So, everyone told you San Diego is basically a giant desert with a beach attached, right? They said a La Niña year means you can pack your sunglasses and leave the umbrella in the closet. Honestly, if you’ve looked at the sky lately, you know that’s not exactly how 2026 is playing out.
The extended forecast for San Diego California is currently doing that weird thing where it defies the "official" seasonal outlooks. While the big climate models at NOAA were leaning toward a drier winter, the actual ground reality is a bit more... damp. We’ve seen a string of systems rolling through that have kept the succulents happy and the surfers busy.
If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out when to wash your car, here’s the real deal on what the next few weeks look like.
The 30-Day Breakdown: Sun, Rain, and the "Chilly" 60s
Right now, we are sitting in a transition period. The "La Niña Advisory" is still active, but the atmosphere is basically ignoring the memo.
For the rest of January, expect a seesaw. We just came off some decent rain earlier in the month—San Diego International Airport (KSAN) actually logged some heavy bursts back on New Year's Day and the days following. Looking ahead toward the end of January, the extended forecast for San Diego California suggests a dip in temperatures. We’re talking highs struggling to hit 66°F around the 24th, with a decent 45% chance of showers that night.
It’s not "winter" by East Coast standards, obviously. But 53°F at night feels like the arctic when you’re used to 75°F.
- Late January (Jan 24–31): This is the window where things get interesting. Most models show a "stormy period" potentially hitting. If you’re heading to the Zoo or Balboa Park, aim for the 27th—it looks mostly sunny with a high of 70°F.
- Early February: The Old Farmer’s Almanac and local met guys are calling for a warm-up. We’ll likely see some of those iconic 75°F days return before another wet system tries to push through mid-month.
Why the Forecast Keeps Changing (It's the Ocean, Stupid)
You've probably heard meteorologists mention "ENSO-neutral" conditions. Basically, the Pacific Ocean is in the middle of a massive mood swing. We’re transitioning away from the cooling of La Niña and moving toward a "Neutral" state, which basically means the weather can do whatever it wants without a dominant global driver.
There's even talk of an El Niño forming later in 2026. If that happens, the extended forecast for San Diego California for next winter could be a total washout. But for now, we’re stuck in this "weak" phase where the ocean is warm enough to fuel random storms that weren't originally on the invite list.
Coastal vs. Inland: Two Different Worlds
One mistake people make when checking the extended forecast for San Diego California is assuming "San Diego" is one place. It’s not. It’s a collection of microclimates.
If the forecast says 68°F and cloudy at the airport, it might be 78°F and piercingly sunny in El Cajon. Conversely, while the coast is wrapped in a thick "June Gloom" style marine layer (even in winter), the folks in Ramona might be seeing frost on their windshields.
Honestly, the inland valleys like Santee and Poway get the raw end of the deal in winter nights. While La Jolla rarely drops below 50°F because the ocean acts like a giant space heater, the inland spots can easily hit the low 40s. If you're staying east of I-15, pack a real jacket.
Practical Survival Tips for the SD "Winter"
If you’re looking at the extended forecast for San Diego California and seeing "20% chance of rain," don't cancel your plans. In San Diego, that often means it’ll mist for ten minutes and then the sun will come out and create a rainbow over the Coronado Bridge.
- Layers are non-negotiable. You’ll start the day in a hoodie, switch to a T-shirt at noon, and be back in a North Face puffer by 5:00 PM.
- The 10-Day Rule. Don't trust any specific daily forecast more than three days out. The Pacific is too volatile right now. Use the 10-day as a "vibe check" rather than a schedule.
- Watch the Surf. Often, a "storm" in the forecast won't bring much rain to the city but will bring massive 10-foot swells to Black’s Beach or Sunset Cliffs. Great for watching, dangerous for swimming.
The most reliable thing about the current extended forecast for San Diego California is that it’s warmer than where you are probably coming from. Even a "cold" day here beats a "warm" day in Chicago. Just keep an eye on that late January window (around the 24th-26th)—that looks like the next real chance for some soggy shoes.
To stay ahead of the shifts, check the updated water vapor satellite loops every morning. It'll show you exactly how much moisture is actually being sucked up from the subtropics before it hits Point Loma.