Why Now Is the Best Time to Visit LA’s Laid-Back, Beachfront Rival City

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When is the best time to visit this Southern California gem known for its beaches, chill vibe, and perfect weather nearly year-round? 

Having lived in Los Angeles for several years, I’ve made my fair share of trips down to San Diego and can’t recall a single time it wasn’t sunny as heck any time of the year. San Diego’s weather is a dream, adjusting from warm, sunny days to cooler, comfortable evenings.

But, if you’re looking to plan your trip for the best visitor season:

  • Best Season: March to April or September to November  
  • Peak Season: June to August  
  • Off-Peak Season: December to February

Here’s a look into why these seasons stand out, along with some must-see events and monthly weather patterns that make San Diego an irresistible year-round destination. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip to San Diego or a lengthy retreat, here’s your go-to guide for the prime times to go to San Diego.

The Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, California USA. it extends from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and 4th to 6th Avenue

Best Time to Visit San Diego

Best Time of Year to Visit

San Diego has a Mediterranean-like climate, making it pretty pleasant all year round. If you’re angling for the best experience, book your trip from March to April or September to November. These months are the city’s most temperate weather, where sunny days are perfectly balanced by cool breezes, and you’ll dodge the bulk of the tourist rush.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the absolute best weather, aim for late spring, specifically in May. San Diego will treat you to warm, sunny days with average temperatures hovering between a delightful 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) range.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

To bypass the crowds, tourism generally drops off in the winter. Late January through early February is when most people are recovering from the holiday madness and not traveling as much.

Cheapest Time to Visit

San Diego is a top California destination, so it’s pretty much busy year-round. That being said, travel deals can be most easily found in the wintertime from December to February, as long as you avoid traveling around major holidays.

Worst Time to Visit San Diego

San Diego doesn’t have Denver-like winter weather; there really isn’t a worst time to go. If you’d like to be in a tank top and shorts all day, I’d avoid the winter months. It’s when the city gets its coolest weather, and although we’re talking “cold” by San Diego standards, which means temperatures can drop to the low 50s (around 10°C), it’s not exactly beach weather. This is also when you’re most likely to encounter the rainy days San Diego gets.

San Diego, California, USA dawn skyline over the bay

Seasons of San Diego

Spring (March-May)

Spring in San Diego stretches out under the warm sun with all the colors of new blooms. From March through May, the weather is nothing short of amazing, with temperatures that seem to hover in that “just right” zone, rarely dipping below 60°F during the day. Nights might still carry a chill, especially close to the ocean.

Day trip places like the Carlsbad Flower Fields burst into bloom, and the city itself is lined with purple Jacaranda trees. Music festivals start up, and I actually met my best friend at House x Techo CRSSD on the waterfront. 

Tourism starts to pick up, but it’s nowhere near its peak yet, so you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds. It’s the ideal time to explore outdoors without the sweat and sunburn, whether you’re hiking in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or strolling through Balboa Park.

And while March might bring a slight chance of rain, it generally clears up by April. This is also when the city’s event calendar starts to pick up, from the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden to various food tours and drink festivals that begin to pepper the weekends.

Key Events: 

Sunset in Downtown at one of the best time to visit San Diego for the weather

Summer (June-August)

Summer in San Diego has average daytime temperatures hovering in the sweet spot of 75°F to 80°F; it’s prime time for beach days, barbecues, and outdoor adventures.

From the family-friendly sands of Coronado Beach to the eclectic shores of Ocean Beach, there’s a stretch of coastline for every type of beach bum and wannabe surfer. You can always find perfect waves here, and the water isn’t that cold when the sun’s beating down on your back. I still recommend a spring suit, at least, though. 

The city pulsates with outdoor concerts and festivals to night markets that bring communities together with food and art. A standout event is the San Diego County Fair.

The hiking trails in and around San Diego offer a different kind of adventure. Early mornings are great for a hike up Cowles Mountain or to the less-traveled paths of the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve for natural waterfalls.

Key Events: 

The historic aircraft carrier, USS Midway Museum moored in Broadway Pier in Downtown San Diego, Southern California, United States of America and the skyline. A battleship commissioned after the World War II.

Fall (September-November)

While the rest of the country starts pulling out sweaters and thinking about pumpkin spice, fall in San Diego is when locals are still relaxing in an “endless summer.” Seriously, September and October might just be the best months to visit or hang out in SD. The tourist crowds have thinned, the weather’s still warm (think mid-70s), and the ocean temperature? It’s actually warmer now than in June, thanks to all that summer sun.

For a different landscape other than the sea, head to the local mountains like Julian or Cuyamaca, and you’ll get your fill of that autumnal scenery.

Sports fans have the football and hockey season kicking off, and local bars and breweries light up with game-day vibes. Cultural festivals and art shows like Dia de los Muertos celebrations transform the city into a colorful tribute to loved ones who’ve passed.

Key Events: 

View of San Diego, California from the Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma.

Winter (December-February)

Winter in San Diego is really just “sweater weather.” It’s a far cry from the blizzards in Yellowstone and freezing temps like in Salt Lake City and much of the country. Temperatures stay in the comfortable 60s, occasionally dipping into the 50s. Rain is a bit more common, but it’s usually just gentle showers, not torrential downpours. 

Whale watching hits its peak as magnificent gray whales migrate south. And for those who miss the traditional snowy landscapes, I love driving to Big Bear for a day of skiing and snowboarding. It’s the best of both worlds – spend your day on the slopes and return to SD’s milder climate by evening.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights dazzles with festively decorated boats gliding across the water and don’t miss Balboa Park December Nights.

Key Events: 

Entrance sign to the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District at night. This 16.5-block neighborhood hosts numerous festivals and is a popular tourist destination.

San Diego Weather By Month

Here’s a month-by-month analysis of San Diego’s average high and low temperatures, plus precipitation:

MonthAverage LowAverage HighPrecipitation
Jan49.7°F65.8°F2.28in.
Feb51.5°F66.3°F2.04in.
Mar53.6°F66.3°F2.26in.
Apr56.4°F68.7°F0.75in.
May59.8°F69.3°F0.20in.
Jun62.6°F72.2°F0.09in.
Jul65.9°F75.8°F0.03in.
Aug67.4°F77.5°F0.09in.
Sept66.1°F77.0°F0.21in.
Oct61.2°F74.0°F0.44in.
Nov53.6°F69.9°F1.07in.
Dec48.9°F66.3°F1.31in.
(Source: rssweather.com)

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

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Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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