San Diego is one of those destinations where versatility is key when it comes to packing. You’ll likely find yourself hopping between different activities—starting your morning with a coastal walk in La Jolla, spending the afternoon at a rooftop brewery, and finishing the evening with dinner by the bay. If you need inspo for your trip, check out our travel guide where we highlight the top must-see attractions in San Diego.

As a lifelong San Diego resident and business owner, I see visitors arrive every single day on my So Diego Tours with the wrong idea about our weather. Many people assume it’s hot year-round, only to find themselves freezing in the evenings. Others forget to bring comfortable shoes and regret it when they spend the day exploring places like Balboa Park or Old Town.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to bring for every season and activity, whether you’re here for a beach vacation, a San Diego food tour, or a fun weekend getaway.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect by Season

San Diego’s weather is mild year-round due to the Pacific Ocean, but temperatures vary more than expected, unlike tropical destinations with hot, humid summers and rainy, muggy winters.

If you’re staying near the coast, expect cool mornings and evenings with a breeze. If you’re staying inland—places like Escondido, Julian, or Temecula—the temperature swings are more dramatic from day to night.

Winter (December – February)

• Daytime temperatures range from 60–68°F (15–20°C)
• Evenings drop to 45–55°F (7–13°C)
• Rain is possible, but storms are usually short-lived

Winter in San Diego isn’t harsh, but it’s not exactly beach weather either. Locals still go to the beach for walks, but you won’t want to hop in the water without a wetsuit on. Pack a medium-weight jacket, closed-toe shoes, and some layers for unpredictable temperature shifts.

Spring (March – May)

• Daytime temperatures range from 65–72°F (18–22°C)
• Evenings dip to 50–58°F (10–14°C)
• “May Gray” can bring overcast mornings

Spring is one of my favorite times of year in San Diego. Everything is blooming, the crowds are more manageable, and the warmer weather is perfect for hiking, brewery hopping, and waterfront dining. However, don’t assume spring means beach weather—the water is still cold, and mornings can be cloudy until the sun burns through in the afternoon.

Pack a light jacket, jeans or midi skirts, and comfortable walking shoes.

Summer (June – August)

• Daytime temperatures range from 70–80°F (21–27°C)
• Evenings cool down to 60–68°F (15–20°C)
• “June Gloom” can make mornings cloudy, but it usually clears by noon

San Diego summers are not as hot as people expect. If you’re staying at a place by the beach, expect cool mornings and evenings, especially in June. Inland areas (like North County or East County) are hotter, so if you’re planning a trip to Temecula wineries or Anza-Borrego, be prepared for high 80s to low 90s.

For the beach, pack a bathing suit, sun hat, a lightweight cover-up, and sandals. For everyday exploring, go for breathable clothes with a sweater or light jacket for evenings.

Fall (September – November)

• Daytime temperatures range from 72–85°F (22–29°C)
• Evenings cool down to 55–65°F (13–18°C)
• September and October have the warmest ocean temperatures

Early fall is the best time to visit San Diego. The crowds thin out, the ocean is warmest, and the weather is perfect. September and October feel like an extension of summer, but by November, you’ll want light sweaters and layers for cooler evenings.

What to Pack for Sightseeing in San Diego

San Diego has walkable neighborhoods, historic districts, and coastal cliffs, so comfortable outfits are a must.

Sightseeing Essentials

• Relaxed jeans or joggers for all-day comfort
• A breathable top or lightweight sweater
• Sneakers or comfortable walking sandals
• A light windbreaker or denim jacket
• A crossbody bag for hands-free exploring
• Sunglasses and a baseball cap (extra points if it’s a San Diego Padres cap!)

Old Town, Balboa Park, and Little Italy all have uneven sidewalks, so avoid uncomfortable shoes.

What to Pack for a Beach Day

The San Diego beaches are laid-back, so you don’t need designer swimsuits or fancy beach bags to fit in—just practical, easygoing attire.

Beach Day Essentials

• A swimsuit that makes you feel great
• A linen cover-up or breezy button-down
• Jean shorts or flowy beach pants
• Flip-flops or Birkenstocks
• A quick-dry towel and reef-safe sunscreen

Even in summer, the ocean is colder than people expect, so if you plan to surf or stay in the water for a long time, consider a wetsuit.

What to Pack for Dinner in San Diego

Dining out in San Diego is casual but stylish. Even at the high-end restaurants in Downtown San Diego, locals favor an effortless, put-together look rather than anything too formal.

Dinner Outfit Essentials

• Comfortable block heels or stylish flats
• A midi skirt, wide-leg jeans, or an easygoing dress
• A light cardigan or leather jacket
• Minimal accessories for a simple, chic look

Most restaurants have outdoor patios, so bring a light layer.

What to Wear for a Night Out in San Diego

Whether you’re going out in Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, or Pacific Beach, dress for the vibe of the neighborhood.

Gaslamp/Little Italy Night Out

• A midi dress or chic jumpsuit
• A leather jacket for an edgy touch
• Block heels or stylish ankle boots

Pacific Beach Night Out

• Distressed jeans or denim shorts
• A cropped tank top or casual blouse
• A light flannel or denim jacket

Gaslamp has stricter dress codes—avoid flip-flops, beachwear, and athletic clothes.

San Diego Packing List Staples

Now that you have an idea of what to wear in San Diego for different activities, let’s go over the must-have items that should make it into your suitcase.

Clothing and Footwear Essentials

Light Jacket or Wrap

Even in the middle of summer, you’ll want a layer for cooler evenings. Coastal breezes can make nights feel unexpectedly chilly, so a lightweight jacket, cardigan, or wrap is a smart addition to your packing list.

Beach Flip-Flops

A pair of comfortable flip-flops is essential, especially if you plan to spend time at the beach. Opt for a pair that you don’t mind getting sandy, but that’s also supportive enough for casual strolls along the boardwalk or to grab a quick bite at a beachside café.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring San Diego’s attractions, including Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and Old Town. Bring blister cushions or bandages to prevent blisters.

Closed-Toe Shoes for Men and Dressier Sandals for Women

For upscale dining, men should pack closed-toe shoes and a button-down shirt, and women should pack stylish flats, sandals, or block heels. For casual dining, flip-flops and sneakers are fine.

Swimwear and Cover-Ups

San Diego’s beaches are accessible year-round, and you’ll see locals and visitors alike enjoying the coastline, whether they’re surfing, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely beach walk. Women should bring a stylish but comfortable cover-up like a lightweight sundress or oversized button-down, while men typically wear board shorts both in and out of the water.

Day-to-Night Dress

For women, a comfortable maxi dress or an easy-to-pack sundress is perfect for transitioning from daytime exploring to a casual dinner by the bay. San Diego’s relaxed style means you don’t need anything too fancy, but having a versatile dress on hand is always a good idea.

Nice Jeans and a Button-Down Shirt for Men

Many men in San Diego stick to a simple, go-to uniform for evenings out: dark-wash jeans and a well-fitted button-down. It’s a classic, effortless look that works for everything from a rooftop happy hour to a nice seafood dinner.

Jeans and Shorts for All Seasons

San Diego’s climate means you’ll need a mix of jeans and shorts, no matter when you visit. Even in winter, locals wear shorts on warmer days, but cool early mornings and evenings call for long pants. A pair of well-fitting jeans and a few pairs of shorts will keep you prepared for any activity.

Extra Layers for Late Fall, Winter, and Early Spring

If you’re visiting between November and March, bring more layers than you think you’ll need. You’ll still want some short-sleeved tops and lightweight clothing for daytime, but you’ll wear long pants and sweaters more often than you might expect. A light raincoat is also useful during the occasional rainy days.

Sun Protection and Beach Essentials

San Diego is famous for its sunshine, but that also means you need to be prepared for long days outdoors. Here are a few must-have items to keep you comfortable in the sun.

• Sunglasses
• Hats for Sun Protection
• Sunscreen for Face, Lips, and Body
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Beach Bag or Backpack

Wrapping up

San Diego’s relaxed atmosphere means you don’t need to bring a ton of clothing or accessories. As long as you have comfortable shoes, layers, and sun protection, you’ll be set for a great trip. Keep it simple, pack smart, and enjoy everything my hometown has to offer.

 

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do …  In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.