Month guide · San Diego · United States
San Diego in September
What September is really like in San Diego: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrewjames954, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit San Diego. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. Often the warmest, clearest month at the coast, with summer crowds gone after Labor Day; occasional hot inland winds.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 21°C (70°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in September
September is the 2nd-warmest month in San Diego: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 30 days. Compared with August (25°C (77°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs drop to around 23°C (73°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:32
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:55
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea
- 21°C (70°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, September 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 September
September has no major recurring festival in San Diego, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Mission Beach
Mission Bay and Belmont Park
Rent bikes and ride the ocean-front boardwalk from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Museum · Embarcadero
USS Midway Museum
The aircraft carrier USS Midway served from 1945 to 1992 and is now moored on the downtown waterfront.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
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Waterfront · La Jolla
La Jolla Cove
Keep a respectful distance from the sea lions and seals; rangers and signs mark the closed areas.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Kids
- Iconic
Architecture · Coronado
Hotel del Coronado
The red-turreted wooden resort hotel opened in 1888 and has hosted presidents and film crews, including the cast of Some Like It Hot.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Couples
- History
The sea averages 21°C (70°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near San Diego.
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 19°C and 1 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit San Diego?
One of the best months to visit San Diego. The other best months are April–May and October. Compare every month.
San Diego in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit San Diego?
It is one of the best months to visit San Diego. Often the warmest, clearest month at the coast, with summer crowds gone after Labor Day; occasional hot inland winds.
+How warm is San Diego in September?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Diego in September?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.