Best time to vacation in san diego - Lomelono Travel Solutions

Visiting San Diego is one of the most popular things to do in California. However, deciding when to best visit this historic bay area isn’t always easy. Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip at the best time to vacation in San Diego.

San Diego is a key destination for summer vacations and holidays. When to plan your visit makes a big difference in what you can do and where you can find the best deals on hotels and flights. There are several deciding factors as to when is the best time to schedule a vacation in San Diego, but these two are the most important to consider: cost of airfare and hotel prices.

Vacation is supposed to make people happy. But at least two major elements can determine how much your vacation will bring you closer to happiness: destination and timing. Correctly combining the two with your own travel preferences can match the joy you expect with everything else you want out of holiday – saving your pennies, making it out of responsibility, getting away from the office, etc.

The best time to vacation in San Diego is any time you want. Yes, it’s true that the weather is a little cooler in the winter and the crowds are smaller, but if you’re a beach lover who doesn’t mind some chilly winds and rain, you can still have a great time. If you like to watch sunsets, though, you’ll want to visit during the summer months—the sunsets are especially gorgeous then.

If it’s a sunny day at the beach and you want to see whales or dolphins up close, consider going on a whale-watching tour from June through September (you’ll also see a lot of other wildlife).

San Diego is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but there are some times that are better than others.

The best time to go to San Diego is between early May and late September. The weather will be warm and sunny, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. You don’t have to worry about rain or snow, but you will have plenty of sunshine to enjoy the many outdoor activities available in San Diego.

If you are looking for cooler temperatures in San Diego, November through February will give you less sunshine but more comfortable temperatures in the 50s and 60s. You can still enjoy many outdoor activities during this time of year, though you may want to bring along a sweater or light jacket if planning on spending any time outside after dark.

The best time to visit San Diego, America’s Finest City situated next to the Pacific Ocean, is any time you get a chance. Our city is known for its warm, dry summers and mild winters, but I live here, so I will tell you what it’s really like during certain months.

Tall palm trees against a blue sky in San Diego, California. — You can catch a blue sky like this in any month of the year.

It only rains about 42 days a year, and almost all those days will have some moments of sunshine. The average annual daily temperature is 70° Fahrenheit, which means you’ll want to wear sun protection and pack shorts in any season.

I’ll tell you about the weather by month, which months typically see lower hotel rates, events to attend (or avoid), and offer practical advice. I’ll combine it with data on San Diego ocean temperature to help you envision what your beach vacations will be like.

We’re at the beach year-round (my husband regularly swims in the ocean in all seasons), so we know when people are sunbathing or wearing wetsuits.

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A Note About San Diego Ocean Temperature

A surfer on a wave near sunset in Pacific Beach. — Surfers enjoying late afternoon waves in January

It’s important to note that everyone’s version of cold is relative. The Pacific Ocean at San Diego is generally known for being cold compared to Hawaii, for example.

The hottest ocean temperatures occur in August, with the official records recording the water temperature of 68° F. Conversely, expect the ocean to be at its coldest in February when the temperature dips to 57° F.

Of course, these are averages. In August 2019, the ocean temperature hit 79.5°, the highest ever recorded, topping the previous high of 78.6° recorded in July 2018. The only previous temperature that came close to that was in 1931, when it was recorded at 78.4°.

It’s important to remember that you can swim, surf, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, and dive in the San Diego ocean year-round. During cooler months, though, you’ll want to wear a full wetsuit, which you can rent at a variety of surf shops around town, even for kids.

Keep in mind that if it’s 80° F on a sunny day in March, the ocean does not warm up in tandem. It just means that your tolerance for colder water is higher because you can dry off in the sun.

Best Time to Visit San Diego by Month

JANUARY

January is the coldest month of the year where you’ll see San Diegans bundle up with parkas and boots when the temperature dips to its lowest of 49°, but in that same month, the high reaches 65°. Visitors from the East Coast and colder winter climates tend to think it’s warm, understandably.

Temperature ranges from a low of 49° to a high of 65°.
Approximately 7 days of rain and 216 hours of sunshine.
Average ocean temperature is 58° (wear a full wetsuit).

Ring in the New Year by running in the Carlsbad Marathon and Half-Marathon. The race starts at the Shoppes in Carlsbad, continues through Carlsbad Village and out along the oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway.

Restaurant Week usually happens during the third week of January, where restaurants across the county offer set menus that are excellent value. It’s also a prime whale-watching season as gray whales migrate to and from warm Mexico waters to give birth. Learn more about San Diego in January.

FEBRUARY

February, if you can avoid Presidents Day weekend and the few days surrounding it, is another value month when it comes to hotel rates and activities around town. You’ll still want to pack more sweaters than short sleeves.

Temperature ranges from a low of 51° to a high of 65°.
Approximately 7 days of rain and 212 hours of sunshine.
Average ocean temperature is 57° (wear a full wetsuit).

February is San Diego Museum Month, when more than 40 museums offer half-price admission. Museums cater to all interest groups. For example, we love the San Diego Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Fleet Science Center, and everything in between. You can find your half-off coupon at any public library or Hilton Hotel in San Diego. Learn more about San Diego in February.

MARCH

Hotel rates start to rise during the second week of March in anticipation of spring break, which varies depending on the school.

If you’re looking for a family room (double queen, specialty suite) during spring break season from mid-March to mid-April, book early.

Still, you’ll find your San Diego March weather means more sunshine and beachgoing thanks to longer days as a result of daylight savings.

You will start to see more people in swimwear the beaches than in prior months, especially tourists in the water without wetsuits, completely enjoying the ocean.

Temperature ranges from a low of 53° to a high of 66°.
Approximately 7 days of rain and 262 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 58° (locals will wear a full wetsuit).

A big March event is the family-friendly Kia Classic LPGA Golf Tournament in Carlsbad.

Baseball lovers can experience the first game of the season by attending a Padres game at Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The seasonal Butterfly Jungle exhibit at San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens for a few short weeks, and the Carlsbad Flower Fields open to the public. Learn more about San Diego in March.

APRIL

San Diego April weather starts to turn sunnier and after Easter passes this is another good shoulder season for hotel rates before the summer rush.

Temperature ranges from a low of 56° to a high of 67°.
Approximately 5 days of rain and 242 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 56° to 57° (you’ll see people in spring and full wetsuits).

The Mission Federal ArtWalk is where more than 300 artists show and sell their work on Little Italy’s streets, where you will find art galleries and quaint restaurants. The Carlsbad Flower Fields full of blooming ranunculus will still be open, as will Butterfly Jungle.

MAY

Many schools finish for the year in May, but we have a seasonal condition called “May Gray,” where we receive overcast skies that sometimes burn off into hazy sunshine along the coast.

Don’t fret. Tourism escalates, and it’s never really cold, nor does it rain much in May, so outdoor sightseeing is still quite pleasant.

How many days of May Gray we receive changes every year (it is usually sunny during Memorial Day weekend, however, that was not the case in 2019).

Temperature ranges from a low of 59° to a high of 67°.
Approximately 2 days and 261 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 61° to 63° (people are swimming without wetsuits but the ocean is still a bit chilly).

Enjoy four days of live music on seven stages when you visit Gator by the Bay at the Spanish Landing across the airport. Pounds and pounds of crawfish are brought in from Louisiana in keeping with the southern cuisine theme.

You’ll also see some smaller festivals pop up around town like Fiesta Del Sol in Solana Beach.

JUNE

May Gray turns to June Gloom as the overcast conditions continue. The skies usually, but not always, clear to sunnier skies later in the afternoon. Some days won’t be gloomy at all, while others will have all-day gray skies.

When it’s sunny outside you will see lots of people at the beach and in the ocean.

Temperature ranges from a low of 62° to a high of 71°.
Approximately 1 day of rain and 253 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 64° to 65° (by now, most people swimming recreationally are not wearing wetsuits until September).

The San Diego County Fair held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds kicks off at the beginning of June and runs through July 4th weekend. There is something for everyone, from serenely strolling through the flower show to soaring and spinning through the sky on a carnival ride. Entertainment, decadent fair food, exhibits, petting zoos, you name it.

Additionally, people come from all over to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon and to attend the San Diego International Beer Festival.

JULY

A San Diego surfing school sets up on the beach during a sunny day. — Surf camp in full force during July

June gloom is usually gone and San Diego July weather equals mostly really sunny days. It’s a fantastic time to visit.

Temperature ranges from a low of 66° to a high of 76°.
Approximately 0 days of rain and 293 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 66° to 67°.

This is the month for Comic-Con, an entertainment and comic book convention held in downtown San Diego. If you are lucky enough to secure tickets (which often sell out on release day), escape from reality and immerse yourself in the world of comic book characters and Hollywood blockbuster movies.

Downtown San Diego hotels sell out, and rates skyrocket in neighboring towns like Coronado and La Jolla due to attendee overflow during and in the days surrounding the convention. Learn more about San Diego in July.

AUGUST

For peak sunshine and ocean temperatures, visit during August. Some kids go back to school in the second and third weeks of August, which means that beaches, attractions, and hotels are less crowded during the final week of the month (except for Labor Day weekend).

Temperature ranges from a low of 67° to a high of 77°.
Approximately 0 days of rain and 277 hours of sunlight.
Average ocean temperature is 68°.

You’ll see many small one-day festivals around town, but what most people are doing is enjoying the beach and outdoor attractions. One of our favorite things to do (which actually starts in June) is to attend the family-friendly San Diego Symphony Bayside Summer Nights outdoor concerts.

There were 17 nights of bayside concerts in August 2019, and more than that were expected to take place in August 2020 in the Symphony’s new location (which didn’t happen). Learn more about San Diego in August.

SEPTEMBER (TOP PICK)

Once Labor Day weekend passes, September becomes one of the best months to visit San Diego. Hotel rates begin to decline as kids head back to school, but the days are long, and the weather is fantastic with crisp, clear, blue-skied sunny days.

Attractions like the San Diego Zoo become less crowded, too, and you typically don’t need a wetsuit unless you’re out surfing early in the morning. We residents are still going to the beach as we do in the summer.

Temperature ranges from a low of 66° to a high of 77°.
Approximately 1 day of rain and 255 hours of sunlight.
Average ocean temperature is 66°.

September also brings a myriad of events to San Diego. There is the San Diego Bayfair with the world’s fastest boats roaring around Mission Bay, the Miramar Air Show, the Kaboo Music Festival, Padres baseball games at Petco Park, and more. Learn more about San Diego in September.

OCTOBER (BEST FOR FAMILIES)

People wading into the water at La Jolla Cove on an October morning. — What 9 a.m. on a late October sunny day looks like — this beach was packed an hour later.

Thanks to daylight savings, days toward the end of October become shorter, but there is a lot to enjoy throughout the month. It’s still warm outside, especially earlier in the month. If a Santa Ana is blowing through, it can be classified as hot on some days.

Temperature ranges from a low of 65° to a high of 73°.
Approximately 3 days of rain and 234 hours of sunlight.
Average ocean temperature is 63° to 65° (wear a spring or full wetsuit toward the end of the month for prolonged swimming or surfing).

Every year, Kids Free San Diego is on for the entire month of October. Kids (usually ages 12 and under with a paying adult) stay, play, and eat for free at over 100 attractions, hotels, and restaurants throughout the county.

This includes San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and many attractions with otherwise high ticket prices. If you can come as a family in October, you will save on sightseeing and enjoy great San Diego October weather. Learn more about San Diego in October.

NOVEMBER

Many travelers choose Thanksgiving break as a time to visit San Diego. However, if you can come earlier in the month, you’ll typically be blessed with some of the lowest hotel rates of the year.

Temperature ranges from a low of 54° to a high of 69°.
Approximately 4 days of rain and 236 hours of sunlight.
Ocean temperature is 61° (wear a full wetsuit).

November is a fantastic time for foodies as the roughly 10-day-long San Diego Beer Week events happen all around town, and the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival is also a popular event. Thanksgiving week begins holiday events at major hotels like Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado. Learn more about San Diego in November.

DECEMBER

Many travelers flee the cold and head to San Diego in December for its mix of good weather and festive events. Where else can you ice skate in shorts by the beach?