Best Time to Visit San Diego

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San Diego – My Recommendations

I`ve experienced San Diego throughout most periods of the year and based on my views, some of the best occasions to go to are the months of March, April, September, and October as they tend to be warm and less crowded than summer. Peak tourist season is in June, July, and August, however you`ll also find cloudy skies at the beach for a large part of early summer (locally known as June gloom). The coolest months are January and February, and they also tend to be the quietest months for visitors. The highest rated San Diego hotels see high demand from May to October so prepare advanced bookings.

When to Visit San Diego?

• Best Time for Good Weather: San Diego generally experiences beautiful conditions for most of the year, with average high temperatures between 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months and 66-67 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Mid-September through mid-October tends to provide spectacular scenery and highly affordable hotel prices as the large crowds of summer have departed, often resulting in few to no people on the beaches mid-week. Spring is San Diego`s rainiest season and forecasts are less predictable, although rainfall typically lasts only a couple hours on any given day.
• Best Time for Booking Hotels: San Diego hosts numerous conventions and conferences throughout the year, including the hugely popular Comic-Con that takes place in July. Booking a hotel in San Diego during events such as this and throughout summer should be done approximately a year in advance. For slower seasons, try to reserve rooms at least three months in advance.
• Best Time for Surfing: The prime time for surfing in San Diego is late fall through winter. During these months, there are larger and more regular swells that combine with Santa Ana winds to produce beautiful offshore waves. The piers in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, as well as Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado are some of the top spots to catch a wave in San Diego. Waves are particularly mellow during the summer months.
• Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: The best time for snorkeling and taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean is early summer through early fall. The water temperature is much more enjoyable as the summer moves forward. La Jolla cove is one of the best places to snorkel in San Diego as it offers natural shelter from waves and the water visibility is great.
• Best Period for Swimming with Leopard Sharks: Annually, thousands of leopard sharks head towards the coastlines near San Diego, specifically the La Jolla beaches, to mate and then hatch their young. These are beautiful and harmless sharks that can be located close to shore. There may be surf at the beach, so goggles and a snorkel are recommended to view them clearly. The best time of year to see the leopard sharks is between late June and early December, with August and September being the peak.
• Best Time for SeaWorld: Early spring, especially the month of May before the Memorial Day weekend, provides ideal weather conditions at SeaWorld in San Diego with the brief rainy season over and crowds of summer visitors yet to arrive in large numbers. Another good time is after Labor Day until the winter holidays. Weekdays generally have smaller crowds than weekends. The summer months and periods around major holidays see SeaWorld at its busiest.
• Ideal Period for Visiting the San Diego Zoo: Similar suggestions apply regarding SeaWorld for when is best to visit the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s most crowded and renowned attractions, and it tends to have large crowds on weekends year-round. During winter and early spring the crowds are generally smaller, excluding holidays. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals from 660 species, and the optimal time of day to visit the San Diego Zoo is at opening, when the animals have a tendency to be awake and easily observable. This is also when the crowds are somewhat thinner since attendance at the zoo usually increases as the day progresses. The summer months and days surrounding major holidays see the largest crowds at the San Diego Zoo.
• Best Time for Balboa Park: Balboa Park is one of the oldest open-air public spaces in the country. It covers an area larger than New York`s Central Park and Chicago`s Millennium Park combined. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the urban oasis contains 16 museum facilities, 65 miles of trails, theaters, restaurants, and is home to the renowned San Diego Zoo. Similar guidance applies here for optimal visitation times at SeaWorld and the Zoo. Balboa Park sees peak crowds on weekends year-round, especially throughout the summer season. Considered one of the finest periods to explore Balboa Park is during December Nights: an annual event held over successive weekends that highlights light displays, live performances, costumed dancers, local culinary vendors, and special programs.
• Best Time for Del Mar Races: Horse racing in San Diego has been a tradition since 1937 when Bing Crosby welcomed the inaugural guests. The famous Del Mar Racetrack is where the “turf meets the surf”. Racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is mid-July through early-September. Races at Del Mar are Wednesday through Sunday, generally starting with the initial race at 2 pm. On Fridays, the opening post is 4 pm.
• Peak Time for a San Diego Padres Baseball Game: The MLB season begins in late March and ends late September. Games against the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are highly anticipated by local fans; these teams are viewed as the Padres’ primary rivals and are particularly fun to attend.
• Optimum Time for Whale Watching: The season for observing gray whales in San Diego runs from mid-December through April when there is an annual movement of gray whales. To see females with their newborn calves, visit late in the season as the females take their babies back north with them. A few great spots to view the grey whale migration from land include the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument, and Torrey Pines State Reserve. Additionally, many charter and tour companies offer whale watching tours in San Diego.
• Prime Period for Grunion Arrivals: March through August coincides with when thousands of diminutive, silvery fish engage in spawning under full or new moonlight (consult schedule). Top San Diego beaches for watching the Grunion Run are La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach at Tourmaline Park and Lifeguard Tower 20, Mission Beach between Lifeguard Towers 19 and 10, Ocean Beach spanning the Mission Bay Channel up to the Ocean Beach Pier, and on Coronado from the Hotel del Coronado to Dog Beach.
• Ideal Time for Discounts: For discounted rates, it’s usually preferable to book ahead of time and schedule flights for the middle of the week. Generally, the least expensive rates on flights and hotels can be found during the springtime, excluding spring break, and from September through mid-February, excluding holidays.
• Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: The quietest month for visitors is December (except Christmas week), January (except New Year’s), and February. September and October are great times to avoid crowds and find beautiful weather.
• Best Timeframe for a Destination Wedding: The summer months rarely see any rain in San Diego, but there is coastal fog known as June gloom at the beach locations. The period from July through September offers the best chances of sunny weather for a wedding.
• Best Time for Purchasing Airline Tickets: Ticket prices fluctuate greatly. Generally, booking one to four months in advance proffers the most reasonable rates, with around six weeks out being the optimal time for finding deals. Exceptions are when booking for Thanksgiving week and mid to late December. For these times, it’s generally best to book as soon as tickets become available, up to eleven months beforehand.


When to Visit San Diego?


The Best Time to Visit San Diego

The best occasions to visit San Diego for extraordinary climate and to stay away from the crowds are March and April (aside from Spring Break), and September and October for magnificent climate. San Diego has beautiful conditions for most of the year, with typical highs of 76-78°F in mid-year, and 66-67°F in wintertime. Temperatures can contrast up to 10°F from the shoreline to the inland towns. Dew ordinarily falls in spring and autumn, but doesn’t tend to endure for over an hour or so. San Diego’s stormy season typically lasts from November to March, although spring tends to deliver most of the rainfall. July and August are the driest months. The stretch of Pacific Ocean in San Diego attains its hottest point of the year in August, with an average temperature of 68°F, and the coolest month is February, when the sea temperature averages 57°F. High season coincides with spring break, summer getaway, Comic-Con (July), and whale season from mid-December through April, with high hotel and flight rates. Low season is spring, aside from the spring break occasion, and from September through mid-February, aside from holidays. During these months, visitors will find more advantageous rates and less travelers.

San Diego Travel Seasons

• Low Season (September through mid-December, mid-January through early March): The slower period for travel to San Diego is winter (except Christmas and New Year’s), early spring, and fall. Flights, accommodations, and vehicle rentals are less expensive during this time frame, while beaches and attractions have smaller crowds. However, the many conventions held here mean some lower season dates may still find hotels fully booked when major events are occurring in town.
• Haute Saison (Summer: mid-June through August): From mid-June through the end of August, travel is at its zenith in San Diego. Costs tend to be more expensive than during the rest of the year, and coastlines and attractions will be more crowded. Fewer special offers are available during the summer, particularly in July and August.

San Diego Weather by Month

Temperatures in San Diego are warm for most of the year. Rain is more common in the spring and fall months from November to March. Rain tends to be brief, except for the rare storm. The average high in San Diego in the summer is 76-78oF, and 66-67oF in the winter.

• Weather Conditions in San Diego during January: January is one of the cooler periods in San Diego throughout the year, with lows nearing 47°F and average highs spanning 50-66°F. The month brings about four days of rain on average, however it is also the third sunniest month. The best time for surfing in San Diego extends from late fall through winter. January also offers ideal timing to visit major attractions like the Zoo and SeaWorld or take a whale watching cruise. Having a medium weight jacket or the ability to wear layers, especially when at the beaches, proves wise.
• San Diego Climate in February: Average temperatures in February are quite similar to January, ranging from 51-66oF. Rainy days average four in February. Winter begins winding down later in February, making it a great time to visit before crowds arrive for spring break. Hotel rates will be lower than those found in spring and summer.
• San Diego Weather in March: During the third month of the year in San Diego, temperatures start to rise. While rain is possible, pleasant summer-like conditions are quite probable, especially later in the month. Carrying a jacket continues to make sense at this point in the year as nights can still get fairly cool. You may get a chance to see whales before the season ends or head to Balboa Park to see the stunning flower displays bursting in the gardens. Average highs in March fall between 54-67°F, with precipitation on around four days on average.
• In April, temperatures in San Diego continue ascending, reaching an average high of the upper 60`s while rainfall averages just two days. Beach conditions prevail in April, though the Pacific waters won`t have warmed sufficiently for most to swim without a wetsuit. This creates an ideal time to kayak the seven remarkable caves at the ecologically preserved La Jolla coves.
• Weather Conditions in San Diego for the Month of May: Temperatures during May continue to rise slightly with typical daily highs ranging between 66 and 71°F. May represents a wonderful time to visit, as the climate is warm but the peak tourist period has not commenced, resulting in less crowded conditions at major attractions than what is experienced in the heat of summer.
• San Diego Weather in June: The official start of summer is in June, but it`s also when coastal fog is at its height, causing the skies to be the least transparent of any month in San Diego. It`s equally plausible to have overcast conditions as sunny weather in June. Ocean temperatures start to warm up and become more bearable for swimming. It also marks the beginning of peak travel season, so be prepared for crowds at some of the most popular spots. The average highest temperature is 71°F and average water temperature is 65°F.
• July Weather in San Diego: Marking the official beginning of summer with ideal conditions for San Diego. July represents an excellent time for snorkeling and beach activities. This month is reputed as one of the best periods to experience San Diego`s unparalleled climate. Average high temperature is 75oF and average water temperature is 67oF. However, avoiding the week of Comic-Con is advisable as accommodations throughout the entire city experience inflated rates due to high demand.
• San Diego Weather in August: In August, temperatures reach their peak and rainfall is rare. Similar to July, this is a great month to be outdoors and at the beach. Average high temperature is 77oF and average water temperature is 67oF.
• Weather in San Diego in September: September has the warmest ocean temperatures of the year in San Diego, averaging 69oF. Rain is uncommon in September and by mid-month, the crowds begin to decrease, making it a nice time to visit.
• San Diego Weather in October: October represents the last really warm month with an average high of 74oF. Average rain this month is one day and fairly uncommon. The weather remains great for outdoor fun like kayaking the seven caves at the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and spending time at the beach and the bay.
• Weather conditions in San Diego during November: This is when ocean and air temperatures start decreasing, and while still comfortable enough, the average maximum temperature is 70°F and average minimum is 54°F. This marks the official beginning of San Diego`s rainy season but averages only 2 rainy days. Late fall through winter is prime for surfing. During these months, waves are larger and more consistent. It`s a good idea to bring a light jacket or dress in layers as the climate starts getting cooler, especially when visiting the beaches.
• In December, air temperatures in San Diego start to dip to an average high of 66oF and average low of 49oF. You’ll want to bring a medium weight jacket and dress in layers, especially when at the beaches.

San Diego Events and Festivals

San Diego in January

• San Diego Craft Brew Festival: Celebrate locally brewed beverages from around California and beyond, featuring live local music, food trucks, and other vendors.
• San Diego Restaurant Week: This is a twice-a-year occasion and one of the best times to investigate the San Diego nourishment scene.

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• Istanbul Theater Festival (dates subject to change, usually taking place in November) – Features traditional and experimental plays as well as other live performances for a two week period. Primarily conducted in Turkish.

San Diego in February

• Cadushi Festival (late December) – A community gathering held near the end of the calendar year to encourage backing local companies and practicing consideration. The festival includes wellness undertakings, live music, and food stalls.
• Winter Brew Fest : Besides sampling lots of great local microbrews, there is also good music and plenty of food vendors available.
• San Diego Lunar Festival: Celebrate the Lunar New year with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, games, meals, and more additional activities.

San Diego in March

• Padres’ Opening Day: Late March traditionally marks the starting day for Major League Baseball seasons, with Petco Park in San Diego as no exception. 2020 will begin a 7-game home stand to kick off the year.
• Carlsbad Flower Fields: Nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus blooms make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad and are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks every year, from early March throughout early May.
• International Mariachi Festival: Celebrates San Diego’s Mexican heritage through mariachi music, traditional folk dancing, arts culture, and delicious cuisine.

San Diego in April

• Fallbook Avocado Festival: Sample various types of avocados, browse unique avocado-themed gifts for purchase, and enjoy live entertainment at this complimentary annual event that has endured for over 30 years.
• Chicano Park Day: Chicano Park has gained worldwide recognition for its monumental paintings representing Mexican and Chicano history adorning the area. The festival celebrates with traditional music and dances, like one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous Aztec dancers. The event includes performances by ballet folklórico groups and many live bands, a lowrider car exhibition, and children’s art workshops. The celebration has occurred annually for over five decades and is offered free of charge.

San Diego in May

• Cinco de Mayo (May 5): is one of California’s most popular festival days, and San Diego hosts one of the largest celebrations in the U.S. in the Old Town Area. Additional festivals are often held on the weekend nearest the fifth month.
• Del Mar Equine Show: The equine display at Del Mar is a three-week occasion, held in April and May. It’s one of the most well known equestrian occasions in Southern California.
• San Diego Dragon Boat Festival: Visitors to Mission Bay can watch local dragon boat teams compete in a rowing event. Paddling to the rhythm of a drum, participants maneuver long, thin boats decorated with Chinese dragon designs. The family-friendly gathering additionally includes food vendors and cultural performances.

San Diego in June

• Top luxury lodgings in Amsterdam: Waldorf Astoria – Andaz Prinsengracht
• San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon: A Marathon integrating live bands, cheer teams, and an overall festive atmosphere on each course. The occasion is so popular that registration sells out months in advance.
• Ocean Beach Street Fair And Chili Cook-off: Many visitors, estimated at over 70,000, travel to the annual street fair and chili competition held in Ocean Beach. The cook-off occurs near the coast with ongoing music and entertainment, kid-friendly activities, food and vendor stalls, carnival rides and games, and a beachside beer garden for guests. The chili contest includes over two dozen samples from amateur contestants vying for different chili master honors. Entry is complimentary and tastings can be purchased for $1 per chili recipe, or people can buy a master ticket to sample every dish for $20.

San Diego in July

• Comic-Con: The biggest comic book and pop culture expo in the world occurs annually in San Diego. It’s just as interesting to watch the costumed attendees make their way to the convention center as it is to attend.
• Filmekimi (timing varies, early October) – Another exceptional festival features premieres of local and international films over 10 days. It also occurs in Izmir.
• San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival: This yearly musical celebration takes place in the Embarcadero Marina Park North in the San Diego Marina, and combines the sounds of smooth jazz, a variety of tasty food vendors, and the magnificent panorama of the San Diego Bay. This is a three-day occasion and tickets are required for entry.

San Diego in August

• Margaritas & Mas Festival: This festival celebrates Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails. Come for tastings of Tequila and Mezcal from Mexico’s top suppliers in signature cocktails or straight, along with food vendors specializing in Mexican cuisine and live music.
• The Bike the Bay Community Ride is a 25-mile casual biking tour around the San Diego Bay and the only chance to cycle across the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. All cyclists are invited to a post-ride festival with food, drinks, food trucks, a 21+ beer garden, and entertainment. Registration begins at $45.
• San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival: A 3-day cinematic event showcasing over 55 movies from 25 nations, such as movies recorded by youngsters. Feature duration screenings, Q&A periods, and debates are amid the additional high points.
• Latin Food Festival: A festival celebrating the dietary diversity of Latin American nations such as Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Savor dishes like Cuban sandwiches, tacos, tamales and arepas, lomo saltado, and llapingachos. Also featured are beverages ranging from mezcals, piscos, sotols, and tequilas to quality wines from countries like Argentina and Chile.

San Diego in September

• An anticipated biannual event that allows exploration of San Diego cuisine affordably isSan Diego Restaurant Week. Reduced cost tasting and set menus are available during this time without tickets, but reservations are advised.
• San Diego Blues Festival: This annual celebration of blues music takes place along the downtown waterfront on the first Saturday of September each year. The happening raises essential food and money for the San Diego Food Bank. Multiple musical performances are presented simultaneously on two stages during the daylong affair as well as vendors selling local craft beers, cocktails, wines, specialty foods from food trucks, and handicrafts. In past years, general admission entrance fees were $35 in advance online and $40 at the entry gate.
• Adams Avenue Street Fair: The festival has over 90 musical performances on 6 stages and is the largest free two-day music event in Southern California each year in late September in the community of Normal Heights. There are 300 artisan, retail and food vendors set up along with beer gardens and large carnival rides.

San Diego in October

• Miramar Air Show: This three-day affair is the biggest military air show in the United States. The demonstration includes a wide assortment of planes from the United States Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force. The daily performance calendar usually highlights the U.S. Navy Flight Exhibition Squadron, known as the Blue Angels, with military and civilian aircraft. General entrance is complimentary.

San Diego in November

• Old Town San Diego’s annual Dia de los Muertos: Celebrated in early November in Old Town, this free event includes a candlelit procession starting at the entrance of the Old Town State Historic Park, traveling down San Diego Avenue to El Campo Santo Cemetery and featuring many traditional and modern Day of the Dead altars. Restaurants throughout Old Town continue the festivities throughout the month.
• San Diego Beer Week: A celebration promoting over 130 independent craft breweries in San Diego County occurs every year in early November for 10 days. Events are held throughout San Diego County at participating breweries, bars, restaurants, and more. Many breweries have special tastings, live music, and food trucks.
• San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival: This popular food festival occurs along the sailboats and beaches of San Diego. The week long event features cuisine, wine, and culture from the region. Ticket costs vary but planning ahead is advised since many activities reach full capacity.

San Diego in December

• Balboa Park Festival of Lights: One of the best periods of the year to explore Balboa Park is ‘December Nights’: an yearly event that takes place over a few weekends and includes light shows, live music, dancers, local food vendors, and unique occasions. Free admission.
• San Diego Bay Festival of Lights: This holiday occasion in San Diego features various boats illuminated and sailing past the coastlines. Held over two weekends in December, the spectacle takes place. Among the preferable viewing spots include Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and in Coronado, the Ferry Landing and Tidelands Park. Numerous eateries offer excellent perspectives of the lit boat parade, but reservations as far in advance as a year may be necessary.
• OB Holiday Parade: For over 30 years, the surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted the quirkiest Holiday Parade in San Diego. On the first Saturday in December, the main road in town hosts a 90-minute parade. They are also known for their leaning OB Holiday Tree.

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