San Diego Weather in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
May in San Diego delivers a delightful coastal transition into summer. With daytime temperatures comfortably averaging a high of 20°C and refreshing evening lows around 14.2°C, the climate invites relaxed outdoor living from morning until dusk.
While coastal mornings occasionally bring mild marine cloud cover, skies routinely clear to deliver an impressive 11 hours of daily sunshine. Rain is practically absent, totaling just 15mm across roughly 3.7 days, ensuring dry paths and dependable conditions for coastal exploration.
What to pack for San Diego in May
- Lightweight layers such as cotton t-shirts and breathable linen shirts
- Light knit sweater or denim jacket for breezy evenings by the ocean
- Comfortable walking sneakers or supportive sandals
- Polarized sunglasses and wide-brim sun hat
- Light windbreaker for coastal strolls and harbor cruises
What to pack for San Diego in May
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Where to stay in San Diego
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Spend unhurried afternoons exploring the Spanish-Renaissance architecture and outdoor gardens of Balboa Park, or wander the scenic coastal paths around La Jolla Cove. With calm weather and clear skies by midday, it is also a fantastic month for kayaking, paddleboarding, or harbor sailing.
May vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in San Diego. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit San Diego
While May has its own character in San Diego, the data-backed best months to visit San Diego are April, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for San DiegoOther places with a similar climate right now
San Diego in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit San Diego?
Is May a good time to visit San Diego?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In May, San Diego averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 14°C (58°F), with 15mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in San Diego in May?
What is the average temperature in San Diego in May?
The average high temperature in San Diego during May is 20°C (68°F), with an average low of 14°C (58°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does San Diego have in May?
How many rainy days does San Diego have in May?
San Diego averages approximately 4 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 15mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for San Diego in May?
What should I pack for San Diego in May?
For San Diego in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is San Diego in May?
How crowded is San Diego in May?
Tourist crowds in San Diego during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.