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San Diego (CA) Climate by Month

San Diego is a year-round destination with a semi arid and Mediterranean climate. The climate in San Diego often varies significantly over short geographical distances, resulting in different microclimates. In general you will experience warm, dry summers and mild winters. Most rain is seen between November and March.

Snow and ice are rare in wintertime. The record low temperature was -4°C. San Diego has on average around 145 sunny days and 115 cloudy days a year. There are an average of 40 days with measurable precipitation.

The best time to visit California and San Diego largely depends on what your destination is and exactly which places you want to visit within the state. For the coastal areas, different travel advice applies than for the Sierra Nevada mountain area or the Death Valley National Park. If you want to take a tour of California visiting all three areas, May, June and September are the best months.

Average day and night temperature

The climate in San Diego experiences moderate temperature changes, with mild shifts between seasons. Average daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 26°C in September, the warmest time of the year, to a pleasant 19°C during cooler months like January. At night, temperatures typically average around 9°C during these months.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

San Diego has a dry climate with very low precipitation, averaging 226 mm of rainfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wetter season, December receives moderate rainfall, averaging 59 mm of precipitation, recorded across 7 rainy days. In contrast, the drier season, June brings less rainfall, with 0.4 mm over a single rainy day.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

While the amount of sunshine in San Diego varies throughout the year, all seasons offer their own charm. Enjoy up to 10.1 hours of daily sun in July, and experience slightly darker atmosphere in February, with about 7.7 hours of daily sunlight.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

The best time of year to visit San Diego in the United States of America

During the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • When is summer in San Diego?
    The hottest season / summer takes place in July, August, September and October.
  • Which is the warmest month in San Diego?
    September has an average maximum temperature of 26°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in San Diego?
    The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 19°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in San Diego?
    December tops the wettest month list with 59 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in San Diego?
    June is the driest month with 0 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in San Diego?
    July is the sunniest month with an average of 304 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for San Diego (CA)

    Fri   Dec 13
    17°C | 10°C
    W 11 km/h
    almost clear and no rain

    almost clear and no rain

    Sat   Dec 14
    18°C | 10°C
    W 18 km/h
    partly cloudy and no rain

    partly cloudy and no rain

    Sun   Dec 15
    18°C | 10°C
    W 14 km/h
    almost clear and no rain

    almost clear and no rain