As the holiday season approaches, many people start to think about their winter vacation plans. For those considering a trip to San Diego, a question that often arises is: “Is December a good time to visit San Diego?” The answer is a resounding yes! December can be an excellent time to visit San Diego, with mild weather, exciting events, and plenty of festive atmosphere. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of visiting San Diego in December and what you can expect from your trip.
Weather in December
San Diego’s weather is one of its biggest draws, and December is no exception. The average high temperature in December is a pleasant 68°F (20°C), while the average low temperature is a mild 51°F (11°C). This means that you can enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions without the sweltering heat of the summer months or the chilly temperatures of the winter months in other parts of the country.
December is also one of the driest months in San Diego, with an average of only 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) of rainfall. This makes it an ideal time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the rain and enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces.
Events and Festivities
December is a great time to experience San Diego’s festive atmosphere. The city hosts a range of events and festivities throughout the month, including:
- The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: This annual event takes place on December 7th and features a fleet of decorated boats sailing through the San Diego Bay.
- The La Jolla Christmas Parade: This festive parade takes place on December 14th and features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- The San Diego Holiday Bowl: This annual college football game takes place on December 31st and features two teams competing for the Holiday Bowl trophy.
- The Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Event: This festive event takes place on December 6th and features live music, food, and drinks, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Outdoor Activities
San Diego’s mild winter weather makes it an ideal time to enjoy the city’s outdoor activities. Some popular options include: (See Also: What Is the Best Time to Visit Summit One Vanderbilt – Avoid Crowds and Long Waits)
- Beach-hopping: San Diego has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and December is a great time to visit them. Some popular options include La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Mission Beach.
- Hiking: San Diego has a range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. Some popular options include Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and Cowles Mountain.
- Surfing: San Diego has some of the best surf spots in the country, and December is a great time to hit the waves. Some popular options include La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach.
Shopping and Dining
San Diego is a shopper’s paradise, and December is a great time to find some great deals. Some popular shopping destinations include:
- The Westfield UTC: This upscale shopping center features a range of high-end retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co.
- The La Jolla Village: This charming neighborhood is home to a range of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- The Gaslamp Quarter: This historic neighborhood is home to a range of trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and restaurants.
San Diego is also a foodie’s paradise, with a range of delicious restaurants serving up everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine. Some popular options include:
- Anthony’s Fish Grotto: This seafood restaurant has been a San Diego institution for over 50 years, serving up fresh seafood dishes in a cozy, nautical-themed setting.
- La Taqueria: This casual Mexican restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for over 30 years, serving up delicious tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes at affordable prices.
- The Fish Market: This seafood restaurant has been a San Diego staple for over 30 years, serving up fresh seafood dishes in a lively, nautical-themed setting.
Accommodations
San Diego has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and style. Some popular options include:
- Boutique hotels: San Diego has a range of boutique hotels, including the Hotel del Coronado, the Westgate Hotel, and the Hotel La Jolla.
- Beachfront hotels: San Diego has a range of beachfront hotels, including the Hotel Coronado, the Hotel La Jolla, and the Hotel Pacific Beach.
- Vacation rentals: San Diego has a range of vacation rentals, including apartments, houses, and condos. These can be a great option for families or groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, December is a great time to visit San Diego. The weather is mild, the events are festive, and the outdoor activities are plentiful. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the city’s outdoor spaces, or enjoy the festive atmosphere, San Diego has something for everyone. So why not start planning your trip today and experience all that San Diego has to offer in December?
Recap
Here’s a quick recap of the benefits of visiting San Diego in December: (See Also: Best Time of Day to Visit the Shard – Avoiding the Crowds)
- Mild weather: San Diego’s average high temperature in December is 68°F (20°C), making it an ideal time to visit.
- Festive atmosphere: San Diego hosts a range of events and festivities throughout the month, including the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and the La Jolla Christmas Parade.
- Outdoor activities: San Diego has a range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including beach-hopping, hiking, and surfing.
- Shopping and dining: San Diego is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of high-end retailers and trendy boutiques. The city is also a foodie’s paradise, with a range of delicious restaurants serving up everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine.
- Accommodations: San Diego has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and style, including boutique hotels, beachfront hotels, and vacation rentals.
FAQs
Q: Is December a good time to visit San Diego?
A: Yes, December is a great time to visit San Diego. The weather is mild, the events are festive, and the outdoor activities are plentiful.
Q: What are some popular events in San Diego in December?
A: Some popular events in San Diego in December include the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, the La Jolla Christmas Parade, and the San Diego Holiday Bowl.
Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in San Diego?
A: Some popular outdoor activities in San Diego include beach-hopping, hiking, and surfing. San Diego has a range of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and surf spots to enjoy.
Q: What are some popular shopping destinations in San Diego?
A: Some popular shopping destinations in San Diego include the Westfield UTC, the La Jolla Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego has a range of high-end retailers, trendy boutiques, and vintage shops to explore. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Lake District in Autumn – Discover The Hidden Gems)
Q: What are some popular dining options in San Diego?
A: Some popular dining options in San Diego include Anthony’s Fish Grotto, La Taqueria, and The Fish Market. San Diego has a range of delicious restaurants serving up everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine.
