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When to go · San Diego

San Diego in January

Mixed month. Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Nov). Across United States: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Temperature
19°C (66°F) / 10°C (50°F)
average high / low
Rain days
6
Crowds
Low
United States overall
Prices
Low
United States overall

Verdict

MixedUnited States month rating

Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Nov). Across United States: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.

Is another month better than January?

January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in January

Long-term averages
  • San DiegoHighs around 19 °C (66 °F), lows around 10 °C (50 °F), rain on about 6 days
  • California coast, United States · San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Big Surfine

    Mild all year; San Francisco is foggy and cool in summer; wildfire smoke possible June–November; winter storms can close Highway 1 at Big Sur.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · United States overall
Low
Prices · United States overall
Low

United States overall: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in San Diego, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Mixed

    Mar: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Jan: 19 °C (66 °F)

    Mar: 19 °C (66 °F)

  • Night low

    Jan: 10 °C (50 °F)

    Mar: 13 °C (55 °F)

  • Rain days

    Jan: 6

    Mar: 6

  • Crowds

    Jan: Low

    Mar: Medium

  • Prices

    Jan: Low

    Mar: Medium

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 0

    Mar: 2

January: Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Nov). Across United States: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.

March: Inside San Diego's best window: Mar–May, Sep–Nov.

San Diego: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A warm layer for the evenings

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across United States in January →