The Best Time to Visit San Diego
Our guide to the best events & attractions in San Diego for every season.
With its mild climate and diverse attractions, San Diego is a fantastic destination year-round. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events or seasonal festivities, there’s always something happening in America’s Finest City.
Explore our list of the best things to do in San Diego for every season and start planning your trip today.
Spring
Spring in San Diego is a great time to enjoy blooming landscapes, outdoor markets and wildlife viewing.
- Hillcrest Farmers’ Market – Browse fresh produce, artisanal goods and local crafts at this vibrant Sunday market that showcases the best of San Diego’s community vendors. Whether you’re looking for organic fruits, gourmet treats or unique handmade items, this farmers’ market is a must-visit.
- Balboa Park Gardens – Stroll through the lush gardens of Balboa Park, where vibrant flowers and beautifully landscaped pathways make for a stunning springtime experience. Visit the Botanical Building or enjoy a peaceful afternoon in one of the park’s many garden spaces.
- Whale Watching – Spring is a prime season to spot migrating gray whales off the coast as they make their way from Baja California to Alaska. Book a whale-watching tour and enjoy breathtaking views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
- San Diego Zoo & SeaWorld – Discover two of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. The San Diego Zoo offers an incredible wildlife experience, featuring rare and exotic animals from around the world. Meanwhile, SeaWorld combines thrilling marine life encounters with exciting rides—especially perfect for warmer months when you can enjoy water-themed adventures.
- Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival – World-class music takes over the downtown waterfront in May for a diverse three-day festival featuring top rock, hip-hop, EDM and rap artists.
San Diego Weather in March
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 66°F, with avg. lows around 53°F
San Diego Weather in April
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 68°F, with avg. lows around 56°F
San Diego Weather in May
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 69°F, with avg. lows around 59°F
Summer
There are endless things to do during Summer in San Diego. The city is perfect for beach outings, baseball games, festivals and lively entertainment.
- Padres Home Games – Major league baseball usually begins in spring but the Padres season heats up in summer with exciting matchups, theme nights and music performances that offer an electrifying experience at Petco Park.
- 4th of July Fireworks – Watch dazzling displays over the bay as San Diego celebrates Independence Day with California’s largest fireworks show, the Big Bay Boom. Prime viewing spots include downtown’s waterfront, Coronado and Shelter Island, making Kona Kai one of the best places to watch 4th of July fireworks in San Diego.
- Bike the Bay – Rent a bike and explore scenic coastal trails that take you past stunning ocean views, historic sites and local attractions. The city’s bike-friendly pathways make cycling a fun and accessible way to experience San Diego’s summer beauty.
- Kona Kai’s Annual Luau – Experience an authentic Hawaiian-style luau in June, complete with traditional food, live music and cultural dance performances. It’s a festive event that brings island vibes right to San Diego.
- Summer Concerts at The Rady Shell – Enjoy live music against a backdrop of the San Diego Bay and downtown city lights at The Rady Shell. This outdoor concert venue hosts events throughout the year, but its summer lineup is jam-packed with a mix of jazz, pop, symphony and rock shows, plus movie nights with live orchestra accompaniment.
San Diego Weather in June
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 71°F, with avg. lows around 62°F
San Diego Weather in July
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 75°F, with avg. lows around 65°F
San Diego Weather in August
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 77°F, with avg. lows around 67°F
Fall
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, endless family fun and exciting culinary events, making fall a great time to visit San Diego.
- Labor Day Weekend at Kona Kai – Spend the long holiday weekend at Kona Kai and enjoy special programming designed for relaxation and entertainment. With an extra day to lounge by the pools, soak up the sun, and take part in exclusive events, it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer in style.
- Fleet Week San Diego – Watch impressive airshows and naval displays as the U.S. Navy showcases its maritime prowess in San Diego. Events include ship tours, aerial demonstrations, and interactive exhibits celebrating the region’s strong military presence.
- Kona Kai’s Annual Sails & Ales – This beer festival featuring craft brews and live music in October is a celebration of the city known as the “Craft Beer Capital” of the US. Enjoy waterfront views while sampling a variety of craft beers.
- Kids Free San Diego – Fall is a great time to visit San Diego with the family. Throughout the month of October, more than 60 of San Diego County’s favorite museums and attractions offer complimentary admission to children under 12 as a part of Kids Free San Diego.
- Wine Tastings – Sample local wines at events around the city, where top wineries and tasting rooms offer curated selections. Whether you prefer rich reds or crisp whites, taste it all at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, happening in November on the waterfront.
San Diego Weather in September
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 76°F with avg. lows around 65°F
San Diego Weather in October
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 73°F, with avg. lows around 61°F
San Diego Weather in November
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 69°F, with avg. lows around 54°F
Winter
Winter in San Diego is mild, making it a great time for indoor attractions and holiday festivities. Explore our highlights of activities in San Diego in the winter.
- Liberty Station – Enjoy movies at a luxury theater, unique food hall dining and shopping at this vibrant district. Liberty Station also hosts weekly events, making it a great place to explore during the winter months.
- Holiday Lights & Decor – See festive displays at Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo’s “Jungle Bells” celebration and downtown, where twinkling lights, holiday-themed events and seasonal cheer fill the air. On select weekends in December, marvel at the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights featuring over 80 brightly decorated boats.
- New Year’s Eve – Ring in the New Year with dazzling fireworks at several San Diego attractions, including SeaWorld. Countdown to midnight at lavish parties in the Gaslamp Quarter or on the bay aboard a luxury yacht.
- USS Midway Museum – Explore the historic aircraft carrier and its exhibits, where you can immerse yourself in naval history and marvel at restored fighter jets. Whether indoors or on the flight deck, it’s an unforgettable experience for all ages.
San Diego Weather in December
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 65°F, with avg. lows around 50°F
San Diego Weather in January
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 66°F, with avg. lows around 52°F
San Diego Weather in February
Avg. daily high temperatures of about 67°F, with avg. lows around 55°F
For those still pondering the best time to visit San Diego, rest easy knowing that there is no bad time to enjoy our fine city. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beach days in the summer, exploring our vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in the fall or spotting whales in spring, Kona Kai San Diego is the perfect homebase.
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1551 Shelter Island Dr
San Diego, CA 92106
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