If you’re checking the 30 day forecast San Diego CA because you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out if you can finally wash your car, here’s the reality: San Diego weather in January and February is a total mood. People think it’s all "Endless Summer" vibes. It’s not.
Honestly, right now we’re in that weird window where one day you’re in a t-shirt at La Jolla Shores and the next you’re digging a North Face puffy out of the garage.
The Reality of the 30 Day Forecast San Diego CA
Kinda wild, but San Diego is currently shaking off a massive soak. On New Year’s Day 2026, some neighborhoods saw nearly 3 inches of rain in a single day. That’s basically a year’s worth of water for us. Since then, the pattern has stayed pretty active.
If you look at the outlook for the next few weeks, we’re seeing a classic "see-saw" effect.
What to expect through mid-February:
🔗 Read more: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
- Chilly mornings: Don't let the sun fool you. Nighttime lows are hovering around 45°F to 51°F. If you're out past sunset, it feels sharp.
- The "Rainy" Windows: Meteorologists like Sarah Spivey and the team at the National Weather Service are tracking a series of colder systems coming down from the Gulf of Alaska. We've got a wet window likely hitting around Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
- Daytime Peaks: Most days will hit a high of about 65°F. On a sunny day, that feels like 75°F. On a cloudy day? It feels like 55°F.
Basically, the 30-day outlook is looking slightly warmer than average but wetter than a typical San Diego winter.
Why the "Average" Forecast is a Lie
The "average" high in January is 65°F. But averages are math, not reality.
In reality, San Diego is a series of microclimates. If you’re in Del Mar, you’ve got that damp, salty marine layer keeping things cool. Drive 20 minutes inland to El Cajon or Escondido, and it might be 10 degrees warmer at noon but 5 degrees colder at midnight.
Right now, the jet stream is behaving a bit erratically. We’re seeing "King Tides" through the end of January, which means if you’re planning to visit the tide pools at Point Loma, you need to time it for the negative low tides in the afternoon. Otherwise, the ocean will literally be at your chin.
💡 You might also like: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
What to Actually Pack (The Local Secret)
You’ve probably heard people joke that San Diegans wear Uggs when it hits 60°F. We do.
But if you’re coming from the Midwest or Northeast, you’ll think we’re crazy. You’ll want to wear shorts. Go for it, but bring a "shell" or a light waterproof jacket. This month, the rain isn’t always a downpour; sometimes it’s that annoying "mist" that soaks you through without you noticing.
- Layers are everything. T-shirt, flannel, light jacket.
- Wetsuits are mandatory. If you’re surfing, the water is a bone-chilling 58°F. You need a 4/3mm wetsuit. No exceptions unless you’re a polar bear.
- The "Museum Strategy." Since February is Museum Month, use those rainy days to hit Balboa Park. You get half-price admission, and you stay dry.
The Whale Watching Wildcard
One thing the 30 day forecast San Diego CA doesn't tell you is how the weather affects the wildlife.
January and February are peak Gray Whale migration months. The cooler, clearer air after a rainstorm actually makes for the best visibility. If you can catch a boat or head to the Birch Aquarium overlooking the cliffs right after a front passes through, the water is usually like glass.
📖 Related: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
Is it going to rain out your plans?
Probably not for the whole trip. Even in our "rainy" season, we usually only see about 5 or 6 days of actual precipitation a month.
The rest of the time? It’s that crisp, blue-sky weather that makes everyone want to move here. The air is cleaner right now than it is in July because the storms wash out the haze.
Actionable Steps for Your San Diego Trip
- Check the Tide Tables: If you're doing coastal walks, download a tide app. The King Tides in late January can make beach access dangerous or impossible during the mornings.
- Book Museum Half-Price Passes: Since February is Museum Month, don't pay full price. Sign up for the digital pass online to get 50% off at over 60 locations.
- Watch the "Gulf of Alaska" Systems: If the forecast says "colder system," expect the mountains (Julian/Mount Laguna) to get dusted with snow. It won't snow in the city, but it'll make the wind feel much sharper downtown.
- Sunset Timing: Sunsets are hitting around 5:15 PM to 5:35 PM. Get to Sunset Cliffs by 4:45 PM if you want a parking spot. The winter clouds actually make for much more dramatic, purple-and-orange skies than the clear summer days.
Trust the 30-day trend, but prepare for the 24-hour reality. San Diego in the winter is less about lounging on a towel and more about active exploration. Pack a hoodie, watch the tide, and enjoy the fact that it's not snowing.