Weather

San Diego Weather in January

San Diego weather in January features cool and mild conditions with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the high 40s°F. Discover why January is a fantastic time to visit, what to pack, and the seasonal highlights that make it unique.

by Mac Douglass

Updated February 19, 2025

What Is the Weather Like in San Diego in January?

San Diego in January offers a mild winter experience, with average high temperatures around 65°F (18°C) and lows near 48°F (9°C). These temperatures make it an ideal month for outdoor exploration and cultural activities. Rain is minimal, and sunshine is abundant, with over 217 hours of sunlight throughout the month.

For those hoping to enjoy the beach, January might not be the best time for swimming due to cooler ocean temperatures. However, the mild weather is perfect for enjoying scenic coastal views, whale-watching excursions, and popular city attractions.

Average January Weather in San Diego

San Diego's January weather features mild highs around 65-66°F and cooler lows near 48-49°F, making it perfect for outdoor activities and seasonal events. Data from WeatherSpark.

Daytime Temperatures: Highs average around 65°F, with a slight warming trend by the end of the month.
Nighttime Temperatures: Lows hover near 48°F, occasionally dipping cooler late at night.
Rainfall: January sees light rain, averaging 1.53 inches across a few days.
Ocean Temperatures: Cooler waters limit swimming but provide stunning views for beachgoers.

January San Diego Weather Compared to Other Months

Month	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)	Days with Precipitation	Hours of Sunshine	Average Precipitation (in)
January	65	48	6	217	1.53
February	76	65	1	255	0.15
March	73	61	3	234	0.57
April	69	54	4	236	1.01
May	76	67	0	277	0.02
June	75	65	0	293	0.03
July	71	62	1	253	0.07
August	69	59	2	261	0.12
September	67	56	5	242	0.78
October	66	53	7	262	1.81
November	65	51	7	212	2.27
December	65	49	7	216	1.98

San Diego's weather in January is one of the mildest of the year, with average highs in the mid-60s°F and lows near 48°F.

Compared to the warmer months like June, where average highs reach 75°F, January offers a cooler and quieter atmosphere. While January features slightly more rainfall than summer, the balance of sunny days and pleasant temperatures makes it perfect for exploring the city’s attractions and enjoying seasonal activities.

Things to Do in San Diego in January

San Diego's January weather provides a great backdrop for exciting seasonal activities and events.

San Diego Rodeo (January 10-12): Experience the thrill of the first-ever rodeo at Petco Park, featuring C5 Rodeo Company and Outriders Present.
Farmers Insurance Open (January 22-25): Watch world-class golfers compete at Torrey Pines, with ocean views and fun fan attractions.
San Diego Restaurant Week (January 26 - February 2): Treat your taste buds during an 8-day food extravaganza featuring over 100 restaurants.
Winter Gray Whale Watching: Witness the breathtaking migration of 20,000 gray whales along San Diego’s coast—a bucket list experience.

Why Visit San Diego in January?

San Diego's January weather is perfect for a quiet escape, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures that make exploring easy and enjoyable. Highlights include: