Season by season
Spring (March–May). Mild and mostly dry, with wildflowers inland. By May the coast is often overcast until the afternoon.
Summer (June–August). “June gloom” gives way to sunshine in July and August, the busiest and most expensive months. Sea temperatures are at their warmest.
Autumn (September–November). Warm, clear and less crowded once schools go back — many locals’ favourite season.
Winter (December–February). Cooler, with occasional rain and bright days between. Grey whales migrate past and hotel rates fall.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | Moderate |
| February | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | Moderate |
| March | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | Busy |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | Busy |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 16°C / 61°F | Busy |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 17°C / 63°F | Peak |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 19°C / 66°F | Peak |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 20°C / 68°F | Peak |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | Busy |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 61°F | Moderate |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | Moderate |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | Moderate |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- December–April: Grey whale migration off the coast
- March–May: Flower Fields in bloom at Carlsbad, north of the city
- June–July: San Diego County Fair at Del Mar
- July: Comic-Con International — hotels fill and prices soar
- July: San Diego Pride
- December: December Nights in Balboa Park and the Parade of Lights on the bay
Tip: avoid the long weekend of Comic-Con in July unless you are attending — downtown rooms are booked up many months ahead.
