San Diego weather is a weird, beautiful lie. We tell the world it’s 72 and sunny every single day, and honestly, we aren't usually far off. But if you’re looking at the five day weather forecast San Diego is serving up right now, you might notice something. It’s mid-January. The "winter" that everyone else in the country is suffering through is basically a suggestion here.
Right now, we are looking at a stretch of weather that feels more like a confused spring. Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we’re hitting a high of 73°F. It’s bright. It’s clear. It’s exactly why people pay three million dollars for a shoebox in North Park. But don’t let the sunshine trick you into thinking it's t-shirt weather 24/7.
The Reality of the Five Day Weather Forecast San Diego
If you’re planning your week, here is the raw deal on what’s actually happening. We’re in a high-pressure groove. That means clear skies and decent warmth during the day, followed by a sharp drop once the sun dips behind the Pacific.
Thursday is looking like a carbon copy of today. Highs around 73°F, lows hovering at 50°F. Friday keeps the streak alive at 72°F, though we might see a few more clouds drifting in by the evening. By the time we hit the weekend, Saturday and Sunday actually warm up a bit more, potentially touching 75°F.
It’s perfect. Almost too perfect.
But here’s the thing about the five day weather forecast San Diego—it never tells the whole story. You’ve got to understand the "microclimate" factor. If you’re at the beach in La Jolla, it’s going to feel crisp and salty. Drive fifteen minutes inland to El Cajon or Santee? You can easily add five to eight degrees to those afternoon highs.
Why January is the "Sneaky" Season
Most people think of summer as the prime time for San Diego. They're wrong. July is often gray and humid thanks to the marine layer. January? January is when the air is the clearest.
The National Weather Service (NWS) data shows that we are currently sitting in a very dry air mass. Humidity is bottoming out around 30% to 44%. This is "Santa Ana lite" territory. We aren't seeing those crazy 50 mph gusts that occasionally blow through the Riverside mountains, but the air is definitely drier than usual.
- The Layering Rule: If you leave the house at 10:00 AM in a hoodie, you’ll be sweating by noon. If you leave in a tank top, you’ll be shivering by 5:30 PM.
- The UV Factor: Don't be a rookie. Even at 72 degrees, the sun is intense. The UV index is sitting around a 3 right now, which is enough to burn you if you're sitting out at Balboa Park for three hours without sunscreen.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Forecast
People see "sunny" and think "beach day." Kinda. The air is warm, sure. But the Pacific Ocean is currently sitting at about 58°F. That is "lose your breath" cold. Unless you’re a local surfer with a 4/3mm wetsuit, you probably aren't going for a swim.
Also, look at the low temperatures. A low of 49°F or 50°F sounds mild to someone from Chicago, but in a city built for 75-degree weather, it feels frigid. Most San Diego homes aren't exactly known for their world-class insulation. You’ll see locals walking around in puffer jackets the second the thermometer hits 64. It’s just how we are.
Breaking Down the Next Few Days
Thursday, Jan 15: We're looking at a high of 73°F. The wind is coming from the west at a lazy 5 mph. It’s basically a postcard. If you have the day off, go to the Zoo. It's peak "animals are actually moving around" weather.
Friday, Jan 16: Still 72°F. We might see a 5% chance of a stray sprinkle overnight, but honestly, don’t cancel your plans. It’s mostly just the marine layer trying to make a comeback.
Saturday, Jan 17: This is the peak of the five day weather forecast San Diego cycle. We could hit 75°F. The humidity stays low, making it that classic "dry heat" that makes California famous. Perfect for a hike at Torrey Pines, though the parking lot will be a nightmare.
Sunday, Jan 18: Still holding strong at 74°F. A bit more cloud cover might roll in during the evening, signaling a slight cooling trend for the following week.
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Expert Tips for Navigating San Diego's Mid-Winter
If you’re visiting or just trying to survive the week, you need a strategy. This isn't the Midwest where the weather is a blunt instrument. Here, it’s a surgical tool.
First, ignore the "high" temperature if you're planning an evening out. The transition from day to night is fast. The moment the sun sets—which is around 5:00 PM right now—the temperature drops like a stone.
Second, check the wind. Even a 7-mph breeze off the ocean can make a 70-degree day feel like 62. If you're heading to the Embarcadero or the Star of India, bring a windbreaker.
Third, take advantage of the visibility. These clear, dry winter days offer the best views of the year. From the top of Mount Soledad, you can probably see all the way down to the Coronado Islands and maybe even the snow on the San Bernardino mountains to the north.
Actionable Steps for Your Week
- Pack the "San Diego Uniform": Jeans, a t-shirt, and a medium-weight flannel or light jacket.
- Go Whale Watching: We are in the middle of the gray whale migration. With these clear skies and calm seas (winds around 3-6 mph), it's the best time to be out on a boat.
- Hydrate: Dry air is sneaky. You don't feel yourself sweating like you do in the summer, but you're losing moisture.
- Stay Coastal for the Best Temps: If you want to stay in that 70-degree sweet spot, stick to the coast. If you head toward the mountains (Julian or Pine Valley), expect it to be 10 degrees colder and much windier.
Basically, the five day weather forecast San Diego is telling you to get outside. It’s a rare window of perfect clarity before the late-winter rains eventually show up in February. Enjoy the "winter" sunshine while it lasts.
Check your local microclimate station if you're moving between the coast and inland valleys, as those 10-degree swings are real and they will catch you off guard.