San Diego Weather in November 2026

November settles San Diego into its deep shoulder season. Highs cool to 21.2C (70F) with lows of 11.7C (53F), rainfall picks up to 34mm across 3.7 days, and sunshine drops to 9.3 hours as evenings arrive by 5pm. Gray whales start their southbound migration toward Baja lagoons and Point Loma's Cabrillo Monument becomes a whale-watching perch for anyone willing to bundle up. The marine layer largely disappears and morning skies stay crisp and clear.

Locals shift from beach mode to trail mode — hikes at Iron Mountain, Cowles, and Mission Trails become comfortable again after summer's heat lock. Thanksgiving weekend brings the Holiday Bowl parade prep and Little Italy's tree lighting. La Jolla harbor seals begin their pupping season around Children's Pool. Padres wind down offseason and the Chargers' absence still stings even years later — locals watch NFL at Barleymash and East Village dives. Late November brings La Jolla Playhouse's holiday show openings.

Ten-year data shows November rainfall variability increasing as atmospheric rivers arrive earlier some years — 2019 delivered nearly 200mm, 2021 barely 5mm. Temperature stays fairly steady with slight warming under 0.4C over the decade. 2026 forecasts point to a wetter-than-average November if the current Pacific storm track dips south, with two to three multi-inch storm events likely.

For 2026 travelers, November is bargain territory outside Thanksgiving week. Hotels run 40-50% below summer, La Jolla oceanview rooms drop under $300, and restaurant walk-ins work at spots that require six-week bookings in July. Book whale-watching boats a week ahead through November 2026 — trips run daily but sell out on clear-weather weekends. Thanksgiving week itself surges 60% on Wednesday and Sunday.