San Diego is one of California’s top vacation destinations. Family attractions, beautiful beaches, and exciting city sights are just a few of the things on offer to visitors. San Diego is a fantastic destination all year round, but if you’re wondering when the best time to visit is, check out our handy guide.
San Diego Weather
The weather in San Diego is pretty nice all year round. The winter months are the coolest, but even then, temperatures don’t drop far below 45F, meaning that you can get some warm sunshine whether you visit San Diego in January or June. If you don’t mind the risk of a few more showers, the Spring and Fall can be a great time to visit San Diego’s indoor attractions, when there are fewer crowds.
| Month | High/Low Temperature (F) | Rainy days |
| January | 66/48 | 6 |
| February | 66/42 | 7 |
| March | 66/54 | 7 |
| April | 68/45 | 4 |
| May | 70/59 | 3 |
| June | 72/63 | 1 |
| July | 75/66 | 1 |
| August | 79/66 | 1 |
| September | 77/66 | 1 |
| October | 75/61 | 3 |
| November` | 70/54 | 4 |
| December | 66/48 | 6 |
When’s the best time to visit San Diego’s beaches?
Summer is by far the best time to visit San Diego’s beaches – from June to September, there’s on average just one rainy day per month. It’s a fantastic time of year to see some of San Diego’s resident ocean life. The sea lions at La Jolla Beach spend the long summer days basking on rocks and cooling off in the Pacific. You can see them from the beach itself and from designated viewing platforms along the coast.
When to visit San Diego to dodge the crowds
Late Fall and early winter are the best times to visit San Diego if you prefer a relaxing vacation with fewer crowds. There’s always a lull between Halloween and Thanksgiving, and before the festive season kicks off, there are some great deals on attraction tickets and experiences to be found. Restaurants will be quieter and the streets more subdued, giving you the breathing space to truly appreciate this remarkable city.
Events in San Diego
San Diego is a thriving hub of entertainment in California. It is, therefore, an amazing destination for party lovers, families, and city break travelers looking to soak up the unique melting pot of cultures in the city. San Diego’s social calendar is pretty packed all year round, and whenever you roll into town there’ll be something going on.
Holiday events in San Diego
San Diego goes all out for the festive season. Fun runs, food festivals, shows, and light displays are just some of the San Diego Christmas events for the whole family. The San Diego Parade of Lights is an annual favorite, where flotillas of boats bedecked in glittering Christmas lights delight and entertain the gathered crowds as they sail past. Foodies should follow their noses to Balboa Park, where the Taste of December Nights festival is held each year. Diverse food vendors are gathered from across San Diego and serve up delicious street food dishes.
Halloween events in San Diego
Spooky season is pretty spectacular in San Diego! Balboa Park hosts a haunted trail, named as one of the ‘Top 5 Best Haunted Attractions in America’ by CNN. This terrifying interactive experience is a great night out for teenagers and adults who enjoy a good scare. For little thrill seekers, Legoland San Diego puts on Brick-or-Treat party nights, which are the only kid-focused Halloween events in Southern California. San Diego has another spooky treat up its sleeve; it’s home to the most ‘haunted’ home in America. The Whaley House, in the heart of Old Town San Diego, might look ordinary from the street but harbors some dark secrets. The brave can go on guided tours around the home, which has extended opening hours around Halloween. Just look out for the restless spirits which are said to roam the halls!
Other annual events in San Diego
The San Diego calendar is chock-a-block with events during the rest of the year, too. There is a large Mexican heritage in San Diego, and on Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Los Muertos, in May and November respectively, the Convoy district of the city celebrates in style, with street parties and Mexican feasts. There are more celebrations in July, when the annual pride festival takes place in San Diego, in a joyous explosion of color and style.
