San Diego County, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to San Diego County, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to San Diego County, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to San Diego County
- Important essentials for San Diego County
- Activities for San Diego County
- San Diego County in January: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in February: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in March: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in April: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in May: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in June: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in July: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in August: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in September: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in October: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in November: weather and what to pack
- San Diego County in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to San Diego County, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in San Diego County, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for San Diego County, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in San Diego County, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in San Diego County. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for San Diego County, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in San Diego County is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to San Diego County, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
February
If you vacation in San Diego County during February, you may see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
March
March in San Diego County is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
April
April in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you go to San Diego County in May, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you visit San Diego County during June, you might notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
July
Traveling to San Diego County in July, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to help you stay cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
August
August in this region is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
September
If you visit San Diego County during September, you will probably notice that it is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
October
If you vacation in San Diego County during October, you are likely to find that it is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
November
Traveling to San Diego County in November, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in San Diego County is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to San Diego County, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
Activities for San Diego County, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for San Diego County.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Zoucheng, China, Schierke, Germany, Saint John, United States of America, Wau, Papua New Guinea, Chester, California, United States of America, Toulon, France, South Cameroon Plateau, Cameroon, Bojonegoro, Indonesia, Walla Walla, Alaska, United States of America, Winslow, Arkansas, United States of America, and Nottingham, England, United Kingdom.