When is the best time to go to San Diego?

The best time to visit San Diego largely depends on your personal preferences and what you wish to do during your stay. If you are primarily looking for favorable weather, then the months from May to November are to be favored. During this period, the Californian city enjoys a mild to warm climate, with temperatures generally ranging between 18°C (65°F) and 27°C (81°F) . Additionally, rainfall is particularly low, meaning you are likely to enjoy clear or sunny skies throughout your stay.

However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, it may be wise to plan your trip outside of the peak tourist season, which occurs in July and August. By choosing to visit San Diego outside of these two months, you will have the opportunity to explore the city in a quieter manner and fully enjoy its many attractions.

It is also important to note that San Diego offers a pleasant climate all year round. Thus, even in winter, you can enjoy mild temperatures and some sunny days. This can be the perfect opportunity to discover the city from a different perspective and enjoy its many indoor activities, such as museums and art galleries, for example.

Finally, remember that each season in San Diego has its own charm and offers its own experiences. The summer months will be perfect for enjoying the city's beautiful beaches, while spring and autumn are ideal for visiting the city's parks and gardens, which come alive with a myriad of colors. As for winter, it will be the perfect time to engage in more tranquil activities while enjoying the mild climate.

So, when is the best time to go to San Diego? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:

  • The weather is good all year round in San Diego
  • On average, the warmest months are July, August, September and October
  • June is the driest month
  • The coldest months are January, February and December
  • The rainiest months are January, February and December
  • The best months for swimming are June, July, August, September, October and November



Annual weather in San Diego

Infographic of the best times to visit San Diego
Infographic of the best times to visit San Diego ©whereandwhen.net

Weather details in San Diego month by month

To get all the information about the climate and weather in San Diego for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:

January February March April May June July August September October November December



Weather and climate in San Diego

San Diego, a charming city located in California, south of Los Angeles, enjoys a semi-arid climate, typical of dry areas. According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, it is a dry and cold steppe climate. However, the city offers varied seasons with rain in winter and pleasant warmth in summer. Here is a detailed analysis of San Diego's climate throughout the year.

Winter in San Diego (December - February)

Winter in San Diego is characterized by mild temperatures and slightly higher precipitation. In January, daytime minimum temperatures are around 13°C (56°F) and maximum temperatures around 20°C (68°F) , with an average of 2 days of rain. The sky is generally clear or sunny, with some rain showers. In February, temperatures are similar to those in January, but the number of rainy days increases slightly.

Spring in San Diego (March - May)

Spring in San Diego is pleasant with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. In March, daytime minimum temperatures are around 14°C (58°F) and maximum temperatures around 19°C (67°F) , with an average of 2 days of rain. The sky is generally clear or sunny, with some rain showers. The month of May is particularly ideal with temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 21°C (70°F) and only 1 day of rain on average.

Summer in San Diego (June - August)

Summer in San Diego is characterized by hot temperatures and mostly clear skies. In June, daytime minimum temperatures are around 20°C (68°F) and maximum temperatures around 23°C (74°F) . The sky is generally clear or sunny, with very little rain. The month of August is the hottest with temperatures ranging from 23°C (74°F) to 26°C (79°F) and only 2 days of rain on average.

Autumn in San Diego (September - November)

Autumn in San Diego offers pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. In September, daytime minimum temperatures are around 23°C (74°F) and maximum temperatures around 27°C (81°F) , with an average of one rainy day. The sky is mostly clear or sunny, with some clouds. The month of November is still ideal with temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 22°C (72°F) and only 2 days of rain on average.

In conclusion, San Diego offers a very pleasant climate throughout the year. Winters are mild with a few rainy days, while summers are hot with mostly sunny skies. Spring and autumn are also very pleasant, with moderate temperatures and generally clear skies. Therefore, regardless of the season chosen, San Diego proves to be an ideal destination for a trip.

San Diego : San Diego



Charts: temperature and rainfall in San Diego

In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of San Diego: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.

Outside temperature

Precipitation (rainfall)

Daily sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Humidity


Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in San Diego

Find out when San Diego has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.

Tourist seasons in San Diego

  • Very low season in San Diego
    The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March and November.
  • Low season in San Diego
    The months with low numbers of tourists are: April, May, September and December.
  • High season in San Diego
    The number of visitors to San Diego is high in: June and October.
  • Peak season in San Diego
    The largest number of tourists visiting San Diego is during: July and August.

Figure: Visitor index for San Diego month by month



Best time for low prices in San Diego

Average prices of hotels in San Diego month by month

Generally, December is the month with the lowest hotel prices in San Diego. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.

Find the best price for your hotel room

Average price of hiring a car in San Diego

On average, it costs $ 43 per day to hire a car in San Diego. This price varies by $ 12 depending on the month. In september, hiring a car costs an average of $ 35 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in march is $ 47.

Find the best price for your car rental


Other cities and places near San Diego

Best time to go to California

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Legend: San Diego other locations

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