Planning a San Diego January getaway? You’re in luck! January is one of the best months of the year to visit.
While much of the country is dealing with snow and freezing temps, San Diego remains mild, sunny, and packed with fun things to do. It’s also one of the least crowded months in terms of tourists, which translates into lower hotel prices, easier parking, and more space to enjoy the city’s top attractions – all things I can appreciate as a local!
If you’re planning a visit to San Diego in January, I’ve gathered up the best things to do, plus details on weather in San Diego in January, what to wear, and what to expect on your trip.
San Diego Weather in January
San Diego experiences its coolest weather of the year in January, but temperatures remain mild compared to most of the country. This mix of crisp mornings, clear afternoons, and only a few rainy days throughout the month make it a great time of year for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the city without the crowds.
You can expect:
- Daytime highs: around 64–67°F
- Evenings: cool, often dipping into the upper 40s–low 50s°F
- Rain: more likely than other months, with a handful of rainy days, so bring a light jacket or umbrella just in case
- Wind: Coastal areas can feel colder due to wind chill, especially near sunset or on the water.
The ocean is probably too cold for swimming (at least for me!), but you’ll definitely see people in wet suits surfing and boogie boarding.
January in San Diego is known for crystal-clear visibility, which is why sunsets, stargazing, and coastal views are spectacular this time of year.
Top Tip: Dress in layers! You’ll be comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans during the day, but you’ll want a medium-weight jacket or sweater for evenings, especially near the coast where it tends to be colder. Socks and comfortable walking shoes are always a must this time of year.
Best Things to Do in San Diego in January
1. Stroll Through Old Town San Diego
Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California, founded in in 1769. Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums and historic sites – many of which are free to explore. In fact, Old Town San Diego is high on our list of best free things to do in San Diego with kids.
Old Town is mostly outdoors, but since January weather is mild, it’s still comfortable for strolling through the park and popping into the different buildings. And because many of the attractions are indoors; you don’t need to worry if the weather is cold or rainy.
We love visiting Old Town San Diego! There is always something fun to see, and it is a great place to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in San Diego. Although many restaurants have outdoor seating, heat lamps allow you to dine outdoors even in the wintertime.
If it’s chilly, warm up with handmade tortillas, hot chocolate, or a seat near an outdoor heater at Casa de Reyes. There is also a stage in the courtyard where you can enjoy authentic free entertainment if you are visiting San Diego at night.
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diegzo
- oldtownsandiego.org
2. Visit a Museum
San Diego is packed with amazing museums, including many great interactive museums kids will love. January is the perfect time to check out a museum or two; cooler weather outside and plenty of exhibits to enjoy inside make the perfect combination!
Here are a few of our favorite museums that are definitely worth checking out if you are looking for cool things to do in January in San Diego.
Fleet Science Center
Perfect for families, the Fleet Science Center brings science to life with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and an IMAX theater that screens educational films. Exhibits cover topics from physics to space exploration, and kids can experiment with everything from simple machines to robotics.
When my son was a little bit younger, he actually attended day camp at Fleet Science Center and it was an amazing experience. Since then, this has remained a favorite museum and I highly recommend you check it out – especially if you have kids even remotely interested in science! Special science demonstrations and workshops make it a highly engaging experience for children of all ages.
- 1875 El Prado, San Diego
- fleetscience.org
San Diego Natural History Museum
Often referred to as The Nat by San Diego locals, the Museum of Natural History brings the natural world to life through exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, regional wildlife, and the environment.
Family-friendly activities include fossil digs, interactive science labs, and hands-on animal encounters. Temporary exhibitions often rotate, so there’s always something new to discover.
- 1788 El Prado, San Diego
- sdnhm.org
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
This Balboa Park museum is the perfect spot to cozy up on a January day, particularly if you have little kids. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum lets you marvel at intricate model train displays depicting different eras and landscapes, sure to delight train enthusiasts of all ages.
My son absolutely loved this place when he was a little boy! But be aware you may have to lift up young kids so they can see some of the model train displays.
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sdmrm.org
New Children’s Museum
Another museum not to be missed if you are visiting San Diego with young kids is the New Children’s Museum. Interactive installations, art-making workshops, sensory experiences for toddlers, and outdoor spaces ensure hours of fun and creativity. The New Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown San Diego right outside the Gaslamp Quarter.
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- thinkplaycreate.org
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Ignite young minds with a journey through aviation history at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Interactive exhibits and flight simulators offer an exciting glimpse into the world of aerospace. This popular attraction is not only one of the best Balboa Park museums, but honestly one of the best in all of San Diego.
- 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
- sandiegoairandspace.org
3. Spend a Day at the San Diego Zoo
January is one of the best months of the year to visit the iconic San Diego Zoo. The cooler temperatures make walking the zoo’s hilly paths much more comfortable, and the animals tend to be far more active compared to hot summer afternoons.
With fewer tourists in town after the holidays, you’ll enjoy shorter lines, easier parking, and quieter viewing areas—ideal whether you’re traveling with kids or exploring on your own.
Beyond its 100 acres of beautifully landscaped habitats, the zoo offers a variety of ways to warm up or rest if January weather brings a chilly breeze or a light rain shower. Indoor exhibits such as the Reptile House, the African Rocks aviaries, and the 4D Theater provide quick breaks from the cold. And if you prefer not to walk the entire zoo, the Kangaroo Bus makes it easy to hop between major areas without missing the highlights.
Should the weather be wet or chilly, there are plenty of indoor spaces to hide out in at the zoo. You can duck into the 4D Theater, Komodo Kingdom, Elephant Care Center, or the hummingbird aviary for quick warmups.
- 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
- zoo.sandiegozoo.org
4. Take a Whale Watching Cruise
January is prime time for whale-watching in San Diego. This is when gray whales are migrating in large numbers from Alaska to Baja California.
There are a number of whale watching tours in San Diego you can hop aboard. The boat tours depart from a couple different locations and typically last two and a half to three hours. There are always tour guides or marine naturalists on board to narrate what’s going on and answer your questions. Guided tours depart from Mission Bay, San Diego Harbor, or La Jolla, with naturalists providing fun and educational commentary.
Expect stunning views, cool coastal breezes, and sightings of dolphins and sea lions as well. Even if you don’t take a whale watching tour you might spot spouts and fins, especially from Point Loma or Cabrillo National Monument.
Top Tip: Bring binoculars and a jacket for everyone in your family. Although even cooler days are perfect for whale watching, it can get very windy and cold out at sea this time of year.
► Click here to book San Diego’s most highly-rated Whale Watching Tour
5. Visit SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld stays open year-round, and January is a great time to visit thanks to lighter crowds and cooler temperatures.
Ride favorites include Arctic Rescue, Manta, Journey to Atlantis, Emperor, and Electric Eel. Indoors, enjoy aquariums, shows, and animal exhibits.
If you’re visiting early January, you may catch the last days of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (which usually runs through the first week of January).
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
6. Ride the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley
Taking a ride on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time in San Diego (without spending too much time outdoors if it’s cold), see all the top sights, and hear some cool facts about America’s Finest City.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Seaport Village San Diego, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, Little Italy, and many more. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to tour the city.
This tour is also great if you are visiting San Diego in January, because – although it is considered an open-air trolley (great for summer in San Diego when the weather is warm) – during the colder months the windows can be rolled down. So, you’ll be riding around in a climate-controlled vehicle and still able to enjoy all the sights in comfort.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
7. Check Out Liberty Station
Liberty Station in Point Loma is a beautiful waterfront destination built on the site of San Diego’s former Naval Training Center. This historic spot has been transformed into a lively hub for dining, shopping, art, and recreation, making it a great family stop any time of year.
January’s mild weather is perfect for strolling the wide promenades, exploring the Arts District, or grabbing a bite at Liberty Public Market, where everyone can find something they love. With plenty of green space, public art, and fewer crowds than summer, Liberty Station offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy San Diego’s coastal charm.
- 3555 Rosecrans Street, San Diego
- libertystation.com
8. Catch a Spectacular January Sunset
January sunsets are among the brightest and most colorful of the entire year thanks to low humidity, clear skies, and the angle of the sun.
Top sunset spots:
- La Jolla
- Torrey Pines
- Coronado Beach (look for the “sparkle sand” thanks to natural mica)
- Oceanside Pier
- Sunset Cliffs
- Mission Beach
For something extra special, take a sunset harbor cruise. January’s calm, crisp evenings make for incredible views. We did the Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline and it was amazing! The boat provides blankets and cushions to keep you warm on those cool January evenings.
9. Visit Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is a fantastic place to visit in January because it’s partly indoors, not too large in size, and very kid-friendly. With cool, crisp weather outside, the aquarium’s cozy indoor galleries provide a warm break.
Operated by the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the aquarium offers a fascinating look at marine science, conservation, and ocean habitats – without the overwhelming size of larger aquariums.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits featuring sea dragons, colorful reef fish, jellyfish, and one of the best sea turtle habitats in Southern California. Kids especially love the Hall of Fishes and the hands-on tide pools, where they can get close to sea stars, urchins, and hermit crabs while enjoying sweeping views of the ocean from the outdoor patio.
- 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
- aquarium.ucsd.edu
10. Take a Hike or Scenic Walk
Cooler weather makes it a great time to explore kid-friendly hiking trails like Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Cabrillo National Monument, or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is our favorite spot to hike, with dramatic ocean views, family-friendly trails, easier parking in winter.
Some other popular spots you may want to explore include:
- Cabrillo National Monument — Check out the monument and museum, watch for whales from the shore, and explore tide pools.
- Sunset Cliffs — Gorgeous sunset views for memorable family photos.
- Visit the Beaches — While the ocean may be chilly, sunny days are perfect for tide pooling, beach walks, or watching surfers at La Jolla Shores.
- Take in the Views — Head to Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach for one of the most breathtaking sunset views you’ll find anywhere in California.
Inland temperatures tend to be warmer than the beaches, so consider heading east on cooler days.
► For more fun things to do throughout the winter months, check out this guide to San Diego in Winter.
Special January Events in San Diego
January is a quiet time in San Diego, past the holiday season but still loaded with fun winter happenings. Depending on the dates you are visiting, you may catch:
- San Diego Brew Festival
- Farmers Insurance Open (PGA golf at Torrey Pines)
- San Diego Restaurant Week (January edition)
- King Tide Viewing Days (major tide events that make for amazing photos in La Jolla tide pools)
- Carlsbad Village Street Faire (if scheduled for early January)
Many holiday events at local theme parks extend into early January, so be sure to check their individual websites for schedules.
Tips for Visiting San Diego in January
Here are some general tips we’ve gathered over the years to help you prepare for your trip.
- Bring a rain jacket. January is one of San Diego’s wetter months, so bring a rain coat and closed-toed shoes so you are prepared for wet weather.
- Mix indoor and outdoor plans. Museums make great rainy-day options so keep your plans flexible so you can adjust them with the weather.
- Pack layers. Mornings and evenings can feel crisp even if afternoons are sunny.
- Enjoy smaller crowds. After New Years Day (and especially once school is back in session after winter break), you’ll find lighter crowds and lower hotel prices everywhere.
- Use public transit. Parking fills up quickly near the waterfront and Balboa Park. You can always park for free at the Old Town Transit Center and take the trolley downtown. Find more helpful tips in our guide to getting around San Diego without a car.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and CityPASS San Diego.
I highly recommend CityPASS when visiting San Diego, as you can bundle and save up to 45% on admission to the top theme parks and attractions in San Diego. Choose either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND and then add three other attractions of your choice, with options including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town Trolley Tours, and more! It’s a great way to save money and makes planning your itinerary easy.
Final Thoughts: San Diego in January
If you want a relaxing, budget-friendly, and activity-filled winter getaway, January is one of the best times to visit San Diego. It’s a month of sunshine, ocean breezes, and outdoor adventures — perfect for families looking to escape cold weather elsewhere.
One of the best reasons to visit San Diego in January? It’s quiet! With the holidays behind and spring break still weeks away, you’ll find lighter crowds at attractions and better hotel rates.
You can watch whales, explore tide pools, hike coastal trails, and visit world-famous attractions — all without the crowds. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a full winter vacation, January in San Diego offers relaxation, exploration, and plenty of family fun.
Save These San Diego January Activities for Later!
Planning a visit to San Diego in January? Pin the image below for future reference.
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