Are you feeling the winter blues and looking for a sunny vacation? As a San Diego family photographer and local, I always encourage families to visit. San Diego is not only the perfect backdrop for making beautiful memories, but the photo opportunities are endless. Whether your crew are beach bums, adventurous explorers or just looking to enjoy time together – I’ve got you covered. Throughout the blog I’m sharing my tips for the best times to visit San Diego from a local’s point of view.

San Diego Through the Seasons

Not only is San Diego consistently one of the most beautiful cities (I’m convinced!), we’re also rewarded with incredible weather pretty much year-round. No matter what time of year works for your family to come visit, you’ll enjoy mild weather and unique experiences for all.

Winter Months (December – February)

While many are freezing their tails off during winter, San Diego winters are warm, sunny, and mild. With temperatures ranging from 50-65°F (10-18°C), this time of year is perfect for cozy sweaters and cooler beach family photos. During the winter months, you can enjoy the whale-watching season. Take your family out on a boat to witness the beauty of some of the most majestic creatures up close and personal. During the winter months, you can expect lighter crowds, which can also make planning activities that much easier!

Spring is One of the Best Times to Visit San Diego (March – May)

If you’re looking to escape during spring break, consider heading to San Diego! Spring here is an absolute dream, temperatures rise slightly to a perfect 60-70°F (15-21°C). Not only is this weather perfect for outdoor family photos, but for beach days, and hiking. Balboa Park is stunning this time of year and a total must see spot when visiting. Spring is a great time for families to experience a little bit of everything in San Diego.

Summer in San Diego is Top Notch (June – August)

Summer is the most popular time for visitors to arrive, and for good reason. San Diego truly shows off during the summer months. The weather is unbeatable around 70-80°F (21-27°C), perfect for beach days with the kids. Unfortunately, many people agree that the summer is one of the best times ot visit San Diego. What does that mean for you? Beaches, freeways and other fun experiences get crowded quickly, especially on the weeknds. However the busy summer energy is a fun backdrop for candid family photos! If you don’t mind a crowd, plan to check out the San Diego County Fair and Comic-Con.

Fall (September – November)

To round out the year in San Diego, let’s talk about the fall season. While temperatures begin to drop, it’s still a comfortable 65-75°F / 18-24°C. While the summer rush begins to go home, this time of year makes for enjoyable days on the beach and fun family nights out. Consider stopping by to enjoy local events like San Diego Beer Week and the Fleet Week celebration.

Tips for Smooth Family Fun

As you may have predicted, traffic in San Diego can get a little crazy. Try to avoid the traffic jams by planning ahead of rush hour, typically between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays. Generally traffic throughout the year is consistent, although during the winter months you can expect lighter traffic. Summer traffic can be intense as most people visit during these warmer months. Don’t let traffic dissuade you from visiting, consider public transporation or rideshares to avoid parking mishaps!

San Diego Family Photos are Beautiful Year Round

So, when is the best time to visit San Diego? Honestly, San Diego is beautiful any time of year. Not only is the weather enjoyable pretty much year-round, the opportunity for family adventure and fun is endless. Pack your bags, plan some fun experiences, and maybe even book a local family photographer (wink, wink) to help remember your San Diego family vacation!