San Diego, California, has some of the best weather in the entire world, and it comes as no surprise- this is America’s Finest City, remember? The style and the weather here are laid all the way back, and casual layers are the thing.
This is what to wear for San Diego’s weather by the month-
Note: If traveling on a budget, check out how to save money in San Diego.
5 San Diego Essentials You need for Every Season
SD’s vibe is casual, unpretentious, and laid-back. Here are a few things you’ll want to wear (or at least pack!) any time of the year in San Diego:
- #1 Jacket. There’s nearly always a cool breeze blowing through, so pack a light jacket or thin cardigan no matter when you visit.
- #2 Shades. Most days in SD are sunny year-round, so don’t skip the sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
- #3 Leggings and Jeans. San Diego is a casual city- think jeans or leggings, comfy clothing, sandals, flip-flops, and minimalist jewelry.
- #4 Open-toed Shoes. Speaking of sandals, San Diego loves them, and you can wear them all year, day or night, at the beach or downtown. I like these sandals by LifeStride because they’re comfy and have just the right amount of wedge for day or evening looks.
- #5 Sun Protection. This city is known for being sunny, so even if you don’t plan to hit the beach even once, protect your face with ‘screen. I use Supergoop exclusively because they’re the only brand I’ve found that doesn’t break me out, plus they’re reef-safe.
San Diego Weather in the Spring
Spring in San Diego is nothing short of stunning!
Winter gives way, and we welcome all the new life spring brings. Flowers bloom, and fog clears as the earth starts to warm, and all of southern California prepares for sunny months. Especially in March and April, San Diego festivals are in full swing, bringing in tourists from all over.
My favorite of these springtime happenings is the Carlsbad Flower Fields! If you’re coming to see the Flower Fields, come strapped and ready to serve the looks.
What to wear
Think warmer days and cooler nights! Spring in San Diego is a layers situation. Here’s what to wear-
- Long, flowy dresses and maxi skirts for sunny but breezy days
- Comfy leggings for hiking and sunsets at the beach
- A light, versatile raincoat and compact travel umbrella
- SD has been known to have sporadic beach-worthy weather in the spring, so bring bathing suits and other beach day necessities
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| March | 52° / 42° | 13 Days |
| April | 57° / 45° | 10 Days |
| May | 63° / 50° | 7 Days |
San Diego Weather in the Summer
Warm but rarely hot, summer is San Diego’s dry season, perfect for long days spent outdoors.
Think warm nights, hazy beach days, and clear skies; there is little to complain about when it comes to the summer weather. If you did complain, though, it would be about SD’s infamous June Gloom, when a moody fog sets over the city for a few days.
What to wear
Remember your beach attire during these months and a soft hoodie or sweater to keep you snuggly warm after the sun goes down. Here’s what I suggest-
- Linen anything is perfect for the summer. These linen pants are perfect for the beach and can easily be dressed up.
- Shorts and skater skirts. SD always has a breeze, so wear cute knee highs if you get cold easily.
- Crop tops, pleated maxi skirts, and a pleather jacket for the evening.
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| June | 69° / 52° | 6 Days |
| July | 73° / 56° | 3 Days |
| August | 74° / 56° | 4 Days |
San Diego Weather in the Fall
Fall in San Diego means apple picking in Julian, fewer people at the beaches, and plenty of pumpkin-inspired food and drink specials.
The fall months are also the city’s rainest, calling for coats, boots, and anti-frizz (I live by this one from Olaplex). Don’t expect the typical, leaf-dappled, chilly weather vibes of other Pacific cities like Portland, but instead, a uniquely SD fall with temps in the 50s and 60s.
What to wear
With highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s, you’ll need to layer. Start with these-
- Comfy sweaters for optimal comfort, layered with a t-shirt underneath.
- Jeans, leggings, or maxi skirts. Add sheer stockings under skirts for chilly evenings.
- Fall is the rainy season, so waterproof coats are a must. This Columbia jacket is the cutest I’ve found in terms of color and not being bulky.
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| September | 69° / 52° | 6 Days |
| October | 59° / 46° | 9 Days |
| November | 50° / 40° | 14 Days |
San Diego Weather in the Winter
Don’t expect snow in San Diego, but a modest winter with temperate weather. The coolest thing about winter here isn’t the weather, it’s the whales.
Thousands of whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico each winter and pass through San Diego. The best way to experience the migration is via a whale-watching tour, but you can also see them from shore at the Cabrillo National Monument with a pair of waterproof binoculars.
Winter is the ideal time to go to San Diego if cutting costs and avoiding crowds are the most important to you.
What to wear
Remember, winter in San Diego is rainy and cold. Here’s what to pack-
- Oversized sweaters for optimal comfort.
- A winter-appropriate jacket that isn’t ugly and tapers at the waist.
- Boots! Always boots for any situation, whenever possible.
- Accessorize with warm knit scarves.
- Top it off with a warm but lightweight beanie.
| Month | High / Low(°F) | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| December | 45° / 36° | 14 Days |
| January | 46° / 36° | 14 Days |
| February | 50° / 37° | 12 Days |
San Diego Weather by Month: FAQ
Should I bring a jacket to San Diego?
I would definitely bring a jacket to San Diego. While the days average in the 60s and 70s year-round, nights are a little cooler, and you’ll need a coat to stay warm.
Does San Diego have perfect weather?
Ask a native San Diegan if they think the weather is perfect in their city, and the answer is likely yes. With summers’ in the 70s and winters averaging in the 50s, you won’t hear me complain!
Is San Diego considered tropical?
While not considered tropical, San Diego is considered arid sub-tropical. Winters are mild, with light rain, while the summers are warm and sunny.
Does San Diego rain a lot?
San Diego doesn’t rain a lot compared to other US cities. The average rainfall on the San Diego coast is 10 inches and about 33 inches inland.
Why is San Diego so humid?
Scientific answer: monsoonal weather pattern sends air from the southern US. Starting in July and intensifying in August and September, this weather pattern brings in moisture from the ocean, meaning that San Diego gets even more humid.
Why is San Diego always sunny?
San Diego is always sunny because of its geography, which is between 30-45° latitude. SD is roughly the same distance from the equator as Spain, Italy, and Greece, giving all these locations a Mediterranean climate.
Is San Diego warm all year?
Having warm weather all (or almost all) of the year is one of San Diego’s many blessings. While you will need a light jacket in the winter months, the weather in America’s Greatest City is.. pretty great.
Why is there June Gloom in San Diego?
If you’ve never been to San Diego, you might not know that it gets pretty foggy in the summer. I mean, not like Seattle level, but still noticeable. June Gloom is caused by temperatures on land rising more quickly than water temperatures, resulting in fog formation.
Why is San Diego so cold in the summer?
San Diego is one SoCal city that has a rep for being cold in the summer. Marine layer clouds are the cause of SD’s cooler summers! Luckily, the later part of the day will heat up when the sun becomes strong enough to burn through the clouds.
What time of year is the best water visibility in San Diego?
Water visibility is best in San Diego from August through October. There is excellent water visibility and calm sea conditions, so bring your underwater camera to capture some sick underwater shots and your wet suit to keep warm.
What months can you swim in San Diego?
Depending on your tolerance for cold water, you can swim in San Diego any time of the year. The most popular months for enjoying the beach are August, September, and October.
What month is the ocean warmest in San Diego?
August is typically when the Pacific Ocean is at its warmest in San Diego. Remember, the Pacific is not known for being warm, and often the water is too cold for most people’s liking.
Pin it for Later
