San Diego, California, is renowned for its mild and pleasant climate, making it a popular year-round destination.
The hottest month in San Diego is August, with an average high temperature of 77°F and a low of 68°F.
The city experiences its warm season from July to early October, perfect for beachgoers looking to enjoy the sunny weather and warm sea temperatures.
From November to April, the city cools down, with daily high temperatures averaging below 67°F.
January is the coldest month, featuring an average low of 47°F and a high of 68°F. Despite the cooler weather, San Diego remains a charming place to visit with plenty of activities to enjoy.
Whether planning a visit during the warmer months for beach activities or the cooler months to avoid the heat, San Diego’s climate offers something for everyone.
Those who appreciate a mild winter can take advantage of the city’s comfortable temperatures and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Climate And Average Weather Year Round In San Diego, California
San Diego enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate that attracts many visitors and residents.
Warm Season
The warm season lasts from early July to early October.
During this period, daily high temperatures average above 75°F.
August is the hottest month with an average high of 77°F and low of 68°F.
Cool Season
San Diego’s cool season stretches from late November to early April.
High temperatures drop below 67°F.
January is the coldest month, featuring average lows around 47°F and highs around 68°F.
Rainfall
San Diego is known for its relatively dry conditions.
Summers see little to no rainfall.
Most of the annual rain falls between November and March, averaging about 10 inches per year.
Monthly Temperature Averages
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 68 | 47 |
| August | 77 | 68 |
For more details, you can explore this detailed guide.
San Diego’s weather is mild and consistent, which makes it a popular destination.
There are no extreme weather events like blizzards or hurricanes.
The city enjoys a mix of sunny days and cooler, cloudy days, making it a versatile place to live or visit.
Average Temperature In San Diego, California
San Diego enjoys mild temperatures year-round.
Summers are warm, with the hottest month being August, where the high temperature averages around 77°F.
Nights stay mild, with the low temperature averaging 68°F in August.
Winter months are cooler.
January is the coldest month with an average high of 68°F and a low of 47°F. Despite being the coldest month, temperatures are still relatively mild.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 68 | 47 |
| February | 66 | 50 |
| March | 66 | 52 |
| April | 67 | 55 |
| May | 69 | 59 |
| June | 72 | 63 |
| July | 76 | 67 |
| August | 77 | 68 |
| September | 75 | 66 |
| October | 74 | 61 |
| November | 69 | 52 |
| December | 66 | 48 |
San Diego’s warm climate lasts for about 2.8 months, from July to early October, with daily highs above 75°F.
July, August, and September are the warmest months.
During the cool season, which spans from late November to early April, daily highs stay below 67°F.
Winter is much cooler than summer, yet the weather remains pleasant compared to many other places.
Occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 90°F, but such days are rare.
San Diego typically has just three days a year when the thermometer reaches 90°F.
For detailed temperature patterns, you can find more information on temperature trends.
Average Precipitation In San Diego, California
San Diego has a mild climate with varying levels of precipitation throughout the year.
The city experiences dry periods and a distinct wet season, contributing to its unique weather pattern.
Average Rainfall In San Diego, California
San Diego receives most of its rainfall during the winter months.
The average monthly precipitation peaks in December, with 2.32 inches.
The city has dry periods from April to November.
Rainfall is minimal in these months, making up less than 0.5 inches of total precip.
A table of monthly average precipitation illustrates the fluctuations:
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.94 |
| February | 1.92 |
| March | 1.68 |
| April | 0.78 |
| May | 0.27 |
| June | 0.11 |
| July | 0.05 |
| August | 0.04 |
| September | 0.19 |
| October | 0.48 |
| November | 1.01 |
| December | 2.32 |
Total annual precipitation averages around 10 inches.
Average Snow In San Diego, California
Snow is extremely rare in San Diego due to its warm climate.
The last significant snowfall occurred in the mountains surrounding the city areas many years ago.
Urban areas do not see snow, and temperatures rarely drop to levels that would allow for ice or snow formation.
The highest elevations near San Diego might experience light snow in winter, but it is not a common occurrence. Therefore, regular snow accumulation statistics are not applicable to San Diego’s climate.
Average Sun In San Diego, California
San Diego enjoys a high number of sunny days each year, with the sun providing ample daylight and energy daily.
This abundance of sunshine contributes to the city’s mild climate and makes it a favored destination for outdoor activities.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In San Diego, California
The average daily shortwave solar energy reaching San Diego is significant throughout the year.
On average, the city’s daily sunlight hours total around 12 hours and 10 minutes.
This includes both clear and cloudy days, although San Diego is known for its clear skies about 68% of the time.
During the summer months, from June to August, the amount of solar energy peaks.
In contrast, the winter months see less sunlight, but the city still receives more daylight compared to many other regions.
This consistent sunshine is a key feature of San Diego’s climate, affecting its temperature and overall weather patterns.
Daylight saving time also plays a role in extending evening daylight during spring and summer.
The longest day typically occurs around June 21st, providing even more hours of sunlight.
Conversely, the shortest day is around December 21st, but it still offers a notable amount of sunshine compared to other areas at similar latitudes.
The high amount of daily shortwave solar energy contributes not only to the pleasant weather but also supports various solar energy initiatives in the region.
The city’s frequent clear days and long hours of sunlight make solar energy a viable and popular option for many residents and businesses in San Diego.
Average Humidity In San Diego, California
San Diego’s climate is known for its mild, comfortable weather. The average annual humidity hovers around 69%.
Monthly Humidity Averages:
- January: 64%
- July: 75%
- Annual Average: 69%
July stands out as the most humid month, with an average of 75%.
By contrast, January is typically the least humid month, averaging around 64%, resulting in a more comfortable feel.
Average Monthly Humidity:
| Month | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 64 |
| February | 66 |
| March | 67 |
| April | 68 |
| May | 69 |
| June | 70 |
| July | 75 |
| August | 74 |
| September | 72 |
| October | 70 |
| November | 68 |
| December | 65 |
The low temperature and higher humidity can lead to a higher dew point, which might make the air feel more sticky, especially during the summer months.
The humidity combined with mild to warm temperatures generally creates a pleasant living environment.
For more detailed climate information, you can visit World Weather & Climate Information.
Average Wind In San Diego, California
San Diego experiences moderate wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed is around 11 mph.
This makes for pleasant conditions most of the time.
The windiest month in San Diego is typically April. During this month, average wind speeds can rise slightly, making it breezier.
Due to its coastal location, wind patterns in San Diego are influenced by the ocean.
This contributes to the mild and consistent wind conditions seen throughout the year.
- Average Wind Speed: 11 mph
- Windiest Month: April
- Wind Patterns: Influenced by the ocean
Understanding these wind patterns is helpful for both residents and visitors.
Light winds are common, creating a comfortable environment for outdoor activities.
For more detailed articles on wind, you might find interesting information at wind.
Average Air Quality In San Diego, California
San Diego experiences a mix of clear and partly cloudy days throughout the year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a key metric to track, as it measures the level of air pollutants on any given day.
Annual Averages:
- Ozone (O3): On average, San Diego experiences about 43.3 days annually with unhealthy ozone levels, which can affect respiratory health, especially on clear, sunny days.
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The city faces 2 days a year with unhealthy levels of PM2.5, a pollutant composed of tiny particles in the air that can penetrate the lungs.
Using tools like the GAIA air quality monitor, residents can check real-time levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
Current Levels:
- As of today, the Air Quality is 44, which falls under the “Good” category.
When planning activities, it’s helpful to check localized air quality forecasts.
These are available through services like AccuWeather, providing air quality index and forecasts for better planning.
Parts of the year can see varying pressure and visibility conditions influenced by air pollutants.
Keeping track of these factors aids in taking precautionary measures, especially for sensitive groups.
For instance, on days with poor air quality, it’s best to limit outdoor activities, particularly when visibility drops and pressure changes indicate stagnant air conditions.
Topography Of San Diego, California
San Diego is known for its diverse topography. The city’s landscape includes coastal bluffs, rolling hills, canyons, and mountains.
This varied terrain influences San Diego’s microclimates, resulting in different weather patterns over short distances.
Elevation
The elevation in San Diego varies widely. The city itself has an average elevation of around 1,785 feet (544 meters).
Elevation Range:
- Minimum: -233 feet (-71 meters)
- Maximum: 8,474 feet (2,583 meters)
Latitudinal and Longitudinal Spread
San Diego is positioned at approximately 32 degrees latitude and -117 degrees longitude. Its coastal and inland areas stretch over 70 miles of coastline and extend eastward into mountainous regions.
Coastal Areas
The western side of San Diego features extensive beaches and cliffs. These areas experience mild weather, influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Coastal temperatures usually range from 60°F to 75°F.
Inland Terrain
The inland parts of San Diego, comprising hills and mountains, present a different topographic and climatic profile.
Higher elevations can offer cooler temperatures, especially during winter months.
Notable Mountains:
- Laguna Mountains
Each of these topographic features influences local weather, contributing to the unique microclimates in the region.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In San Diego, California
San Diego experiences a range of extreme weather events. A significant event is the Santa Ana winds, which are strong, dry winds that blow out of the desert.
These winds can fuel wildfires, causing damage and posing threats to life and property.
Heavy rainfall can also impact San Diego. For example, in March 1905, 0.94 inches of rain fell in just 30 minutes, the most ever recorded in such a short time.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Ana Winds | Strong, dry winds increasing wildfire risk |
| Heavy Rainfall | Example: 0.94 inches in 30 minutes on March 15, 1905 |
Droughts are another concern. Due to climate change, droughts have become more frequent and severe, threatening water supplies and increasing the risk of wildfires.
During the summer, San Diego also deals with June Gloom, where the sky remains overcast with a thick marine layer, often making the mornings gray and cool.
Temperature extremes can also occur. The highest temperature recorded in San Diego was 111°F on September 26, 1963.
For more information on San Diego’s extreme weather events, visit the San Diego Weather Records page.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit San Diego, California
San Diego is a great destination with a moderate climate. Each season has its unique appeal for visitors.
What Is San Diego, California Like In Spring
Spring in San Diego covers March through May. Temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F.
It is one of the best times to visit due to the pleasantly mild weather and lower tourism rates.
There are fewer crowds compared to summer, making it easier to explore popular spots like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Rain is minimal, so expect mostly clear skies.
Seasonal events like the Flower Fields in Carlsbad and various food festivals make spring a vibrant time to visit.
What Is San Diego, California Like In Summer
Summer spans June through August. Temperatures rise between 60°F and 77°F.
It is peak tourist season and beaches like La Jolla and Mission Beach get crowded.
The weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing or hiking.
Hotel rates are higher, and booking accommodations well in advance is advisable.
While the days are long and filled with sunshine, visitors should be prepared for occasional coastal fog, known as “June Gloom.”
What Is San Diego, California Like In Fall
September through November is fall in San Diego. The weather remains warm, ranging from 55°F at night to 75°F during the day.
This period is another excellent time to visit as the summer crowds dwindle.
This season offers many attractions and activities for tourists.
Surfing continues to be popular due to strong swells, and cultural events like the San Diego Film Festival draw visitors.
The air is crisp, and the evenings can get cooler, so it’s wise to pack a light jacket.
What Is San Diego, California Like In Winter
Winter in San Diego lasts from December through February.
Even during this season, the weather remains mild with temperatures between 45°F and 65°F.
Rainfall is more common but still infrequent, with approximately 2 inches on average per month.
This is a great time for budget-conscious travelers as hotel prices and tourism rates drop.
Outdoor activities are still very much on the table, and whale-watching tours become a major attraction as gray whales migrate along the coast.