Winter in San Diego: Ultimate Guide

Escape the cold weather and enjoy a warm and sunny winter in San Diego. It’s a winter bird paradise where you can get the best of both worlds: warm weather for outdoor fun and holiday excitement, keeping you in a festive mood all season.

Witness how ‘America’s Finest City’ turns into a winter wonderland at all your favorite local attractions. Feel the holiday spirit with light shows and festivals. And you won’t even miss out on all-time favorites like visiting the beach or exploring outdoors.

Keep this ultimate guide handy during your winter stay at San Diego Vacation Rentals because there’s tons of seasonal fun you don’t want to miss!

San Diego Weather in Winter

Looking for a warm winter getaway? Well, they don’t call it ‘Sunny San Diego’ for nothing! Our year-round warm weather is a calling card for winter birds looking to warm up the season.

Temperatures average in the mid-60s with lows in the high 40s when the sun goes down. You’ll have plenty of sunny days for spending time outdoors, and you will still feel the refreshing sea breezes when spending time on the coast.

Yes, you can still visit the beach in San Diego during the winter! Popular beaches like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Oceanside are open year-round, with water temperatures averaging in the high 50s. Wear a wetsuit to stay warm when you go surfing. Although it doesn’t snow in San Diego, you can find flurries as close to Torrey Pines Nature Preserve, just 20 minutes from downtown Del Mar.

Things to Do During Winter in San Diego

1. See the Fabulous Light Displays

Photo Credit: JeedR

During the winter, there’s more than city lights keeping the city illuminated at night. San Diegoans love holiday time when you can see colorful decorations anywhere you go. Here are a few spots that will brighten the night for all light chasers spending winter in San Diego.

If you rent a car, go for a nighttime cruise through San Diego County’s most festive neighborhoods. We recommend Christmas Card Land in Rancho Penasquitos and loop the cut-de-sacs of Candy Cane Lane in Poway to see which neighbor’s house put on the best display.

San Diego’s attractions also dress up for the holidays. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo rings in a season of light decorations throughout the park, live winter-themed shows, and even 3D experiences with light and music displays.

There are also tons of events to see unique holiday light displays every year, so keep reading to see our top picks.

2. Go Ice Skating

Photo Credit: Nature's Charm

Slide into a day of fun with ice skating in San Diego. It’s the perfect way to balance (pun intended) a bit of recreation with a seasonal pastime favorite.

Ice skating without a jacket is one of our local pleasures that you don’t find in too many places. The warm weather invites seasonal outdoor skating rinks. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean while skidding across the slick surface at Hotel Del Coronado’s Ice Skating by the Sea. Or bring the family down to Viejas Outlet Center for a lap around San Diego’s largest ice skating rink.

Ice skating is a year-round activity you can include in your San Diego itinerary for any season you visit. The UTC Ice Arena in UTC Westfield Shopping Center in La Jolla has classes for first-timers on the ice. Or test your skills on the NHL-regulated rink at the Kroc Center Ice.

Prefer roller skating? The warm weather means you can strap up your four-wheelers and hit the pavement at the Mission Beach Boardwalk or the 9-mile Silver Strand route.

3. Enjoy Whale Watching Excursions

Photo Credit: Ronnie Chua

Cameras ready! You don’t want to miss a chance at capturing a picture of the rod of nature’s largest mammals. Wildlife enthusiasts will say winter is one of the best times to visit because of the whale migration. San Diego sits perfectly in line with the 10,000-mile migration route between Alaska and Baja California in Mexico. Mid-December is when you can start to see the first of more than 20,000 gray whales who will make the journey.

Get up close to these giant sea creatures on a whale-watching cruise. Tours take passengers offshore, where expert guides know the best places to spot whales leaping out the water or greeting you with a salute from their blow hole.

Check out these whale-watching tours in San Diego:

Did you know you can also spot whales from shore? Gaze into the horizon from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, atop Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, or even from our oceanfront vacation rentals.

4. Outdoor Hiking Adventures

Photo Credit: el lobo

Winterbirds escaping to San Diego will find all their favorite outdoor activities available. Hiking is a great way to get outside and experience Southern California’s breathtaking landscapes. Fuel up a hearty breakfast because you’ll need your energy for these thrilling winter hikes.

Head north to the Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve to embark on popular routes like the Parry Grove Trail and Guy Fleming Trail. Northeast of downtown is Mission Trails Regional Park, with more than 60 miles of trails through green landscapes. East of San Diego sits the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, known for the Cuyamaca Peak Loop and Stonewall Peak Loop—you might even stumble across the snow!

Other popular activities you can enjoy during the winter include walking, biking, and birdwatching.

5. Attend Winter Events

Photo Credit: Tony Webster via Flickr CC2.0

Winter is a festive time in San Diego, and there are plenty of events and festivals to check out throughout the season. Mark your calendars to check out events all across town during your stay.

Hang out for the holidays in Old Town San Diego. You can still get a taste of the area’s Mexican heritage with the annual Las Posadas religious tradition or ride with elves in trolleys for the Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour.

The Gaslamp Quarter has something for everybody. Pick up souvenirs at the nearby Holiday Market at Petco Park, where you might spot Santa. Sip holiday spirits at the Jingle and Mingle, or check out the nightlife venues for pop-up holiday events.

Balboa Park, the cultural epicenter of San Diego, hosts December Nights for free museum admission, live performances, carolers, food, and more. Or head to the coast to watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, with more than 80 boats decorated with lights sailing from Shelter Island past 100,000+ spectators on the Embarcadero Pier, Seaport Village, and other viewing spots.

Stop by the city of Escondido in North County for the snowy Winter Wonderland Festival.

6. Wintertime Theme Park Fun

Photo Credit: Ryan Wood / legocnefs via Flickr CC2.0

Your favorite San Diego theme park transforms into a winter wonderland for the season. If you’re planning a holiday vacation with kids, you can maximize your seasonal fun with rides, thrills, and more.

Snow is always on the forecast at LEGOLAND California, where you’ll also see Santa, a snowman, and a Christmas tree—all made from Legos! SeaWorld San Diego features more than just marine life. During their Christmas Celebration, they decorate with more than three million lights, and you’ll even get to meet Rudolph the Red-nose reindeer. If watching ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ is your family tradition, you can join Snoopy and the gang for holiday fun at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Things to Pack for a Winter Stay in San Diego

Winter fun in San Diego ranges from indoor activities to outdoor excursions. Make the most of your visit by packing all the essentials to enjoy everything on your itinerary.

For clothing, the best way to prepare for the season is by packing layers. This can include:

Sweaters/Hoody
Long-sleeve shirts
Jacket
Thick socks
Knit hat
Scarf
Mittens

For miscellaneous items that can be helpful, consider including these in your packing list:

Day bag/backpack
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Beach gear*

*Note there are several beach equipment rental companies in San Diego for surfboards, beach chairs, beach toys, beach cruisers, paddle boards, and more.

Where to Stay in San Diego During the Winter

Winter is the perfect time of year to visit San Diego! Winter is the low travel season with better rates and availability on vacation rentals. San Diego is a popular holiday destination with a higher demand during December. Find vacation rentals for oceanfront stays, pet-friendly accommodations, urban retreats, and more!