Going on vacation and wondering what to wear in San Diego? I’ve lived in San Diego for most of my life, so if you’re looking for advice you’ve come to the right place!
Casual and comfortable are the two words that best describe San Diegan style, so it’s likely you already have several staples in your wardrobe that will work well. If you’re comfortable, then mission accomplished!
But if you want to know what the locals usually wear (or check to see that you’ve got all the essentials!) then this San Diego packing list will help you figure out what you should bring!
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What to Wear in San Diego
Locals in San Diego usually wear casual clothes, especially for during the day. Shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops/sandals are very common and you’ll also often see people wearing exercise wear or yoga clothes. In beach towns and along the beach, it’s also common to see people wearing swimsuits and beachwear.
You’ll find that women often wear casual dresses or rompers that you can dress up and down depending on activities. This is perfect to take your outfit from day to night! Nice jeans and shirts are also a good option for dressing up and down as needed.
While casual clothes will get you through much of your vacation in San Diego, if you plan to go to any fancy restaurants you will also want to have a nice outfit (or one you can dress up from day to night). For women, the above-mentioned dresses or jeans and a nice shirt will usually work fine, and men will want nice jeans and a collared shirt. For nicer places like fancy restaurants, you will definitely not want to wear athletic wear, beachwear, t-shirts, or open toed shoes like flip flops (some clubs also have a dress code that prohibits these clothing items, so if you plan to go to clubs while in San Diego you’ll want to be aware of this!)
For both men and women, and for any time of year, you will definitely want to bring a jacket as it gets cold in the evenings (even in summer). Jeans are also good to have on hand in case you will be out in the evening when it gets a little chilly.
San Diego Weather
If you’ve heard anything about San Diego, it’s probably this: “It’s always sunny in San Diego!” However, this is only true maybe 90% of the time and depends on the year and season that you are here. Some seasons and some years are rainier and cloudier than others, but compared to much of the world we are truly spoiled with sun and (comparatively) warm temperatures.
You should always check the weather forecast before your trip, but let’s talk about some general guidelines for what to expect in different seasons in San Diego.
San Diego in Spring
March, April, and May in San Diego usually hover around an average in the range of mid to high 60° F during the day. Notice that this is the average. That means that maybe while you’re here it will be 80° one day, but then drop to the 60s or even high 50s within a couple days if we hit a rainy or cold spell. These months can be tricky because the temperatures can fluctuate pretty quickly and frequently.
At night, the temperatures during these months tend to however around the low to mid 50° F range. This is why you will want to have a jacket on hand!
Despite the somewhat unpredictable weather, spring is a beautiful time to visit San Diego. All the beautiful flowers start to bloom so if you’re lucky you may even get to see the famed superblooms nearby, and the weather is usually a perfect balance of not too hot and not too cold. If you check the weather before you go, you’ll know what to expect and what to pack to help you have the best time on your vacation.
San Diego in Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit San Diego, and for good reason! The weather in June, July, and August is usually quite predictably warm (maybe a little too warm in July and August sometimes!)
The average daytime temperature is in the high 70s, but depending on where you are in San Diego or San Diego County the actual temperature can often be anywhere from 70-110° F. It’s usually cooler by the ocean than it is inland, though, which is good news for vacationers…and you get the added bonus of cooling off in the water as well!
The average nighttime temperature is in the low 60s, so it’s still good to be prepared with at least a light jacket during the summer months. And if you plan to go places like Joshua Tree National Park to stargaze, you will want a jacket and maybe even jeans as it will often start to feel cold while you sit outside looking up at the sky.
San Diego in Fall
September can often still be quite warm in San Diego, but usually by October and November the temperature starts to drop. You can usually expect temperatures in the range of high 60s to mid 70s during these months.
I love this season in San Diego, because usually by mid-September the beaches start to clear out as most school children and college students have to return to school. But the weather is still warm and perfect for enjoying the beaches! If you’re able to travel to San Diego during this early fall season, you’ll enjoy some of the best sunny weather and the least crowds.
Fall nighttime temperatures bring averages of low 50s to low 60s, so definitely bring a jacket, jeans, and maybe even a long-sleeved shirt or sweater.
San Diego in Winter
December, January, and February are the coldest and rainiest San Diego season, but this “season” is still quite mild compared to most of the world’s conception of winter. The average temperature during the day is the mid 60s, although it can be quite a bit colder on some days. Nighttime temperature averages are around the mid to high 40s.
For this season, you’ll definitely want a jacket and jeans and other light sweaters or long-sleeved shirts. However, it’s not uncommon to find people still enjoying the beach during the winter, so be sure to bring your beachwear along too! My family has even gone to the beach here on Christmas before, so it’s possible to enjoy one of San Diego’s greatest attractions even when it’s winter. Just keep an eye on your weather app so you know what to expect.
San Diego Packing List for Women
Now that we’ve talked about some basics of what people usually wear in San Diego as well as what the weather is in different seasons, let’s look at a couple outfit choices in case you want to spruce up your wardrobe or just get an idea of what you might see people wearing!
1. Shorts
Shorts are one of the most essential San Diego staples, and you’ll see women of all ages wearing them around town and at the beach. Here are a few common styles:
7 For All Mankind Cutoff Shorts
2. Cute Shirts
You’ll see a lot of tank tops and short sleeve shirts in San Diego, and these are perfect whether you are going to be in the city or at the beach. Sometimes you can even dress these up for fancy restaurants or clubs. Here are a few cute styles:
Free People Floral Button Down Blouse
Faithfull Striped Shirt (also in other colors!)
French Connection Desert Tropicana Top
3. Dresses and Rompers
Dresses and Rompers are a great option for wearing during the day and can be dressed up to be worn for nice restaurants or evening activities as well! Here are a few of my favorite styles:
Faithfull Claudia Swim Cover Up
4. Jeans
As mentioned earlier, jeans are a staple for San Diego no matter the season as you may want them for the evenings if not during the day. Here are few common styles you may see here:
7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Jeans
Signature by Levi Strauss and Co. Modern Jeans
Lucky Brand Brooke Legging Jeans
5. Sweaters and Long-Sleeved Shirts
For the late fall and winter months, you will want to at least have some light sweaters and long-sleeved shirts on hand. Here are a few San Diego stylish options:
Free People Parisian Nights Top
Daily Ritual Long-Sleeve Sweater
Daily Ritual Long-Sleeve Ballet Back Shirt
6. Jackets
Like jeans, you will want a jacket or sweatshirt all year round in San Diego. Jackets are great for dressing up your outfit for evenings out, and sweatshirts are perfect for staying on the beach all day or having bonfires on the beach at night. Here are a few great options to choose from if you’re looking for a new jacket in your life:
Helly Hansen Verglas Hooded Coat
7. Sandals
San Diegans live in sandals. Whether that’s plastic flip flops at the beach and around town, or comfortable shoes like Birkenstocks, you really can’t separate us from our favorite footwear! You’ll definitely want a pair of sandals that you don’t mind getting wet, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or if you plan to see the tide pools. Here are a few of the best styles:
Havaianas Sandal (these are perfect for the beach!)
Naot Sabrina Sandal (these are super comfortable!)
8. Sneakers
Sneakers are a close second when it comes to San Diegans’ favorite shoes. You’ll see people wearing sneakers pretty much anywhere and anytime they aren’t wearing sandals. Regardless of what shoes you choose to bring, though, you will definitely want a pair of comfortable shoes that you can walk around in all day—especially if you’re going to famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo where you will walk A LOT.
Sketchers Flex Appeal Sneakers
9. Boots and Heels
Under some circumstances, you may also want a pair of boots or a nice pair of heels in your San Diego wardrobe. Boots are great for the winter/rainy season, and heels are perfect for dressing up jeans and a cute top for evening wear.
Steve Madden Declair Dress Sandals
Frye Naomi Pickstitch Ankle Booties
10. Swimsuits
What’s a vacation to San Diego without beach time? There are plenty of great swimsuit styles to choose from, but here are some fun ones you may want to consider:
Cupshe Lilies Print Swimsuit (This is my go to swimsuit!)
Cupshe Sunny Bay Floral Swimsuit
San Diego Packing List for Men
Now that we’ve covered some San Diego staples for women, let’s take a look at men’s style in San Diego as well.
1. Shorts
Shorts seem to be the go-to outfit for San Diego men. In fact, many of them boast that they can wear shorts and flip flops all year round. (Please don’t). But shorts do form an essential part of menswear in San Diego, so you will want to have a pair on hand.
2. Shirts
T-shirts and casual button down shirts are perfect for everyday wear in San Diego, and you can usually even “dress up” the button down shirts with a pair of nice jeans to wear to some of the nicer restaurants in the city. Here are a couple options if you’re looking for inspiration:
J.Crew Mercantile Striped T-Shirt
Billabong Jaquard Short Sleeve Shirt
3. Jeans
Jeans are important to have on hand especially for nicer restaurants, but are also widely used in the city. You will want a good pair on hand even if it isn’t winter, so here are some styles to consider:
4. Jackets
Jackets are an essential, and you’ll want a nice one for evenings out and may want to bring a sweatshirt as well for nights spent at or near the beach. Here are a few options that you will see throughout San Diego:
Levi’s Varsity Baseball Bomber Jacket
5. Sandals
Sandals are as essential a part of a San Diegan man’s wardrobe as shorts, and you will see them everywhere you go! Some men even say they have “dress” sandals and “beach” sandals, if that gives you any indication of how serious they are about their shoes. You will want to have a pair on hand that you don’t mind getting water on them, but don’t feel shy about wearing them all around the city too!
6. Shoes
What shoes besides sandals should you bring? Here are a few other styles of shoes you may want to consider for your San Diego vacation.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Tops
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chukka Boots
7. Swimsuit
And of course you’ll need a swimsuit for all the time you’ll be spending at the beach! Whether you like patterned or plain suits, here are a few possibilities:
Speedo Marina Volley Swim Shorts
Hurley Phantom Currents Swim Shorts
Other Items to Pack for San Diego
Now that you’ve got your basic wardrobe down, it’s time to think about a few other items you won’t want to forget to pack for your trip to San Diego!
1. Sunscreen
The best part about San Diego is the sun…but the worst part is sunburns! Be sure to have sunscreen on hand, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or outdoors. This is my favorite sunscreen for city use because it’s not messy, while this sunscreen is great for beach use.
2. Sunglasses
Did I mention the sun? Make sure to pack a pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes (and keep you from looking squinty in all your fantastic San Diego Instagrams!) Whether you already have your own favorite pair, choose to buy new ones like these cool floating bamboo glasses, or stick to a classic Ray-Ban silhouette, just BRING GLASSES.
3. Hat
One more sun-related item before we move on: you will likely want a hat. Especially at the beach or hiking. You can find a cute sunhat online or purchase one at a flea market here in San Diego, or you can go with a classic baseball cap.
4. Reusable Water Bottles
This is an essential! You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, as that’s one of the best parts of San Diego, and if you’re hiking or at the beach or walking around one of our famous theme parks then you will need to stay hydrated. Having your own reusable water bottles means you can fill it up on the go, and you’re also reducing your plastic use!
The Hydro Flask is great for keeping your drinks cool throughout the day, but this Camelbak bottle is leak free and light to carry around, so it really just depends on your personal choice for what is the best bottle for you.
5. Tote bags
Tote bags are great for carrying everything to the beach with you, and they’re also perfect for grocery shopping (California doesn’t give bags to you at grocery stores, so you’ll need to bring your own unless you want to pay extra).
Cotton and Canvas Co. has a whole line of punny totes that I love, so if you love puns too then maybe you’ll want to pick one up to have on hand for beach days or grocery runs.
6. GoPro
I love using my GoPro in San Diego, and it’s great to have on hand especially if you plan to go surfing, snorkeling, or do any other adventurous (or water related activity). I also like to use my GoPro dome to take split over/under water shots.
The GoPro is so small and easy to carry, and it is perfect for capturing your vacation moments! If you like adventurous activities and don’t already have a GoPro, now’s the perfect time to get one before you come to San Diego.
7. Daypack
Last but not least, you’ll want some sort of purse or daypack to carry everything you need with you—particularly for outdoors exploration. This could be as simple as a Jansport backpack, or you could get more fancy with this Pacsafe backpack for women or this one for men that are perfect for both outdoors activities and city exploration.