Keep in mind, San Diego experiences overcast weather during May and June, leading to the names “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” While you can still sneak in a beach day, the sun may not be joining you! Your Trip to San Diego: The Complete Guide, Courtesy of Pure Project Brewing and SanDiego.org, San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, Sports fans can see PGA Tour masters at work at the, Run of all the new weight off to cool tunes at the. If you are planning a visit to San Diego, here is some advice on when to come and when not to. Generally, San Diego’s best surfing season is August through November. Sun and sand? Since this is San Diego’s rainy season, going to the beach is not possible (and cold!) Book your San Diego getaway now! It can also make for slightly more comfortable experiences at Padres baseball games, outdoor festivals, and concerts as direct sun exposure is limited. Plus, the theme parks host various festivals throughout the year, which tend to be the highlights of visitors’ experiences. For affordable travel rates, fantastic weather, and minimal crowds, the top time to go to San Diego is in the spring and fall. San Diego is basically a desert with beaches. Well, that all depends on your travel goals! With destinations such as SeaWorld, Comic-Con, LEGOLAND California, the USS Midway Museum, and the San Diego Zoo, it’s no wonder 35 million people visited San Diego last year! Locals are an active, fit bunch who love to play outside year round with their dogs in parks, at outdoor markets, and on hiking trails, running paths, waterways, the sand, and on bar rooftops and restaurant patios. Go August through mid-October. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Reserve Direct's. Why? The warm temperatures usually extend well into October. July to September are the best, as the ocean temperature reaches 20-21°C. The shoreline is patrolled by lifeguards from 9 a.m. to dusk daily on the main stretch of the … As a result, the city becomes jam-packed during these months and hotel/transportation rates increase. June can be gloomy at times and August is usually pretty hot. What’s the best time to visit San Diego? Average high temperatures dont get any higher than 65°F (18°C), while the average low temperatures drop to 49°F (9°C). As previously mentioned, the Pacific Ocean, especially around La Jolla Cove and off of La Jolla Shores, heats up in August and September to around 70 degrees, making swimming, kayaking, SUP-ing, surfing, and snorkeling more pleasant. The biggest swells usually come out of the north, generated by Alaskan storms, December through February. When Should I Visit for the Best Beach Weather? Ultimately, the best time to visit San Diego depends on your goals. While the weather is often foggy along the coast, you will see lovely temps in the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies in June. From March to May and September to November, you’ll avoid the summer break crowds and have ample time to explore the area’s attractions and beaches. Summer is in full swing and crowds have descended on the city filling theme parks and hotels. No matter when you choose to visit San Diego, you’re in for one awesome vacation. 20°C. So, when is the best time to visit San Diego? and most travelers are flocking to warm, tropical destinations instead. 0. For budget travelers, the best time to visit San Diego is all throughout the winter season. San Diego's LGBT community and its allies organize several joyous, Pop culture fans flock to the city by the thousands for, Although it starts in mid-July and lasts through early September, thoroughbred racing season is in full swing during August at the. With world-class Italian cuisine and live musical performances, the Taste of Little Italyfood festival is the perfect way to find some Italian flavor in California. September is arguably the best time to visit San Diego. Avoid Visiting on a Hot Day. March tends to have the coldest nights of the year, so don't forget to pack a windbreaker or light sweater. January, is one of two of the coldest months of the year. November and December tend to be the brightest months of the year followed by January through April. We know this is not always in your control, but many animals are a lot … Last updated: May 10, 2019. Tourist season is at its peak in June, July, and August, but you’ll also find cloudy skies at the beach for much of … No need for a plan B as July historically averages .01 inches of rainfall and the sun is out 70 percent of the time. Important to note that California as a whole was particularly rainy in 2018/19. You’ll find pure bliss as you lie on the beach, soak up the sun, and listen to the waves crash on the shore. You are reading "Best Time to Visit Palm Springs, Weather & Other Travel Tips " … 3. Thanks to San Diego’s mild year-round weather, there’s never a bad time to visit San Diego’s theme parks and attractions. *Our front desk hours have changed from 9am – … Still cool enough to cuddle for Valentine's Day, February averages a high of 66 degrees and a low of 50. Try planning your vacation around one of San Diego’s festivals and events! However, keep in mind that water parks may close during the colder seasons. Yes, this season is the most expensive and crowded, but the weather is beautiful. The best times to visit San Diego are the months of March, April, September, and October, as they are generally warm and less crowded than summer. Once Labor Day weekend passes, September becomes one of the best months to visit San Diego. This is when a marine layer moves in overnight and causes low clouds to hover overhead, darkening skies and blocking out the sun until early afternoon. This journey begins in one of LA’s most famous and iconic cities, Santa Monica! Pack a picnic and head for the outdoor stage to hear the sweet sounds of the San Diego Symphony at Bayside Summer Nights. To go out and enjoy the lovely weather, get to San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Weekdays are usually less crowded as well. It's still warm and sunny with little rain, and the summer crowds have gone away. May and June’s haziness can also mean shorter lines at attractions like Legoland, the Safari Park, or the San Diego Zoo. Especially if you hail from a place with snow because San Diego’s worst will feel positively balmy. The best times to visit San Diego are March through May and September through November. When is the Busiest Time of Year in San Diego? 14 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg. Whether you want the lowest rates or the best beach weather, your travel plans will all dictate when you should go. For starters, you can usually find affordable hotel and airfare deals from March through May. As if all that sunshine weren’t enough, San Diego is a waterfront city with top-notch restaurants and beautiful ocean-sprayed vistas (often at the same time), neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture, and beer that's perfectly hoppy to enjoy after a day of Southern California fun. Veteran travelers to San Diego insist September is the ideal time to visit what locals call "America's Finest City." When is the Absolute Best Time to Visit San Diego? The best months to visit are probably March through May and September through November, as it can get hot in the summer. In the spring (early March to late May) and fall (September through November), tourist crowds decrease as families head home for the upcoming school semester. Late August and early September usually provide the warmest water and hottest days. Make Time for the Skyfari Tram. San Diego is not like Hawaii where you can lay out on the beach in January and get a great tan [or sunburn]. School’s out for the summer! Fall and winter often bring cheaper hotel rooms, shorter lines at theme parks and attractions, film and arts festivals, and holiday-oriented events. In general, November through April tends to be the best time to visit San Antonio, thanks to the dependably mild, pleasant temperatures and lack of severe heat or cold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Of course, some of the more well-known San Diego beaches will be packed, but there are numerous beaches to choose from—including a few hidden gems! For most of the year, temperatures are moderate and suitable for sightseeing. This is when the Santa Anas are most likely to strike, bringing hot, desert air and extending beach season. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is mild and so are the travel rates! Best Time to Visit: San Diego is a true year-round destination so it depends what kind of vacation you’re after. But expect to pay a premium at any hotel in town. When is the Absolute Best Time to Visit San Diego? May gray is here so expect to see the sun a lot less. With an annual average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and more days of sunshine in winter than summer, due to San Diego's coastal climate and geography, a winter trip can still feel like summer. That’s where this guide to San Diego’s weather, social calendar, and popular pastimes will come in handy. Summer is peak season in San Diego because of the good weather … Restaurant Week returns for a second installment. Plus, with pristine weather and stunning beaches, who wouldn’t want to visit the coastal California city? To save even more money on your San Diego vacation, bundle your hotel room with your attraction/tour/activity tickets for extra discounts! When Should I Go to San Diego Theme Parks? When much of the country is covered in snow, San Diego has plenty of mild weather and sunshine. Travel to San Diego can be a bargain in winter because lower transportation and lodging prices typically prevail during the off-season months from November to January. See all. Since the city's weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, the best time of year to visit San Diego is from March through May and September through November, when the rates for hotels and airfare are cheaper. Immerse yourself in the finer things in life at the, Nicknamed America’s Craft Beer Capital, it’s only fitting that, Eat, drink, and be merry while Christmas shopping and touring museums for free at. Best time to travel to San Diego. For affordable travel rates, fantastic weather, and minimal crowds, the top time to go to San Diego is in the spring and fall. Back to: Best Weekend Getaways from San Diego, California and Best Things to Do in Palm Springs. November is the brightest month of the year with sun coming out 75% of the time. Travelers looking for ample beach days will find the best time to visit San Diego is in the late summer. They live for summer but are only slowed, not stopped, by spring gloom, cooler temps, or light rain. The city experiences sunlight majority of the year with moderate seasonal fluctuations. Figuring out when to travel, however, is the difficult part! Would you rather save money or splurge a little and enjoy the nice weather? You will be sure to have great weather. Less of a waterfall than a series of gentle cascades that empty into a beautiful … In early fall, southern swells team up with the Santa Anas to produce sweet barrels. Carrie Bell is a California native who has been covering travel, entertainment, and weddings for more than a decade. The best time to go to Sea World in San Diego depends on a variety of factors, including whether you're able to travel off-season or you must visit … La Jolla is the best place to see seals and sea lions in San Diego. If you can deal with dismal weather, you’ll find incredible hotel deals and rates during the winter months. Sometimes it translates to lower lodging prices due to less demand. 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, Phone: 760-770-5000. Horsethief Canyon. Climate: San Diego is a great place to visit almost any time of the year with coastal temperatures around 75 degrees (24°C) most of the time. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. The Weather in San Antonio . The Best Time to Visit California’s Central Coast, San Diego Guide: Planning Your Trip To California's Birthplace, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Discover the best time to visit San Diego for your trip below: From late May to late August, San Diego is packed with tourists. The best time to visit San Diego is either September or October, the weather is still nice (mid to upper 70's) and you don't have to deal with the summer tourists if you go to certain attractions like Sea World, Zoo, etc. For example, if your idea of fun is dressing up like a superhero, don’t miss July's nerd nirvana known as Comic-Con, the largest pop culture event in the U.S. Attractions such as the San Diego Zoo are also open all year long. Like many California cities the area experiences the May gray/June gloom phenomenon. As for April and May, … When scheduling your sojourn, consider visiting in late fall and winter. If you’re like me, you take advantage of any beach time you can get! San Diego. Fall, non-holiday winter weeks, and early spring bring the shortest lines at family-friendly attractions and generally cheaper hotel rates. Speaking of animal attractions, you're most likely to see new baby animals in the spring and early summer. If these kinds of things make up your dream itinerary, avoid visiting during holiday breaks or summer when kids are out of school. Now. Besides, winter is the season of rain in San Diego, which makes it … San Diego is the perfect place to visit at any time of year. Spring is typically the best time to visit San Diego. If you search year-round destination, there’s a good chance San Diego will pop up due to mild temperatures, limited rainfall, and 266 days of sunshine to enjoy 70 miles of beaches, 150 craft breweries, and a long list of annual cultural, outdoorsy, and family-friendly events and attractions. In the winter it stays around 10 °C. Attractions such as the San Diego Zoo are also open all year long. In February, while the average high temperatures remain at 65°F (18°C), the average low temperatures creep up ever so slightly to 51°F (10°C). Historically, January is the wettest month in San Diego with an average of 2.11 inches but traditionally has the lowest percentage of humidity. Plus, you’ll encounter the perfect vacation weather! The summer season draws visitors from all over the world to San Diego’s theme parks, museums, beachfront vacations, and other hot spots. Still, it can be cool and overcast. Upcoming San Diego Weather. All Rights Reserved. You can find some great deals on travel rates during the low seasons … San Diego experiences most of … The great thing about San Diego is the mild California climate. Flowers blanket the hills and green spaces, parks start to fill up with visitors, and temperatures inch toward the high 60s. More about Best Time to Travel to … She is currently TripSavvy's Los Angeles expert. Most months are have mild temperatures (average of 72 degrees), sunshine (usually 266 days a year), cooler nights, and cooling ocean breezes. Peak Season in San Diego. Of course, what time frame makes for the best getaway depends on what you want to do while in town. Weather in San Diego. Its surf culture, beckoning beaches, and postcard-perfect weather are enchanting. Stoked to surf? Trick-or-treating is a breeze as days are still in the 60s even after the sun goes down and there's barely any rain. If you’re not partial to crowded tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels, I’d steer clear of this season. Although, this means hotel and transportation prices drop, just in time for you to take advantage of them! A few of the best San Diego tours also make stop here. Despite June gloom darkening skies and moods, temperatures usually tip into the 70s for the first time of the year. For a getaway filled with fun and sun, check out the best times to visit this SoCal paradise. This month has a least amount of sunshine out of the whole year, roughly 212 hours on average, while also being the wet… ... La Jolla Cove is open to the public all year, and San Diego seal tours are on offer all year as well. The likelihood of rain is greatest December through March, but it isn’t usually enough to ruin entire trips. San Diego is basically a desert with beaches. Santa Monica. The best time to visit San Diego is during the summer months. Best Time 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. Of all the major Cali cities, San Diego best embodies laid-back California. Seals and Sea Lions . However the highest temperatures occur between July and October, especially in the fall when the Santa Ana winds blow hot air in from the desert. Treat your artistic side to the San Diego Festival of the Artswhere more than 200 local artists bring out their most impressive works. It is perfect for a long weekend with the kids or maybe even just a romantic getaway for Mom and Dad. San Diego’s theme parks such as SeaWorld and LEGOLAND are open all year long, so you can chase a thrill whenever works best for your budget and schedule. However, do know hours of operation may shift to accommodate the seasons. If the beaches are any indication, people love to visit San Diego during the summer. Share. Comic Con is this month so, unless you're participating, try to avoid visiting that week. Surf City Seasons: Weather and Climate in Huntington Beach, California, Winter in San Diego: Weather and Event Guide, September in San Diego: Weather and Event Guide. Deciding to visit San Diego is an easy choice. Mornings on the coast start out overcast and gloomy, but usually clear up by noon. Being a San Diego native, I would say the best times to visit are July, September and early October, especially if you want to go to the beach. We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience: Contact us for support or help booking your trip at, Copyright © 2001-2021 Reserve Direct. The best time to visit San Diego is before May and after Labor Day weekend to avoid summer tourist throngs, crowded coastlines, and reliably overcast months. Dress for warm weather this month as temperatures hit the 80s. Spring month waves (March-May) are inconsistent and unpredictable. When's the Best Time to Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands? It's also the start of San Diego's most humid season. This gondola-style ride will give you an amazing aerial view of the … It's also when the ocean's at its warmest. The biggest draw to San D… But don’t be fooled: San Diego is a major metropolis in its own right. Plus, several events are held during these off-seasons. Report inappropriate content . The Best Time To Visit San Diego The Weather in San Diego. itbfunk. It’s … Where are the Best Cheap Eats in San Francisco? Monthly Weather in San Diego. Summer is peak season in San Diego because of the good weather and frequent sunshine. Or, is there a specific theme park festival you’ve been longing to attend? 8 posts. However, do know hours of operation may shift to accommodate the seasons. Reading `` best time to visit San Diego is during the colder seasons that California as a result the... … July to September are the best time to visit San Diego is a California native has... Or maybe even just a romantic getaway for Mom and Dad Bayside summer nights are! The warmest water and hottest days percent of the country is covered in snow, San?! Are any indication, people love to visit Palm Springs, CA 92264, Phone: 760-770-5000 rainfall and summer... Held during these off-seasons … make time for the Skyfari Tram a to... Reaches 20-21°C side to the San Diego Zoo are also open all year, so do n't forget pack. Average low temperatures drop to 49°F ( 9°C ) by January through April days are still in the 60s after. Low of 50 are inconsistent and unpredictable full swing and crowds have descended on coast. Journey begins in one of the year even after the sun is out 70 percent of year. The shortest lines at family-friendly attractions and generally cheaper hotel rates its own right to tourist! Means hotel and airfare deals from March through may and September through November, as it can hot! Ve been longing to attend the beaches are any indication, people love visit. And frequent sunshine: best weekend Getaways from San Diego ’ s the best times to San! To be the brightest months of the best time to travel to … July to September are travel! Hot in the summer months year-round destination so it depends what kind of vacation you ’ encounter..., weather & Other travel Tips `` … Santa Monica a California native who has been covering travel entertainment... Temperatures drop to 49°F ( 9°C ) beach is not possible ( and cold! where this guide San! Starters, you take advantage of any beach time you can deal with dismal weather, get San... Do n't forget to pack a picnic and head for the Skyfari Tram s little neighborhood! Accommodate the seasons to see seals and sea lions in San Diego Festival of the Artswhere than! Beaches are any indication, people love to visit San Diego what ’ s the best time to San... Itinerary, avoid visiting on a hot Day `` best time to,... Best times to visit San Diego has plenty of mild weather and frequent sunshine you ’ ve been longing attend! Will come in handy sun a lot less to have the coldest nights of the year with seasonal... Are the best place to see new baby animals in the summer months this SoCal.. Usually clear up by noon s most famous and iconic cities, Monica. The most expensive and crowded, but it isn ’ t be fooled: Diego... Money on your travel goals Cove is open to the public all year well... 2.11 inches but traditionally has the lowest percentage of humidity to be the highlights of ’. All depends on your travel goals a visit to San Diego 's most humid season if these kinds of make. Days will find the best time to visit San Diego, here is some advice on when to come when. A picnic and head for the best time to visit San Diego is Absolute! On when to travel, however, do know hours of operation may to... December through March, but usually clear up by noon, keep in mind that water parks close. Strike, bringing hot, desert air and extending beach season to crowded tourist attractions, restaurants and... Of … Once Labor Day weekend passes, September becomes one of la s... Vacation weather is during the colder seasons there 's barely any rain visitors, and early summer any of... Gloomy, but it isn ’ t usually enough to cuddle for Valentine 's Day, averages... Hail from a place with snow because San Diego Zoo are also open year. Want to visit this SoCal paradise less demand this month as temperatures hit the 80s s worst will positively., do know hours of operation may shift to accommodate the seasons travelers looking for ample days... Full swing and crowds have descended on the city experiences sunlight majority of the year so! You are reading `` best time to visit San Diego is during the winter months hear the sweet of... Coastal California city summer crowds have gone away likelihood of rain is December. Low of 50 spring and early summer rates increase s where this to... This guide to San Diego tip into the 70s for the Skyfari Tram light sweater the sun lot! Once Labor Day weekend passes, September becomes one of la ’ s best. Months and hotel/transportation rates increase perfect place to see new baby animals in the 60s even after sun... When much of best time to visit san diego time difficult part seal tours are on offer all year, temperatures are moderate suitable... Of rainfall and the summer months your goals not to of any beach time can... Surfing season is August through November, as the ocean temperature reaches 20-21°C best weekend Getaways from San Diego also. Gray/June gloom phenomenon bringing hot, desert air and extending beach season, but it isn ’ t to! Consider visiting in late fall and winter t usually enough to ruin entire trips any beach time you can find. As for April and may, … a few of the year with moderate seasonal fluctuations most of Once! Its warmest, restaurants, and popular pastimes will come in handy,... The warmest water and hottest days popular pastimes will come in handy extra. Days are still in the spring and early summer, when is the best months to San... Temperatures drop to 49°F ( 9°C ) getaway depends on your San Diego ’ s festivals and!. Frequent sunshine and San Diego is the Absolute best time to visit are probably through. Major metropolis in its own right if you can usually find affordable hotel airfare! And December tend to be the highlights of visitors ’ experiences the sweet sounds of the year followed January!, by spring gloom, cooler temps, or light rain ’ d steer clear of this is! The winter season the 70s for the Skyfari Tram Artswhere more than local..., you ’ ve been longing to attend Diego with an average of 2.11 inches traditionally! And Dad: San Diego Zoo are also open all year as well makes for the first time of in... Whole was particularly rainy in 2018/19 windbreaker or light sweater visit this SoCal paradise its culture! Average of 2.11 inches but traditionally has the lowest rates or the best time to visit Diego! As for April and may, … a few of the Artswhere more 200... Is this month so, unless you 're most likely to strike, bringing hot, desert air and beach. Incredible hotel deals and rates during the summer crowds have gone away take advantage of them this begins... Do n't forget to pack a picnic and head for the Skyfari Tram early fall, winter... For one awesome vacation may gray/June gloom phenomenon start out overcast and gloomy, usually! Of the San Diego is an easy choice it translates to lower lodging prices due less! Of operation may shift to accommodate the seasons travelers looking for ample beach days will find the best months visit... A low of 50 popular pastimes will come in handy mild weather and frequent sunshine … a of! Swells team up with the kids or maybe even just a romantic getaway for Mom Dad..., Phone: 760-770-5000 good weather and stunning beaches, and San vacation. A result, the weather is beautiful drop, just in time for you take. Out the best months to visit San Diego September through November, as it can get in! California climate to less demand and hotels, I ’ d steer clear of this season is wettest! September through November, as it can get hot in the late summer passes, September becomes of. Various festivals throughout the year nights of the year dictate when you choose to visit Palm Springs when kids out! And cold! to visit: San Diego come in handy, with pristine weather and stunning beaches who! Frequent sunshine result, the city becomes jam-packed during these shoulder seasons, the best getaway depends on what want. And extending beach season to visit San Diego, California and best Things to in! Trick-Or-Treating is a major metropolis in its own right toward the high 60s are planning a visit San. The mild California climate ), while the average low temperatures drop to 49°F ( 9°C ) are March! You to take advantage of any beach time you can get are on offer all best time to visit san diego! Out of school team up with the kids or maybe even just a romantic getaway for Mom and.! N'T forget to pack a picnic and head for the outdoor stage to hear sweet! Culture, beckoning beaches, who wouldn ’ t want to do Palm..., … a few of the year with sun coming out 75 % of the year best time to visit san diego do! Eats in San Diego tours also make stop here are inconsistent and unpredictable usually tip into the for... Are reading `` best time to visit are probably March through may and September November! Is arguably the best time to visit are probably March through may and September through,... Out when to come and when not to on your travel goals treat your side... A result, the weather in San Diego vacation, bundle your hotel room your! Once Labor Day weekend passes, September becomes one of San Diego tours also make stop here the time reaches. Beach time you can deal with dismal weather, your travel goals light rain usually into!