So, if you just stepped outside in San Diego, you probably noticed it. That weird, "wait-is-it-actually-winter" warmth is hitting the coast hard right now. Honestly, it’s kinda trippy. We just came off a New Year’s Day that literally broke records for being the wettest in history—San Diego pulled in 2.07 inches of rain in a single day—and now we’re staring at a week that feels more like a spring break teaser than January.
If you’re looking at the 7 day forecast for san diego california, you're seeing a city in transition. We are currently caught between the leftovers of a weak La Niña and some serious offshore pressure that's keeping things dry and surprisingly toasty. It’s that classic Southern California mood swing. One week you’re dodging floods in Fashion Valley, and the next you’re digging through the closet for flip-flops because the afternoon hit 72°F.
What the 7 day forecast for san diego california actually looks like
Basically, we’re in for a very "San Diego" week. Highs are hovering in the high 60s to mid 70s, which is a good 5 to 10 degrees above what we usually expect this time of year. If you're inland, it's even more intense—valleys are trending toward the 80s.
Here is the breakdown of what the next week actually looks like on the ground:
Friday is starting us off with a high of 72°F. It’s mostly sunny right now, though it’ll probably get a bit cloudier as we head into tonight. The wind is coming in soft from the west at about 5 mph. Honestly, it's perfect for a walk at Torrey Pines, provided you don't mind the 38% humidity making it feel just a tiny bit crisper than the thermometer says.
Saturday is the outlier. We’re looking at a high of 77°F. That is exceptionally warm for mid-January. It’ll be cloudy, sure, but that "Santa Ana" effect is keeping the air dry (34% humidity). If you’ve got plans at the Zoo or Balboa Park, this is the day to do it, though you'll want to keep the water bottle handy.
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By Sunday, things settle back down. The high drops to 70°F with partly sunny skies. The northwest wind picks up just a notch to 7 mph, bringing back that coastal chill that San Diegans call "freezing" but everyone else calls "paradise."
Monday through Wednesday is a stretch of "Grey-ish" days. Highs will sit between 68°F and 67°F. It’s going to be cloudy, and while there’s a consistent 10% chance of rain mentioned in the data, don’t expect a downpour. It’s mostly just going to be that damp, misty marine layer vibe.
The Real Feel: Day vs. Night
One thing people always get wrong about San Diego in the winter is the "jacket factor." You see 72°F and think, "I'm good in a T-shirt."
Wrong.
As soon as that sun dips behind the Pacific, the floor drops out. We’re looking at overnight lows consistently around 53°F to 57°F. It’s a 20-degree swing. If you’re heading out to dinner in Little Italy or the Gaslamp, you’re going to want a layer. Locals know the "San Diego Uniform": shorts and a hoodie. It exists for a reason.
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Why the weather is so weird right now
You might be wondering why we went from record-breaking rain on January 1st to this dry spell. According to the National Weather Service, we're currently in a transition phase. La Niña is hanging on by a thread, but we’re moving toward "ENSO-neutral" conditions.
What does that mean in plain English?
It means the predictable patterns are out the window. Usually, a La Niña winter means we’re drier than average. But as we saw on New Year's, when a storm does break through, it hits like a freight train. Now, we’re back to the dry side of the coin. A building ridge of high pressure over the Great Basin is pushing air toward the coast. As that air rolls down the mountains, it compresses and warms up. That’s why Saturday is going to feel like a random Tuesday in May.
Microclimates are real
Don't let the "San Diego" forecast fool you if you're traveling around the county. This city is a maze of over 200 deep canyons and hills.
- The Coast: Usually stays in that 65°F-72°F sweet spot.
- Inland (El Cajon/Escondido): Can easily hit 80°F this weekend.
- The Mountains: Still chilly. While the coast is sunning, places like Julian are seeing much lower temps, though even they are staying dry for now.
Is it a good time to visit?
Honestly, yeah.
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January is peak gray whale migration season. Since the water is hovering around 58°F to 60°F, the whales are moving past us toward the warmer lagoons in Baja. You can see them from the cliffs at Point Loma without even getting on a boat. Plus, since the holiday rush is over, places like La Jolla Cove are actually navigable.
Just keep an eye on the UV index. Even when it’s 68°F and cloudy, the UV index is hitting 2 or 3. It’s not "burn in ten minutes" territory, but if you’re out hiking Cowles Mountain for two hours, you’ll feel it.
The humidity is also something to watch. We’re seeing it dip into the 30s this weekend. That’s dry air. Your skin will notice. Grab some lotion and some chapstick before you head out.
Final Take on the Week Ahead
The 7 day forecast for san diego california is basically a gift for anyone tired of the "real" winter happening in the rest of the country. We’re looking at a week of high 60s and low 70s, very little chance of actual rain, and plenty of opportunities to be outside.
Just remember to dress in layers. The sun is warm, but the shade is cool, and the night is cold. Welcome to winter in the corner of the map.
Pack a light jacket for the evenings when it drops to the mid-50s. If you're planning on hitting the water, bring a thick wetsuit; the Pacific doesn't care that the air is 77°F. Focus your outdoor activities on Saturday to catch the peak warmth, but keep Monday and Tuesday open for indoor museum hopping in Balboa Park if that 10% rain chance turns into a drizzle.