Traveler's Guide To San Diego Weather in January

San Diego Weather in January

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for many, so why not getaway to the West Coast to unwind from all the cooking, shopping, and hosting you’ve done over the last couple of months? Or maybe you’re still feeling the holiday spirit and want to ring in the New Year in an exciting new and probably warmer locale than you live in. Now it’s time to learn more about San Diego in January and why it’s the perfect post-holiday vacation spot.

How Is San Diego Weather in January?

You may be used to frigid temps, icy rain, or snowfall during January, depending on where you live, which makes San Diego California weather in January more appealing to you as you’re battling the winter blues. If you’re ready to plan a warmer and relaxing vacation where the temperatures are mild in the mid-sixties during the day and rarely drop below forty-eight degrees overnight, start searching for luxury hotels in San Diego and keep reading. 

Is January A Good Time To Visit San Diego?

The thing about San Diego that makes it a return destination or a place you want to move to is that the weather is relatively perfect all year long. Though the water may be too cold to swim or surf in during January, you’ve got plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures during the day where you can enjoy tons of activities. Historic Balboa Park is a must-visit as well as Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. If you’re someone that overheats quickly, exploring the majesty of San Diego is ideal in January temperatures as you’re likely to be more comfortable that way – making January an excellent time to visit.

How Warm Is It In San Diego In January?

San Diego, California, weather in January is some of the best in the world. You’re going to have an average daytime temperature around sixty-four degrees, and your average night temperature is forty-six degrees. This means packing for the day is easy with t-shirts and long pants and just a sweater or light jacket for the evenings.

Do People Go To The Beach In San Diego In January?

The average water temperature of the ocean in January is in the fifties, which will make it too cold for most people to want to dip their feet in, let alone go for a swim; but, there are plenty of things to do on the beach. The San Diego Resolution Run happens every year in January and is a marathon along the waterfront. Additionally, the beach is always a beautiful walk, no matter how low the temperature in San Diego in January gets. 

Is It Warm Enough To Swim In The Ocean in January?

As mentioned above, fifty-eight-degree water temperatures are likely too cold to swim in the ocean, but if you’re a triathlete training or someone who enjoys colder water, you may decide to dive right in!

What Is There To Do In San Diego In January?

From San Diego Restaurant Week, which happens in January and September annually, to the San Diego Brew Fest, there is plenty to do in January. San Diego weather in January is mild enough that you can enjoy plenty of outdoor and indoor activities alike. If you’re a nature enthusiast, many people agree that January is the best time to enjoy whale watching as they pass through to Mexico. If you’re a history buff, the Martin Luther King Jr. parade happens along the waterfront. The main takeaway is that with its natural beauty, myriad museums, and parks, in addition to the events, you can plan a packed itinerary or keep things relaxed and organic. Either way, there is plenty to do and enjoy!

Temperature in January

If you’re in the beginning stages of your trip planning, you’re probably wondering, “How is the weather in San Diego in January?” The good news is that year-round, San Diego’s weather is considered perfect. With your average daily temperatures in the mid-sixties and nighttime lows never dropping below forty-six degrees, the weather is incredibly comfortable. 

Humidity in January

The humidity during January is relatively low – staying around sixty percent. So, if you are a golf lover and coming to enjoy the Farmers Insurance Open in January, you’ll be very comfortable. If you’re coming to enjoy some of the famous car shows in San Diego, you’ll be able to dress in a t-shirt and jeans and be all set! And, make sure you eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants in the city (there’s something for everyone), and the weather is perfect for indoor or outdoor seating.

Sunshine in January

January is the month with the most sunshine for San Diego, with July being the least. In January, you have an average of 24 days of sun, which can’t be beaten at over 3/4 of the month – can your home state say that? With so much sunshine, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy walks along the beach, Balboa Park, and annual events like the Soundon Annual Festival of Music. This much sun also makes for the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh and local food from one of the many food trucks you’ll see out and about while touring the city!

Wind in January

When it comes to San Diego weather in January, it is the second least windy month of the year, right behind October. The average wind speed during the month is only five mph – which is beyond pleasant. This means you can enjoy beautiful beach walks and outdoor activities without strong gusts as you might see in other months. Taking your children to one of the many beaches and parks will be a blast with the comfortable temperatures and light wind speeds – perfect picnic weather, if we’re being honest. 

Rainfall in January

Thankfully the rainfall in January is modest at approximately five days out of the month and aggregates up to about 1.06 inches. That makes the chance of rain disrupting your plans minimal. But, if it does happen to rain during your visit, there are plenty of indoor options to keep you dry. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a great place for all ages, the La Jolla playhouse is always entertaining, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is a must-see on your trip. Finding delicious food is never hard in the city, so get on your smartphone and filter by what you’re craving!

Clouds in January

The average cloud cover is about twenty percent this month – but don’t worry, with all the sunshine and lack of rainfall, the clouds are gorgeous. You can enjoy any of your planned activities or organic meandering you have planned. And, if you’re looking after your skin as you should be, the little bit of cloud cover offers you welcomed protection along with your daily SPF!

Ocean Temperature in January

If you’re not a local and you’re planning your trip, surely you’ve asked yourself or friends in the area, “What’s the weather in San Diego in January?” Your reason for wondering could very well be because you want to know if you should pack a swimsuit for your visit. The ocean is likely too cold for you to enjoy taking a dip in January; the Pacific averages about fifty-nine degrees this month. But you can still try it out if you’re daring enough!

Daylight in January

In San Diego, the average daylight hours are around ten hours of the day. This makes it easy to enjoy watching not only the sunrise and the sunset but also to get in one of the many incredible outdoor activities mentioned above. If you’re the kind of person that lets your day unfold naturally without plans and commitments, you have the comfort of knowing there are quite literally “plenty of hours in the day.”

San Diego is easily considered one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country – with good reason. Much of that reasoning not only hinges on the breathtaking landscapes and the Pacific views but also its nearly year-round perfect weather. So, whether you’re visiting someone for the holidays and have decided to extend your trip through the New Year (we don’t blame you) or you’re coming for a business trip – you’ll be pleased with all there is to do here and the comfortable weather to do it in! Happy Trails, and enjoy your stay – we hope you stay awhile!