Why May and June Are the Worst Months To Visit San Diego

This article describes which are the best and worst months to visit San Diego, California, and why.

San Diego, typically known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, is a top destination in the US for travelers year-round. However, as a resident and local expert, I can tell you that there is a period that might not live up to the sunny expectations you might have. Specifically, May and June are actually some of the worst months to visit San Diego due to the infamous “Gray May” and “June Gloom.”

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, you’d expect that May and June would be a good time because it is approaching summertime, but not high season yet. This usually means warm weather with smaller crowds. However, I would advise you against traveling during these months. They are typically the cloudiest months and are not quite warm enough to be on the beach without the sunshine. They can still beat the winter months (January and February) in terms of heat and rain, but they are often consistently cloudy.

Gray May and June Gloom

Gray May and June Gloom are terms used by locals to describe the persistent marine layer that hangs over the coastal areas of Southern California during these months. This marine layer is a dense blanket of clouds that often lingers throughout the day, sometimes breaking up in the afternoon but frequently sticking around until the evening. The result is a cloudy, cooler, and somewhat dreary atmosphere that can be quite a letdown for those expecting the endless sunshine you hear about.

Why It Happens

The phenomenon is caused by the interaction of the cool ocean air with the warmer inland air. During late spring and early summer, the Pacific Ocean is still relatively cold compared to the warming land. The water comes down from the Arctic rather than up from the south. This temperature difference causes the marine layer to form and get pushed inland, covering coastal areas like San Diego in a thick layer of clouds.

Impact on Weather

The lack of sunshine during May and June can make the weather feel cooler than expected. Daytime temperatures often hover in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, which, combined with the overcast skies, are not great for beach days. Sometimes the clouds can last for many days in a row, and occasionally the whole week.

Don’t get me wrong, San Diego is beautiful all the time in my opinion! But if you’re looking for sunshine, you might be disappointed during these months. I included a screenshot above of the climate data.

The Local Perspective

As someone who lives in San Diego, I can attest to the fact that Gray May and June Gloom are real and can affect the overall experience of visiting the city during these months. Many locals are used to it and plan their activities accordingly, but for visitors, it can be unexpected and disappointing.

A lot of locals actually like the cooler temperatures because it reduces tourism, and it means they don’t have to turn on A/C! Electricity prices are high in San Diego and the summers get hot, so this can be a welcome relief.

Activities Affected by the Gloom

• Beach Days: The main draw of San Diego for many visitors is the beautiful beaches. However, the overcast skies can make beach outings less enjoyable, with cooler temperatures and a lack of sunshine.
• Photography: If you’re looking to capture photos of San Diego’s landmarks and landscapes, the muted light and cloudy skies are not great for photography.

If you’ve already booked a trip, don’t worry. San Diego is still an amazing vacation destination for so many reasons, and you’re bound to get some sun!

When to Visit Instead

To experience the best of San Diego’s weather, I recommend planning a visit outside of the Gray May and June Gloom period. The summer months of July through September offer consistent sunshine, warm temperatures, and clear skies, making it the perfect time for beach activities, outdoor dining, and exploring the city!

Ideal Months

July to September: These months are typically warm and sunny, with clear skies and perfect beach weather.

Late September to October: Early fall can also be a great time to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds.

Where to Stay

Some of my favorite areas around San Diego are Coronado and Pacific Beach. Check out some options of where to stay using my map below. Two of my favorites are:

1. Hotel Del Coronado
2. Pacific Terrace Hotel

I’ve written about more of my hotel recommendations here.

Cloudy-Day Activities

If you are visiting and happen to have cloudy weather, there are still plenty of amazing things to do and see in San Diego. Here are some great cloudy-day activities for San Diego:

• Explore Museums in Balboa Park:
  • San Diego Museum of Art: Art from around the world.
  • San Diego Natural History Museum: Exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, and regional wildlife.
  • Fleet Science Center: Interactive science exhibits and an IMAX theater.
  • Museum of Photographic Arts: Photography from various time periods.
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum: History of aviation and space travel.
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Model train layouts and exhibits.
• Visit the USS Midway Museum: Tour the historic aircraft carrier in San Diego Bay and learn about its history and operations. Don’t miss the flight simulators and aircraft collection!
• Explore the Gaslamp Quarter: Walk through the historic Gaslamp district for its many restaurants, bars, and unique shops. Many offer indoor seating perfect for rainy days.
• Try Some Local Coffee: Sit inside and sip a coffee. Check out my recommendations here.
• Visit Seaport Village: Although some parts are outdoors, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy inside.
• Aquarium of the Pacific: Explore this world-class aquarium located in La Jolla.
• Old Town San Diego: Wander through historic buildings, shops, and restaurants while learning about early Californian history.
• Catch a Show or Concert:
  • The Old Globe Theatre: Renowned theater in Balboa Park.
  • San Diego Civic Theatre: Concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances.
• Explore Local Breweries (or Vineyards): San Diego has a great craft beer scene. Visit local breweries such as Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, or Modern Times for a tasting tour. Take a drive out to Temecula where it is usually sunny and check out the vineyards there.
• Liberty Public Market: Explore a variety of food vendors, local crafts, and unique shops housed in a historic naval training center.
• Indoor Rock Climbing: Try rock climbing at places like Mesa Rim Climbing Center or Vertical Hold.
• Shopping at Fashion Valley Mall or Westfield UTC: Spend the day shopping and eating!
• Visit the Birch Aquarium: Located at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this aquarium has awesome marine exhibits and ocean views.
• Plan a Spa Day: Relax at one of San Diego’s spas. Some popular ones are Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa or The Catamaran Spa.
• Movie Theaters: Catch a movie at one of San Diego’s theaters, such as the Angelika Film Center or Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas.

If you’re looking for more activities to do, I’ve included a list of my top 15 favorites in San Diego here.

Conclusion – Worst Months To Visit San Diego

San Diego is a fantastic destination with much to offer; however, May and June might not be the best months to experience its renowned sunny weather. The Gray May and June Gloom can cast a literal and figurative cloud over your visit, making it a less-than-ideal time for beach days and outdoor activities. I recommend planning your trip for the sunnier months, such as July through October.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.