What January feels like in San Diego
In San Diego, January brings mid-winter. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cool. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in San Diego in January
Wet days are occasional rather than regular, about one day in 6. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.1 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is heavier than San Diego's usual 8.3 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 6:51 am and sets around 5:04 pm local time, giving 10 h 13 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 12 min more daylight than in mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 87% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In San Diego's temperature order, January sits as the 3rd coolest month. It is about as warm as December, with 1 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. February averages a high of 17.6°C (63.7°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting San Diego in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is San Diego in January?
It feels cool: typical highs are 17.7°C (63.9°F), with lows near 8.5°C (47.3°F).
Does it rain a lot in San Diego in January?
Only moderately: roughly 5 wet days and 55 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in San Diego in January?
Pack versatile layers, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting San Diego?
January, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among San Diego's months, against #11 for the other. February has more rainy days.