Packing Guide
San Diego Packing List — What to Pack for Every Season
San Diego's climate is genuinely mild year-round — highs range from 66°F in winter to 83°F in summer — but it has real packing traps. June Gloom keeps May and June mornings at 60–65°F until the marine layer burns off by noon. La Jolla and Coronado run 5–8°F cooler than inland due to ocean breeze. And Southern California UV is intense in every month, cloudy or not. Pack light layers you can shed and strong sun protection.
By Season
49–67°F
Winter (December–February)
San Diego winters are mild by any standard — highs stay at 66–67°F — but mornings dip to 49–51°F and the rainy season brings 5–6 precipitation days per month. A light jacket and waterproof layers handle the brief winter rains. Balboa Park and outdoor attractions stay open but the morning cool is real.
- Light waterproof jacket
- Layering pieces for 49°F mornings
- Water-resistant shoes
- Sunscreen (UV penetrates cloud cover)
54–73°F
Spring (March–May)
San Diego spring warms from 68°F in March to 73°F in May. Rain drops sharply from 6 days in March to just 1 in May. May brings June Gloom's early onset — marine layer mornings that stay cool until the layer burns off around noon. Light layers are the spring strategy.
- Light cardigan or zip fleece for mornings
- Breathable tops for afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoes for Balboa Park
- Sunglasses and SPF 30+
64–83°F
Summer (June–August)
San Diego summer is warm and nearly rainless — June hits 77°F, July 82°F, August 83°F with zero precipitation. June Gloom fades by July. La Jolla and Coronado stay noticeably cooler than Mission Valley due to ocean breeze. Inland neighborhoods hit full summer heat while the coast stays comfortable.
- Lightweight breathable tops
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Light layer for coastal areas
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Zoo and Balboa Park
55–81°F
Fall (September–November)
San Diego's fall cools gradually from 81°F in September to 71°F in November. October and November see the first light rains after the dry summer. The Santa Ana wind events in October can push inland temperatures above 90°F while coastal areas stay mild. A versatile layering setup handles the variability.
- Light jacket for evenings
- Layers for Santa Ana wind variability
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella for November
Monthly Packing Lists
Click any month for a detailed, weather-specific packing list.
General Packing Tips for San Diego
- 1.San Diego's UV is intense year-round — Southern California's low latitude and frequent clear skies mean UV Index values regularly hit 8–10+ even in winter; wear SPF 30+ whenever you're outside, cloudy or not.
- 2.The ocean breeze makes La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach consistently 5–8°F cooler than inland San Diego neighborhoods like Mission Valley — always pack a light layer when heading to waterfront areas, even in summer.
- 3.June Gloom is real — May and June mornings are often overcast and 60–65°F until the marine layer burns off around noon; visitors who arrive in early morning without a layer regularly regret it despite knowing San Diego's reputation for sunshine.