November might be the smartest month to visit San Diego. Summer crowds have cleared out of the Gaslamp Quarter and Mission Beach, hotel rates sit well below the June-through-September peak, and daytime temperatures still reach about 21°C (69°F). Evenings cool to around 11°C (51°F), so you'll want a layer for sunset walks along the Embarcadero, but nothing heavier than a light jacket most nights.
The Pacific holds residual summer warmth near 18°C (64°F), making this the last comfortable month for snorkeling at La Jolla Cove or surfing in Ocean Beach before the winter cool-down. Gray whale migration picks up off the coast near Point Loma by mid-November. San Diego Beer Week, a 10-day celebration in early November, draws craft-beer travelers to the city's 150-plus breweries. The city scores 9.5/10 for family friendliness (see /research/family-friendliness/), and major attractions operate at full capacity with noticeably shorter queues than any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The month's one variable is the Santa Ana winds. These periodic events push dry desert air westward, sometimes lifting afternoon temperatures 8-10°C above the baseline for 2-3 days running. They bring extraordinary visibility and a sharp golden quality to the afternoon light over the Pacific. The tradeoff is elevated wildfire risk in the backcountry hills east of the city. Coastal neighborhoods rarely feel direct effects, though smoke haze can settle over the skyline if an inland fire ignites.
Why visit in November
- Hotel rates typically drop 20-30% from summer peak pricing, with availability at Del Mar and North Park properties that book out months ahead in July and August
- LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 9.5/10 (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), with Hillcrest's restaurants and bars fully active through the cooler months
- Weekday waits at the San Diego Zoo, founded in 1916, often run under 10 minutes compared to 30-45 minutes during peak summer weekends
- Post-Thanksgiving rates drop further in the last week of November, making it one of the cheapest windows to fly into San Diego International Airport
Worth knowing
- Rain returns after 5 nearly dry months, with each of the 2-3 November storms bringing 24-48 hours of overcast skies and onshore wind strong enough to close beach umbrellas
- Sunset arrives by 4:50 PM in late November, compressing the outdoor exploration window by roughly 3 hours compared to June
- Several attractions shift to reduced weekday schedules after Halloween. SeaWorld San Diego, founded in 1964, and some harbor cruise operators run fewer Monday-through-Thursday departures.
Best for
Think twice if
Most November days follow a gentle Southern California rhythm. Cool mornings, sometimes with thin coastal fog along Harbor Island and Shelter Island that lifts by mid-morning. Warm, dry afternoons where short sleeves feel right. A distinct chill setting in within 30 minutes of sunset. Roughly 40mm of rain falls across the month, concentrated in 2-3 Pacific storm systems that each last a day or two, with long dry stretches between them. Average humidity holds at 66%, well below the sticky threshold of tropical destinations. During Santa Ana events, humidity can drop to single digits and the air turns bone-dry.
Seasonal caution
- Santa Ana wind events occur 2-4 times during November, bringing hot, dry gusts from the inland deserts that raise wildfire risk in the hills east of the city. Monitor CalFire alerts before hiking inland, and expect possible trail closures in Cleveland National Forest and eastern county parks. Coastal areas are rarely affected directly, though smoke haze can drift over the metro if a fire ignites within 80 km (50 miles).
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17 | 8 | 72 |
| Feb | 18 | 9 | 54 |
| Mar | 17 | 10 | 85 |
| Apr | 19 | 12 | 8 |
| May | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| Jun | 22 | 16 | 3 |
| Jul | 24 | 18 | 5 |
| Aug | 25 | 19 | 12 |
| Sep | 25 | 18 | 24 |
| Oct | 24 | 15 | 18 |
| Nov | 21 | 11 | 40 |
| Dec | 18 | 9 | 41 |
Holidays and festivals in November
Public holidays
- Veterans Day(Veterans Day)11 November 2026
- Thanksgiving Day(Thanksgiving Day)26 November 2026
When is Christmas season in 2026?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in San Diego. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise
- 2.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch Cruise
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise
- 2.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
San Diego Christmas Day Brunch Buffet Cruise
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Best things to do in November
Gray whale watching boat tour
wildlifeHalf-day boat tours depart from the harbor and head toward the open Pacific to intercept southbound gray whales on their 16,000 km (10,000-mile) migration from Alaska to Baja California. Sightings improve as the month progresses, and most operators offer a sighting guarantee or free rebooking.
Southbound gray whale migration ramps up through November, with sighting frequency roughly doubling between the first and last week of the month.Booking tipBook weekend departures at least a week ahead. Weekday morning trips tend to have smaller boats and fewer passengers.
Hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
hikingThe reserve's exposed bluff-top trails wind through groves of the rare Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana), one of the rarest pine species in North America, with sweeping views of the Pacific 100 meters below. The Guy Fleming Trail and Razor Point Trail are the two standouts, each under 2 km (1.2 miles) round trip.
Summer heat made these shadeless, south-facing trails punishing by 10 AM. November's cooler temperatures make midday hiking comfortable for the first time since May.Booking tipArrive before 9 AM on weekends. The small parking lot fills early, and there is no roadside overflow.
Brewery crawl through North Park
food and drinkNorth Park's 30th Street corridor concentrates more than a dozen craft taprooms within a 15-minute walk. During Beer Week, many pour collaborative brews and one-off recipes unavailable outside the event, alongside their regular lineups.
San Diego Beer Week transforms the neighborhood's tasting rooms with exclusive releases and events that attract dedicated beer travelers from across the country.Booking tipBeer Week events at popular taprooms sell out fast. Check the official Beer Week calendar when it posts in late October and buy event tickets early.
Tidepooling at Cabrillo National Monument
natureThe rocky intertidal zone at the southern tip of Point Loma, within Cabrillo National Monument (founded 1913), exposes sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea stars, and the occasional octopus during low tides. Rangers lead interpretive walks on selected mornings.
November produces several of the year's lowest tide events, typically in early morning, exposing rock shelves normally underwater and revealing animals invisible at average tides.Booking tipCheck NOAA tide tables for negative tides (below 0.0 feet). Arrive 30 minutes before the predicted low for the best window. There is a per-vehicle entry fee, valid for 7 days.
Surfing at Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach
water sportsNovember swells from the northwest begin arriving at San Diego's beach breaks, producing head-high waves on good days at the Ocean Beach Pier and Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach. The water still holds enough summer warmth for a standard 3/2mm wetsuit.
Early-season northwest swells combine with residual warm water, offering the best ratio of wave quality to comfortable water temperature before winter wetsuits become necessary.Booking tipSurf schools run lessons year-round. November weekday mornings tend to have the emptiest lineups and the most patient instructors.
Cycling the Bayshore Bikeway around Coronado
cyclingThis roughly 39 km (24-mile) paved loop circles San Diego Bay, crossing the Coronado Ferry Landing and passing through Silver Strand State Beach. The flat terrain and waterfront views make it accessible to casual cyclists.
November's mild temperatures and low humidity make a 2-3 hour ride comfortable without the dehydration risk of summer, and fewer tourists share the path.Booking tipBike rental shops near the Coronado Ferry Landing offer half-day and full-day rates. Reserve ahead on holiday weekends.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Fuyu persimmons
California's short persimmon season peaks in November. These squat, orange fruits are sweet and firm enough to slice raw, and local farmers markets pile them high through the month. Look for both Fuyu (eaten crisp) and Hachiya (eaten soft, almost custard-like) varieties.
Pomegranates
Southern California pomegranate harvest peaks in October and November. You'll find the seeds in cocktails, salads, and grain bowls at restaurants across Little Italy, and whole fruit at every neighborhood farmers market.
On menus now
Pozole
This hearty Mexican soup built on hominy and slow-braised pork appears on more menus as evenings cool. Restaurants and taco shops in Barrio Logan and National City serve it with shredded cabbage, radish, and dried oregano on the side.
Street food peaks
Tamales
The pre-holiday tamale season begins across San Diego's Mexican communities in early November. Look for them at bakeries and street vendors in San Ysidro and Old Town, sold by the dozen, wrapped in corn husks and filled with pork, chicken, or cheese and green chile.
What to drink
Beer Week limited releases
San Diego's annual Beer Week brings one-off imperial stouts, barrel-aged sours, and specialty IPAs brewed for the cooler season. Many are draft-only pours that disappear within days of tapping.
Regular events in November
San Diego Beer Week
The city's annual celebration of its craft beer culture. Breweries and restaurants citywide participate with special menus, tasting events, and beers brewed specifically for the occasion. The festival spans more than 100 venues across neighborhoods from North Park to Ocean Beach.
Early NovemberDía de los Muertos at Old Town San DiegoFree
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park hosts one of the city's largest Day of the Dead celebrations, with ofrendas (altars), live mariachi, face painting, and traditional pan de muerto. The community atmosphere reflects San Diego's deep cultural ties to Mexico, 25 km (16 miles) to the south.
November 1-2San Diego Veterans Day ParadeFree
One of the largest Veterans Day parades on the West Coast, reflecting San Diego's status as a major military hub with Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Camp Pendleton all nearby. The parade follows Harbor Drive along the waterfront.
November 11San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival
A multi-day festival featuring wine tastings, chef demonstrations, and seated dinners across venues near the waterfront. The Grand Tasting event brings together hundreds of wineries and local restaurants for an afternoon of sampling and pairing.
Mid-NovemberSan Diego Gulls hockey at Pechanga Arena
The city's AHL team plays regular-season home games at Pechanga Arena (opened 1966), offering a local sports atmosphere with affordable tickets. November typically features 4-6 home dates.
Multiple dates throughout NovemberSDSU Aztecs football at Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego State University's Mountain West Conference home games at Snapdragon Stadium (opened 2022) draw local fans and visiting alumni. The 35,000-seat venue in Mission Valley is one of the newest college football stadiums in the country.
Game dates vary by seasonBest places this November
Balboa Park
parkThis 1,200-acre urban park, established in 1868, holds 17 museums, several gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. November's thinned crowds make it possible to walk the El Prado promenade at leisure, sit in the Alcazar Garden without competing for benches, and visit 3-4 museums in a single afternoon.
Balboa ParkTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
nature reserveThe reserve protects one of only two native populations of the Torrey pine tree. Several short trails lead to cliff-edge overlooks above the Pacific. November opens the midday hiking window that summer's heat closes.
La JollaMission San Diego de Alcalá
historic siteCalifornia's first mission, founded in 1769, sits in Mission Valley about 15 minutes from downtown. The quiet inner courtyard and sparse white adobe walls feel more contemplative in November than during the crowded summer months. Worth pairing with a walk through the adjacent gardens.
Mission ValleySunset Cliffs Natural Park
viewpointA string of eroded sandstone cliffs along the western edge of Ocean Beach. Locals gather here for sunset, and November's earlier sundown means the show starts before dinner rather than at 8 PM. The lower sun angle creates deep color bands over the Pacific on clear evenings.
Ocean BeachSan Diego Museum of Art
museumFounded in 1926 and housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival building on El Prado in Balboa Park. Its collection spans European old masters, Asian art, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. A strong option if one of November's storms washes out a beach day.
Balboa ParkTimken Museum of Art
museumSmaller and less visited than its Balboa Park neighbors, the Timken (founded 1965) houses an excellent collection of European paintings and Russian icons. Admission is free, making it one of the few no-cost cultural stops in the park. You can see the entire collection in under an hour.
Balboa ParkLittle Italy
neighborhoodThis waterfront neighborhood north of downtown has become San Diego's dining destination, with Italian restaurants alongside newer Asian and Latin American spots. The Saturday Mercato farmers market runs year-round and features November's seasonal persimmons and pomegranates alongside prepared foods and coffee.
Little Italy
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Insider tips
The Hillcrest Farmers Market on Sundays is less touristy and better-priced than the more famous Saturday Mercato in Little Italy. Arrive by 9:30 AM for the best selection of local persimmons and seasonal citrus.
During Santa Ana wind events, snorkeling visibility at La Jolla Cove can reach 6-9 meters (20-30 feet), some of the best conditions of the year. The offshore wind pushes surface chop away and the dry air eliminates coastal runoff.
Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach offers a wider sunset panorama than the more popular Sunset Cliffs, taking in the city skyline, Mission Bay, and the ocean from a grassy hilltop. Bring a jacket, as the elevation catches the evening breeze.
Beer Week's opening festival (usually the first Saturday of the event) is the best single-ticket value of the 10 days. One admission gets you samples from dozens of breweries in a single afternoon rather than paying per-pour at individual taprooms across the week.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only warm-weather clothes and then shivering through dinner. The swing from afternoon warmth to evening chill is sharper than most visitors expect from Southern California. By 6 PM at the harbor, you'll want long sleeves and a jacket over them.
- Booking a whale watching tour in the first week of November when the migration is still ramping up. Gray whale sightings improve steadily through the month, and operators report noticeably higher success rates in the second half of November compared to the first.
- Writing off a rainy day as a total loss. San Diego's November storms typically pass in 24-48 hours, and the post-storm sky is often the most photogenic of the month, scrubbed clean and sometimes showing fresh snow on the Laguna Mountains to the east.
Practical tips for November
Book Thanksgiving-week hotels and restaurant reservations by early November. The San Diego Zoo and most Balboa Park museums stay open through the holiday but draw larger crowds from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the weekend. Solo-traveler safety rates 6.8/10 (see /research/solo-safety/), so stick to well-populated areas after dark and use rideshare for late-night travel, especially outside the main visitor corridors. Daylight Saving Time ends the first Sunday of November, which shifts sunset abruptly to around 4:50 PM. The MTS Trolley connects Old Town to downtown and the Convention Center, offering an affordable alternative to rideshare along that corridor. If you're renting a car, expect heavy traffic on the I-5 and I-8 freeways during weekday rush hours, roughly 7-9 AM and 4-6:30 PM.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit San Diego?
November sits comfortably in the upper tier of months for visiting. The weather remains pleasant, summer crowds have dispersed, and shoulder-season pricing makes hotels and flights more accessible. The main tradeoffs are shorter afternoon daylight and the occasional Pacific storm, but neither is a dealbreaker for most travelers.
What is the weather like in San Diego in November?
Expect mostly sunny days with comfortable afternoon warmth and a noticeable chill after sunset. Rain arrives in concentrated 2-3 day storms rather than extended grey stretches, and long dry spells separate them. Pack layers to handle the daily temperature swing and a rain shell for the storm days.
Is San Diego crowded in November?
Outside Thanksgiving week, November sees a fraction of summer's visitor volume. Weekday mornings at major attractions tend to feel spacious. The holiday weekend brings a brief spike concentrated around coastal restaurants and downtown hotels, but it clears by Monday.
Can you swim in the ocean in San Diego in November?
Yes, though most people will want a wetsuit. Surfers and snorkelers stay active through November. If you tolerate cool water well, a quick dip in the shallows is manageable on warm afternoons. The beaches remain pleasant for walking and sunbathing on clear days even if you skip the water entirely.
Things to Do in San Diego in November
Free cancellation San Diego Harbor Cruise
Cruise: 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
City tour: 2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise: 4 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Outdoor experience: free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Gaslamp Quarter Food & Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze
City tour: 2.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
Outdoor experience: 2 hours, free cancellation.
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