San Diego attracts many visitors from all over the country and even the world who come to visit its beaches, parks and various attractions. Most notably, San Diego is known for the famous San Diego Zoo, as well as its pristine beaches.
This city is a great bucket-list destination to travel to in any month of the year, however, certain times of year may offer different events or appeal to different travelers. If you’re wondering when to visit San Diego, take a look at this comprehensive guide to explore what the pros and cons of visiting the city in all four seasons.
You’ll also find a great list of suggestions for San Diego activities year-round to add to your travel plans.
Winter
(December through February)
Even in San Diego’s chilliest season, the weather can still be comfortable. Many people who live in colder climates enjoy visiting San Diego in the winter for its mild temperatures. From December through February, the average daily high is a comfortable 66 °F.
Tourist crowds in San Diego throughout the winter are fairly low, which means this is a great time if you like to avoid traveling in peak season. This means you may be able to find excellent hotel and airline deals, ideal for travelers who are trying to adhere to a budget.
While temperatures are comfortable and crowds are low, one thing to consider when traveling to Sand Diego in Winter is the beaches. If you’re traveling to visit the pristine beaches, the water temperature is likely going to be too cold to enjoy. But this doesn’t mean you can’t visit the beach. Beaches are still open for walking, running and exploring.
If you enjoy holiday-season activities, a visit to San Diego in the winter is an excellent choice. The city’s popular Balboa Park hosts December Nights, a free holiday festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy. In February, the city hosts an annual Chinese New Year Fair celebration, as well as San Diego's Museum Month, which offers special exhibits and discounted admission.
Pros:
- Fewer crowds
- Holiday-themed events
- May be less expensive than other seasons
Cons:
- May be too cold for water sports and swimming
- Morning and evening temperatures may be chilly
- Rainier than in other seasons
Spring
(March through May)
Spring has great weather in San Diego, but often has cloudy skies. The rainy season generally ends in April, which makes May a more ideal time to visit. Each year, San Diego hosts the Coronado Flower Show, which attracts many springtime visitors as well. This is the largest flower festival in all of the U.S.. Throughout the city, there's lots to do in the spring such as a visit to Sea World San Diego and many concerts taking place throughout the week.
From March to May, visitors can expect an average daily high temperature between 67 and 69°F, which is perfect for outdoor activities but not great for those seeking a warm and sunny vacation.
Pros:
- Many events taking place
- Fewer tourists than in the summer
- Less expensive than a summer
- Great time for hikes and cycling
Cons:
- Rainy
- Water may be cold, not ideal for swimming especially during cloudy days
- Can be cloudy (less sun for those perfect sunny days)
- Times may be busy with spring breakers
Summer
(June through August)
Summer is one of the busiest times throughout the city, drawing in tourists from all throughout the world. Average daily temperatures average between 72 and 77°F, offering ideal beach weather. Not only are temperatures great for spending time outdoors, but there are lots of events and concerts taking place throughout the summer too.
Each June, San Diego hosts an International Beer Festival and the Pride Festival in July. Crowds will generally remain high until after Labor Day. Summer is most popular for outdoor sports, such as kayaking, deep-sea fishing and swimming. Although traveling during this peak season may come at a higher price, using your AAA hotel discount is a great way to help save some money.
Pros:
- Warmer weather, ideal beach temperatures
- Next to no rainy days in summer
- Peak season for fishing charters
- Lots of events and concerts taking place
- Best for outdoor activities
Cons:
- Places can be crowded
- More expensive to visit
- Visiting in early summer may be cloudy
Fall
(September through November)
For many tourists, fall is a favorite to visit thanks to great temperatures and fewer crowds after the summer rush. On average, daytime temperature highs are in the mid-70s to low 80s. This is a great all-around season to visit for any type of attraction or activity you plan on doing in San Diego. This weather is great for hiking and there are also several fun-filled fall activities. Throughout the fall, temperatures will begin to drop but remain mild.
Pros:
- Great temperatures
- Lower prices
- Easier to get into popular restaurants
- Beaches are less busy
Cons:
- May be too cold for the beach in later fall
- Not as many summer activities
- School back in session
San Diego is a great place to visit throughout all the seasons. There are many great San Diego activities year-round that visitors can enjoy, which means there's not just one best time to visit San Diego.
However, you may find that for your preferences one season sounds more ideal for travel than the others. Fall is often considered the best time to visit San Diego, however, it depends on your personal travel preferences. When considering when to visit San Diego, take into consideration your ideal average daily temperature, rain forecasts, crowd preferences and the types of activities you plan to do. This will help you determine the best season to plan your trip.
Plan a Trip to San Diego in Your Ideal Season
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