°F (14°C).
You may want to wear a wetsuit or bring along a jacket if you plan on swimming in the ocean during this time of year.
If you are planning on hiking Torrey Pines State Park Reserve, it’s best to do so early morning before the winds pick up later in the day! The average wind speeds range from 16 mph-26mph throughout January.
Also, keep in mind that January will be filled with gray skies and overcast days with an average rainfall of around two inches per month making it one of our rainiest months out of the year!
This means there is also less daylight which can make for some gloomy days at times but don’t worry, San Diego will still have plenty of sunshine coming your way soon!
February starts to warm up a bit more with an average high temperature of 68°F (20°C) and an average low temperature of 51°F (11°C).
The amount of sunlight is also increasing by one hour as well which means you can enjoy beautiful sunsets without having them cut short due to daylight savings time ending. The ocean water temperatures are a little warmer currently, but they are still chilly at 59°F (15°C).
For the most part, February will see an increase in the number of days that are sunny or partly cloudy so keep in mind when packing for a trip!
Don’t forget about the windy days though as it can get gusty with winds averaging 24 mph on some February nights. The humidity levels are higher than January but still very tolerable at 82%!
March is one of our favorite months because it brings us more sunshine and warmer temperatures!
The average high temperature for March is 70°F (21°C) while the average low temperature is 54°F (12°C).
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or a trip to Balboa Park, this would be a great time since there will be plenty of hours in which we experience daylight throughout march with an average of 12 hours per day! Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen as it can get very sunny!
The ocean water temperatures are also warming up and will be at a comfortable temperature of 63°F (17°C).
March is also one of our windiest months with average winds speeds of 25 mph. With all the outdoor activities you’ll be able to do, you won’t even notice the wind!
April sees warmer temperatures continue in San Diego with an average high temperature of 73°F (23°C) and lows averaging around 57°F (14°C). This is definitely shorts weather so make sure to pack them if you are visiting in April!
April typically has an increase in rainfall from March, but it will still be sunny most days with an average of 13 hours per day.
We are also seeing higher humidity levels at this time as they can reach up to 84% but don’t let that deter you from enjoying all the fun activities San Diego has to offer! The ocean water temperatures will start warming up even more in April and reach a comfortable 65°F (18°C).
May is one of our warmest months with an average high temperature for May being 77°F (25°C) and lows reaching about 61°F (16°C). This month typically sees little rain so if you are planning on spending some time outside, make sure to bring sunscreen because there will be plenty of sunshine!
May is also a great month to go swimming in the ocean as the water temperatures will be at a balmy 68°F (20°C). Just be careful of any riptides that may be present!
The humidity levels are still high in May, but they start to decrease as we head into summer.
June is the start of summer in San Diego and with it comes some hot weather!
The average high temperature for June is 81°F (27°C) while lows reach about 65°F (18°C). This month usually has a fair amount of rain but don’t worry, it will still be sunny on most days with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day.
The ocean water temperatures will be at their warmest in June at 71°F (22°C). The humidity levels are also starting to decrease in June making it a more comfortable month than May.
July is the hottest month out of the year with an average high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and lows at 66°F (19°C).
There is still an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day so you can still enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming in San Diego’s beautiful beaches!
If you are planning on heading out to the beach, make sure to pack plenty of water as it can get hot!
The ocean temperatures are still comfortable at 73°F (23°C).
August is the second hottest month in San Diego with an average high temperature of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). We usually see less rain, so it is a great time to get out and enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking!
The ocean water temperatures are still warm at 72°F (22°C) making August a perfect month for swimming. The humidity levels also start decreasing in August making it one of the most comfortable months of the year.
September is a great time to visit San Diego as the temperatures start to cool down, but it is still sunny!
The average high temperature for September is 78°F (26°C) and lows reach about 63°F (17°C). This month usually has an increase in rainfall so make sure to bring an umbrella if you are visiting in September.
The humidity levels decrease even more in September making it a great time of year for outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking! The ocean water temperatures will be at their warmest for the year at 74°F (23°C).
October is a beautiful month with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels. The average high temperature for October is 75°F (24°C) and lows reach about 59°F (15°C).
The ocean water temperatures will start cooling down in October and reach a comfortable 66°F (19°C).
November is the last month of fall in San Diego, and it is usually sunny with cooler temperatures. The average high temperature for November is 71°F (22°C) and lows reach about 55°F (13°C).
This month usually has an increase in rainfall, but it is still sunny most days with an average of 11 hours per day so don’t let the rain deter you from enjoying all that San Diego has to offer!
The ocean water temperatures will typically be around 62°F (17°C).
December is the first month of winter in San Diego and it is usually sunny with cooler temperatures. The average high temperature for December is 68°F (20°C) and lows reach about 52°F (11°C).
The ocean water temperatures are similar to November and reach a comfortable 58°F (14°C).
Essentials to Pack
Depending on whether you plan on visiting San Diego in the colder months or during summer, make sure to pack appropriately! You will also want to factor in what activities you have planned such as packing for a theme park, hiking adventures, or lounging on the beach.
Here is a breakdown of the essentials you might need to plan your visit accordingly. Although, if you happen to forget anything, there are plenty of convenient stores to pick up any of these items listed below.
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts and Tank Tops
- Sundress
- Shorts
- Flip flops or Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Wetsuit (winter)
- Beach towel
- Backpack
- Camera and Batteries/Charger
- Cell Phone Charger
- Beach Chairs
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Jacket or Sweater
- Scarf
Conclusion for San Diego Weather by Month
If you’re planning to visit San Diego, it’s important to know what the weather is like during each month. The weather is pretty mild throughout the year, but there are some things you need to know before packing for your trip.
Always pack a variety of clothes that will keep you comfortable no matter what the temperature is. Be prepared to always include sunscreen and sunglasses, considering the weather year-round.
And don’t forget a good book or two – you’re going to want to do something to relax when you’re not out exploring all that this amazing city has to offer!
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