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Best time to visit San Diego: month by month
Short answer
San Diego is a year-round destination, with highs of 17–25°C and very little rain. September to November is warm and sunny with fewer crowds. May and June can be grey in the mornings ('May Gray', 'June Gloom'), and July–August is busiest, with Comic-Con filling hotels.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 9°C | 7 | low |
| Feb | 18°C | 8°C | 5 | low |
| Mar | 18°C | 10°C | 8 | medium |
| Apr | 20°C | 12°C | 2 | medium |
| May | 20°C | 14°C | 2 | medium |
| Jun | 22°C | 16°C | 0 | high |
| Jul | 24°C | 18°C | 0 | very high |
| Aug | 25°C | 19°C | 1 | very high |
| Sep | 25°C | 18°C | 2 | medium |
| Oct | 24°C | 15°C | 3 | medium |
| Nov | 21°C | 11°C | 3 | low |
| Dec | 18°C | 9°C | 6 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs of 18–20°C; mornings often grey in May, and very little rain.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of 22–25°C, almost no rain, June gloom early in the season, and peak crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm and sunny at 21–25°C, the warmest sea and fewer crowds; occasional hot Santa Ana winds.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild at 17–18°C by day and 8–9°C at night; the rainiest months, though still only 5–7 rainy days.
Events worth planning around
- Comic-Con International (July)
- San Diego County Fair in Del Mar (June–early July)
- Del Mar horse racing season (summer)
- December Nights in Balboa Park (early December)
When to avoid
July and August bring the most crowds and highest prices, especially during Comic-Con. May and June mornings are often grey.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
September to November for warm, sunny weather and fewer crowds.
What is June Gloom?
A marine layer that brings grey, cloudy mornings in May and June, usually clearing by the afternoon.
Is San Diego warm in winter?
Mild, at about 17–18°C by day. Good for sightseeing, though the ocean is cool.