Average monthly temperatures range from about 57 °Fahrenheit (14°C) in January to 72° Fahrenheit (22°C) in July, although late summer and early autumn are typically the hottest times of the year. The average annual daily temperature is 70.5°Fahrenheit. Snow and ice are virtually nonexistent in the wintertime, typically occurring only inland from the coast when present.

"May gray and June gloom", a local saying, refers to the way in which San Diego sometimes has trouble shaking off the marine layer, a cloudy layer typically higher in the atmosphere than fog, that comes in during those months. Temperatures soar to very high readings only on rare occasions, chiefly when easterly winds bring hot, dry air from the inland deserts (these winds are called "Santa Anas").

The record highest temperature at the airport is 111°F (44°C) on September 26, 1963, and the record lowest temperature is 29°F (-2°C) on January 4, 1949.

Two California Brown Pelicans with the San Diego skyline in the background Two California Brown Pelicans with the San Diego skyline in the background The average annual precipitation is less than 12 inches (300 mm), resulting in a borderline arid climate. Rainfall is strongly concentrated in the cooler half of the year, particularly the months December through March, although precipitation is lower than any other part of the U.S. west coast.

The summer months are virtually rainless. Rainfall is highly variable from year to year and from month to month, and San Diego is subject to both droughts and floods. Thunderstorms and hurricanes are very rare.

Measurable snowfall has never occurred in downtown San Diego; snow flurries were reported at the airport in January 1949 and January 1979. Light amounts of snow have occurred in higher locations within the city limits, according to the National Weather Service's climatological summary.

Climate in the San Diego area often varies dramatically over short geographical distances, due to the city's topography (the Bay, and the numerous hills, mountains, and canyons): frequently, particularly during the "May gray / June gloom" period, a thick "marine layer" cloud cover will keep the air cool and damp within a few miles of the coast, but will yield to bright cloudless sunshine between about 5 and 15 miles (24 km) inland -- the cities of El Cajon and Santee for example, rarely experience the cloud cover. This phenomenon is known as microclimate.

Carlsbad sits along San Diego's northern coast and has a beautiful shoreline that is less traveled than some of the better known beach areas. Fantastic values on oceanfront hotels and a growing supply of vacation resorts make this area very appealing to travelers. It is an ideal location for visiting nearby LEGOLAND and the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The Carlsbad Premium Outlets offer impressive savings on designer apparel and accessories. The Museum of Making Music is a favorite spot for concerts, festivals and exhibits. Golf, tennis and day spas provide outdoor fun and leisure. Carlsbad Village is the heart of the city center and boasts a charming collection of boutiques, Victorian architecture and art that is inspired by a seaside lifestyle. Pick up a free walking tour map to help you explore the Art and Antique Mall or discover the twenty-six hand-painted fire hydrants that symbolize the area's heritage and culture.

San Diego Climate

TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS

1.       Legoland

2.       San Diego Zoo

3.       San Diego Wild Animal Park

4.       SeaWorld

5.       San Diego's Fabulous Four Combo

6.       Southern California Attraction Pass

7.       San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours

8.       Passport to Balboa Park

9.       San Diego Harbor Excursion

10.     Hornblower Cruises & Events