People pack shorts and nothing else for San Diego. Then the sun goes down. Highs only move between 63°F (17°C) and 77°F (25°C) all year, but coastal evenings get cool and early summer often starts gray, so a warm layer earns its space in every season.
San Diego weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 63°F17°C | 63°F17°C | 63°F17°C | 64°F18°C | 68°F20°C | 72°F22°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C | 70°F21°C | 66°F19°C |
| Low | 46°F8°C | 48°F9°C | 48°F9°C | 52°F11°C | 57°F14°C | 61°F16°C | 63°F17°C | 64°F18°C | 64°F18°C | 57°F14°C | 52°F11°C | 50°F10°C |
| Rain days | 8 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWinter highs sit at 63–66°F (17–19°C) with lows of 46–50°F (8–10°C). January is the rainiest of the three months with 8 rain days, though most days are dry and bright. Pack jeans, a sweater and a light jacket for evenings at the coast.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month of the year with 10 rain days, then it dries out fast, down to 2 by May. Highs of 63–68°F (17–20°C) feel cooler at the beach when the marine layer rolls in, which locals call May Gray. Bring layers and don't count on hot beach days yet.
Summer
June–AugustSummer highs reach 72–77°F (22–25°C) with almost no rain, just 0 or 1 rain day a month. June often starts overcast before July and August clear up. Lows of 61–64°F (16–18°C) mean you'll want a hoodie for evenings by the water in Pacific Beach or La Jolla.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember ties August as the warmest month at 77°F (25°C), which surprises a lot of visitors. Rain stays rare at 2 to 5 days a month, and by November highs ease to 70°F (21°C) with 52°F (11°C) lows. This is beach weather well into October.
What to bring to San Diego
0 of 20 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
San Diego is dry most of the year, so a breathable, cushioned knit sneaker is ideal for long days in Balboa Park and the Gaslamp.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light, breathable and machine washable, so sand from Pacific Beach comes out after a day of walking the boardwalk.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
A lightweight foam clog you can rinse off, good for the beach and the rocks around La Jolla Cove.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Its waterproof zipper and welded seams keep a wet swimsuit from soaking everything else in your bag after the beach.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps water cold for 24 hours and fits most car cupholders, which helps on a drive up the coast to Torrey Pines.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap is the easy fix when the ocean breeze turns cool at a sunset dinner on the water.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Visiting from abroad, its US plug fits San Diego's sockets and five USB ports charge the whole family off one outlet.
Clothing
- Light tees and shorts · 4
- Light jacket or hoodie · 1Coastal evenings get cool
- Long pants or jeans · 2
- Swimwear · 2
- Rash guard · 1Ocean is cool most of the year
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes · 1 pair
Gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach towel
Health and toiletries
- Broad-spectrum sunscreenStrong sun even on gray mornings
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Credit card
What shoes should you pack for San Diego?
Pack one pair of comfortable sneakers and one pair you can get wet. You'll walk a lot in the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park, and the trails at Torrey Pines are sandy and steep in places. A rinseable slip-on is handy on the rocks around La Jolla Cove.
What do people wear in San Diego?
San Diego is laid-back. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals by day, then jeans and a light jacket at night, covers most plans. Even nicer restaurants in Little Italy or downtown rarely expect more than smart casual.
What plugs does San Diego use?
San Diego uses type A and B plugs at 120V, the US standard. International visitors need an adapter, and anything rated only for 230V needs a converter. US travelers can leave the adapter at home.
Tours and things to do in San Diego
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for San Diego.
What should you leave at home for San Diego?
Leave the heavy coat at home, since average lows never go below 46°F (8°C). Skip the umbrella in summer too, because July has 0 rain days. Bring a warm layer instead, which you'll actually use.
Packing for San Diego: questions people ask
What should I wear in San Diego in June?
Shorts and T-shirts by day, plus a hoodie or light jacket. Highs are 72°F (22°C) and June mornings are often gray and cool at the coast.
Is San Diego warm in winter?
Mild rather than warm. Highs are 63–66°F (17–19°C) and lows 46–50°F (8–10°C), so a sweater and light jacket are enough.
Do I need a jacket in San Diego?
Yes, a light one. Even in summer, lows of 61–64°F (16–18°C) feel cool by the ocean after sunset.
When is the rainy season in San Diego?
Winter and early spring. March is the wettest month with 10 rain days, and summer is almost completely dry.
Do I need a plug adapter in San Diego?
Only if you're coming from outside North America. San Diego uses US type A and B plugs at 120V.
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