Month guide · San Diego · United States
San Diego in October
What October is really like in San Diego: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: preserveamerica.gov, Public domain
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit San Diego. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 11.3 hours of daylight. Warm days and pleasant evenings; Santa Ana winds can bring short hot, dry spells.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 19°C (66°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 4th-warmest month in San Diego: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with September (25°C (77°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:52
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:16
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea
- 19°C (66°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm sea, clear skies and fewer visitors; occasional Santa Ana heat waves in October.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
- Fleet Week events (usually autumn)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Downtown's historic district has around 90 Victorian and early-20th-century buildings along Fifth Avenue, many now restaurants and rooftop bars.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Food
- History
Museum · Embarcadero
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Ask about short bay cruises on the museum's historic boats, which leave from the same dock.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
Neighbourhood · Little Italy
Little Italy
India Street and its cross streets hold delis, gelato shops and restaurant patios, and the Saturday Little Italy Mercato is one of the city's largest farmers' markets, with local produce, flowers and food stalls stretching along Date Street.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
Religious site · Mission Valley
Mission San Diego de Alcalá
The trolley's Green Line stops a short walk away at Mission San Diego station.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 23°C, lows near 16°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit San Diego?
One of the best months to visit San Diego, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and September. Compare every month.
San Diego in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit San Diego?
It is one of the best months to visit San Diego. Warm days and pleasant evenings; Santa Ana winds can bring short hot, dry spells.
+How warm is San Diego in October?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Diego in October?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.