What to Wear in San Diego in Winter: Month-by-Month Outfit Guide
San Diego in winter sits in the 45 to 60°F range. This is the layer-by-layer outfit guide for San Diego's winter weather — what to wear, what to pack for a visit, and the local context that shapes the recommendations.
WHAT TO EXPECT
45 to 60°F is the typical range for San Diego in winter (December, January, February). December through February. 60-70°F days, 45-55°F nights. Light sweater, jacket for evening. Occasional rain. The temperature range is the headline; what you actually feel depends on humidity, wind, and what indoor spaces you'll cycle through.
THE FOUNDATION LAYER
A standard cotton or synthetic shirt is fine. The base layer is conversation-piece territory — not survival.
THE MID LAYER
Optional. A light cardigan or unstructured blazer handles cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors.
THE OUTERWEAR
Trench coat, light wool blazer, denim jacket, or a packable shell. Layer the outerwear, don't replace it.
ACCESSORIES
A scarf for cool mornings, a packable umbrella, and shoes you can walk in for an hour.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO SAN DIEGO IN WINTER
Three layer permutations covering the 45 to 60°F range, plus accessories. If your trip spans the season's edge (early March or late November), pack toward the cooler end of the range — overestimating warmth is easier to recover from than underestimating.
LOCAL CONTEXT
Coastal vs. inland temperature differences are dramatic — La Jolla can be 15°F cooler than El Cajon. Evening drops in any season — always carry a sweater.