San Diego in January is great. The hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is over and prices lower than any other time of the year. The San Diego weather in January is not the best compared to the rest of the year, but still pleasant. But unpleasant weather is relative when it comes to San Diego. There is still plenty of sunshine to go around here in Southern California.
There are also lots of fun things to do in San Diego in January, including New Years Day brunches, participate in the Polar Plunge (if you dare), join the Martin Luther King Jr Parade, indulge in Restaurant Week, and it is by far the best time to go whale watching in San Diego. And if you want to see snow in San Diego, this is your best bet to experience it up in the mountains surrounding San Diego.
San Diego in January: Weather
Like I mentioned before, the weather in January in San Diego is not that great, but with an average high temperature of 66 F during the day, 50 F low during the night, and 6.7 average days of rain, “bad weather” is relative when it comes to San Diego.
The average day in San Diego still gets 7.7 hours of sunshine in January, despite it being the wettest month of the year. You can enjoy a total of 10.3 daylight hours, enough to explore the beautiful city.
Water temperatures in San Diego in January average 59.4 F, so it is too cold (for most people anyway) to go swimming.
Take a look at the average temperatures and rainfall for San Diego for the whole year:
Average Rainfall & Temperatures in San Diego
So what should you wear in January in San Diego?
On most days, you should be fine with long pants and a thin sweater and a (rain) jacket for the evenings. While it is mostly sunny, plan to bring a rain jacket of some sort or research some indoor activities for your itinerary in case it rains.
Things to do in San Diego in January
Check out this list of events in San Diego in January. There is a lot of fun stuff to do and cool January events that will start the new year off with a bang. Whether you are visiting from out of town or are a local San Diegan, make sure to add some of these highlights to your calendar.
Keep in mind that with current health guidelines and restrictions, that there may be changes to schedules and openings. Your best bet is always checking each of these websites for the most recent updated information.
New Years Day Brunch
When: January 1, 2021
Brunch is always a good idea and what better way is there to start into the new year than a brunch with friends? San Diegans love their brunch and has endless options. Take a look here:
New Years Day Brunch Cruise: Both Hornblower and Flagship offer New Years Day Brunch Cruises and they are a fun way to start the new year in style.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, check out our recommendations for the best brunch spots in San Diego and the best brunch in La Jolla.
La Jolla Polar Bear Plunge
When: January 1, 2021 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: La Jolla Shores, Kellogg Park
If you want to start the new year with something crazy, you could join the La Jolla Polar Bear Plunge. Join several hundred people who brave the cold water and jump into the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Shores. What a way to sober up.
San Diego Resolution Run
When: 2021 yet to be announced
Website
A perfect way to strengthen your New Years resolution. Join the 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon and enjoy this beautiful running route along the San Diego Waterfront.
San Diego Brew Fest
When: January 9, 2021 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Liberty Station
Website
Currently postponed
SoundON Festival of Modern Music
When: January 7-10, 2021
Where: Online
The San Diego SoundON festival features up and coming local composers and masters of Modern Music side by side. The 2021 event will be conducted online.
Poway Winter Festival
When: 2021 has been canceled
Where: Poway Community Park
Martin Luther King Jr Parade
When: January 19, 2021 (dates not yet confirmed)
Where: San Diego Waterfront
This annual event honors Martin Luther King Jr with a beautiful parade along the San Diego Waterfront. The parade is organized by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity of which Martin Luther King was also a member.
Whale Watching
January is one of the best times to go whale watching in San Diego and it is peak season for grey whales to pass by on their way to Mexico. Read our guide on the best whale watching tours here>>
Restaurant Week San Diego
When: January 17-24, 2021
Where: 180+ restaurants in San Diego
Website
UPDATE: San Diego Restaurant week has been postponed and will now be held April 11-18, 2021!
After a year of shutdowns and restaurant closures, this is a great way to support your favorite local eateries and try out some fun new places.
Farmers Insurance Open
When: January 28-31, 2021
Where: Torrey Pines Golf Course
Website
While the tournament will still take place, the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open will not allow spectators on the course.
San Diego International Auto Show
When: December 30, 2021 – January 2, 2022 (2021 event is canceled!)
San Diego California in January was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer.
San Diego in January: Weather, Events & Things to Do – Pin for Later
Last Updated on January 2, 2021 by Maria Haase
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Beautiful San Diego, California. I gotta leave Houston,Texas and go to San Diego California after this remarkable informative report. San Diego here i come.