San Diego Winter FAQs: How to Pack, Weather Tips, Things to Do, and More
San Diego Winter Weather Travel FAQ’s
What is the weather typically like in San Diego in winter?
Winter in San Diego is mild compared to most destinations in the U.S. Guests can expect highs around 65–70°F during the day with nighttime lows around 48–55°F. While most days warm up well, keep in mind that mornings and evenings are cooler, so definitely check out our packing tips for those cooler outdoor morning and evening adventures!
Does it rain in San Diego during winter?
Of course! It rains everywhere, even during the winter months. The weather in San Diego is mostly sunny, though, with only 5 to 7 rainy days per month…and no snow! No worries when we do get an occasional winter rain, as there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego! From an afternoon at Balboa Park’s museums or catching the latest release at a local movie theater to shopping at Fashion Valley or one of our amazing San Diego bookstores like Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore or Verbatim Books – there is so much to see and do just minutes from our Mission Valley hotel.
Can we swim in the pool during winter months at Days Inn Hotel Circle?
Guests of the Days Inn Hotel Circle will enjoy amenities including our outdoor pool and hot tub that are open and heated throughout the year, including winter! So be sure to add a swimsuit to your San Diego winter vacation packing list to enjoy a dip in the sparkling onsite pool or catch some rays poolside!
Can you go to the beach in the winter?
Yes! While it’s not optimal for sunbathing season or swimming (with water temps around 60°) San Diego beaches are great for winter walks, the most amazing winter sunsets, and fun adventures like tide pooling. Guests should know that surfing, snorkeling, and other water activities are still popular in the winter months in San Diego, but wetsuits are recommended.
What are the best things to do in winter in San Diego?
There are a variety of things to do this winter in San Diego. Here are some of the most popular winter activities near the Days Inn Hotel Circle.
- Whale Watching (Dec–April)
- Holiday Lights & Seasonal Events
- Explore Tide Pools
- Beach Walks & Sunsets
- Balboa Park Museums
- Day trips to Anza-Borrego for Desert Scenery
We invite you to learn more about some of these exciting winter activities in San Diego here!
Is winter good for whale watching in San Diego?
Yes! In fact, winter is the peak gray whale migration season, and they pass right by our coastal city! Sightings are quite common from December through March each year and can be easily viewed via one of the whale watching tour companies, like Gone Whale Watching San Diego, which is located just miles from the Days Inn Hotel Circle. With 2.5-hour winter whale watching trips 7-days a week from Mission Bay, you will take a unique adventure along the beautiful San Diego coastline looking for whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and more. A unique adventure in San Diego you won’t soon forget!
Are the popular San Diego attractions and landmarks open during winter?
Yes! San Diego’s most popular attractions stay open year round due to our mild weather and mostly sunny days! Guests of the Days Inn San Diego can enjoy the best places to visit in San Diego including SeaWorld, the USS Midway, Balboa Park Museums, the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, and more during the winter months!
Is winter a good time to visit San Diego?
Not only is winter a good time to visit San Diego, but it is actually one of the best times to visit our seaside paradise! Guests will find milder winter weather in San Diego, lower hotel rates compared to summer, fewer crowds, and more relaxed and accessible beaches and attractions.
Are ocean tides different in winter for San Diego Beaches?
Yes! Winter actually means San Diego beaches have the lowest daytime tides, which happen to assist in creating the most amazing, ideal tide-pooling conditions. If you want to take part in this popular winter activity in San Diego, some of the top spots for tide-pooling include La Jolla, Cabrillo National Monument, and Sunset Cliffs.
Are there winter holiday events in San Diego?
San Diego definitely has a variety of amazing winter and holiday events in December. Here are a few of the most popular winter activities in San Diego, as well as a list of festive things to do in San Diego for the holidays!
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- Balboa Park December Nights
- Skating by the Sea in Coronado
- Neighborhood and Harbor Boat Parades
Can a winter storm affect travel plans to San Diego?
Not so much, but occasionally, winter storms can bring heavy rain or coastal flooding to the area. This may cause hiking trails or ocean piers to close until the weather passes, but disruptions are rare, usually brief, and won’t significantly impact your San Diego winter vacations at all.
Wondering What to Pack for a San Diego Winter Vacation?
Packing for your winter trip to San Diego works best if you consider layering, since you will find that the morning and evening temps can fluctuate with warming during the day. Considering the weather and packing clothes that you can layer and easily adjust means you will always be comfortable and prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings for each day of your winter vacation in San Diego. We suggest these packing tips for things to add to your suitcase!
Packing Tips for Your Winter Vacation to San Diego
- A light jacket or fleece for early morning adventures or those on the water will ensure you are warm and comfy.
- Long sleeves and breathable tees for layering clothes for cool mornings/evenings and warmer afternoons is optimal.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are still needed in San Diego in winter months due to our sunny days and warm temps!
- Having a light rain jacket to keep you dry and keep the adventure moving along is a smart choice!
- Jeans or comfortable pants work for everything from dinner to day trips.
- Don’t forget your swimsuit for the heated pool at the Days Inn Hotel Circle as well as catching a few rays on the beach!
- Bring comfy walking shoes for exploring, tours, walking, and other coastal adventures.
- Warmer evening wear is needed for bayfront or oceanfront dining when cooler temps and ocean breezes can be a bit chilly.
Choose the Days Inn Hotel Circle San Diego for the Best Winter Weather Vacation Spot
Our award-winning Mission Valley hotel is the perfect winter weather destination this December! Not only can you relax and enjoy your stay at the highest-rated Days Inn in San Diego, but our heated pool and hot tub, along with comfortable and cozy guestrooms will make this the San Diego winter vacation experience you’ve been dreaming of!
Make plans today for your stay at our Mission Valley Days Inn location and enjoy the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and the best hospitality from your team at the Days in Hotel Circle!
