What is the weather like in San Diego throughout the year?

San Diego experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is September with average highs of 25°C. The coolest month is February.

What is the weather like in San Diego in May?

San Diego in May scores 59/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs.

Who should visit San Diego in May?

May in San Diego is ideal for: Families with children, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists, Honeymoon couples.

Best Time to Visit San Diego | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why May is the Best Time to Visit San Diego

Is May a Good Time to Visit San Diego?

👌Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs(59/100)

Short Answer

⚠️ May falls in San Diego's typhoon season. While daily weather averages 20°C with 3% rain, tropical storms can disrupt travel. Flexible bookings recommended.

Decision Factors

Eastern Pacific Hurricane season active

Eastern Pacific zone - expect potential eastern pacific hurricane activity

Peak tourist season

100% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Ideal temperature range

20.1°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Excellent dry conditions

Only 3% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Plenty of sunshine

11.5h of sunshine daily

Exceptional dining scene

34 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 20.1°C temperatures and low 3% rain risk
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 20.1°C, 3% rain chance
📸
Photographers
11.5h sunshine, 53% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score 100/100 with romantic weather conditions

Who Should Avoid

🏖️
Beach lovers
Sea temperature only 17.9°C - too cold for comfortable swimming
💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👴
Elderly travelers
75% humidity creates difficult conditions
💼
Business travelers
Storm season may cause flight disruptions

Warmest

September

25°C avg

Coolest

February

17°C avg

Driest

July

0% rain

Wettest

March

16% rain

Planning Your Trip to San Diego, United States

Wondering when is the best time to visit San Diego? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to San Diego are May, June, July. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 20°C with only 3% chance of rain.

The San Diego climate varies throughout the year. September is the hottest month with average highs of 25°C, while February is the coldest at 17°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in San Diego, avoid March when rainfall peaks at 16% probability.

For the best San Diego weather experience, we recommend visiting during July for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of May and June for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

San Diego Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for San Diego

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit San Diego: Travel Style Guide

Personalized San Diego travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest weather with ideal sea temperatures for swimming

AugustSeptember

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

MarchAprilMay

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

JuneJulyAugust

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

San Diego Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit San Diego?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit San Diego are May, June, July. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (20°C avg) and low rainfall (3% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in San Diego?

September is historically the warmest month in San Diego with average highs of 25°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in February when temperatures average around 17°C.

When is the rainy season in San Diego?

March typically sees the most rainfall in San Diego with a 16% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in July when rain probability drops to just 0%.

How accurate is the San Diego weather forecast?

Our San Diego climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to San Diego.

What should I pack for San Diego?

Packing depends on when you visit. In September (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 25°C weather. In February (coolest month), bring layers for 17°C temperatures.

Is San Diego good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in San Diego are July (only 0% rain chance) and May for optimal weather conditions. Avoid March when rain probability peaks at 16%.