San Diego in the summer is gorgeous. With mildly warm weather and little rain, this season is a great time to explore San Diego’s coast, Old Town, and neighborhoods. Knowing what to pack will help you prepare easily for your trip and stay comfortable while exploring.
Here is what to pack for summer in San Diego for a smooth trip. Think light layers, breathable fabrics, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. There is so much to see and do in San Diego, so plan to be on your feet a lot to make the most of your time here!
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Summer Weather in San Diego
Typically, the summer months in San Diego are mildly warm with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to high 70s (°F) and little to no rain. With so much to do here, this weather makes it so nice for exploring the city, especially on foot, as well as enjoying nearby hiking trails. Below are the average highs and lows of the summer months.
- June: 72° / 62°
- July: 76° / 66°
- August: 78° / 67°
San Diego Summer Packing: Clothing
Lightweight layers are best for summer in San Diego. Pack mostly breathable clothes, like linen and cotton. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, as well as a cardigan and/or jacket.
Tops
A variety of tops is best to accommodate the weather. While it’s generally warm, mornings and evenings can be significantly cooler, so having something warmer to put on will keep you comfortable.
Short-sleeve shirts
With warmer temperatures and no rain, short-sleeve shirts are the best option. Bring a few casual, everyday options, and a couple more dressy shirts.
Long-sleeve top
I recommend bringing one long-sleeve top, like a button-down shirt, that you can easily wear over a tank top or by itself if it’s a chillier day. An oversized button-down shirt is also nice to have for the beach, as you can wear it over a swimsuit like a cover-up, or just to keep your upper body protected from the sun.
Tank top
A tank top is essential for any summer travel; if it’s a really hot day, it can be nice to wear a tank top by itself. They’re also nice to layer under a button-down shirt or a cardigan. This can double as a sleep shirt, too!
Bottoms
Pack a mix of long and short bottoms, dressy and more casual. You’ll likely want to wear shorts most days, but I recommend bringing at least one pair of long pants, like linen pants, that are breathable and can be dressed up.
Casual and/or dressy pants
Shorts/skirt/dress
Pack a pair of shorts or two as well, since the weather will be warm. If you prefer, pack a tennis skirt or your favorite summer dress. I recommend one pair of more casual shorts and one nicer pair, like a pair of denim shorts and a skirt with built-in shorts you can dress up.
Shoes
Walking shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must for any travel. I recommend seeing as much of San Diego on foot as you can. The neighborhoods, coastline, and local shops are what make this city so special, and there’s no better way to see the heart of a city than on foot. So pack your most comfortable walking shoes!
Sandals
As summer in San Diego can get rather warm, a pair of sandals will be useful, too. Wear them to the beach, or wear them out walking if you know they’re comfortable. These platform sandals with heel straps are some of my favorites!
Layers/Accessories
Cardigan
A cardigan is an all-time favorite of mine for traveling, even in the summer months. You never know how much it will cool down here at night, especially if you’re by the ocean, or maybe you’ll grab a dinner somewhere where the AC is blasting. Pack a cardigan for a convenient and cute outer layer.
Lightweight jacket
While San Diego in the summer does get really warm, it doesn’t necessarily get hot, and it can get surprisingly cool at night and in the early morning. Bring a lightweight jacket with you for those chilly moments.
Swimsuit
San Diego is right on the coast of Southern California! Pack your swimsuit if you’re visiting in the summertime. Plan a beach day and brave the cold ocean waves, or relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Other Travel Essentials
Here are a few other travel essentials that will help your trip to San Diego this summer go as smoothly as possible! Knowing what you need to pack will help you stay prepared and stress-free while you’re traveling!
Day Bag
Sling bag or backpack
Having a day bag is a game-changer when traveling. You can easily carry around a few small essentials to help your day go smoothly.
While you could run back and forth between your hotel/accommodation, this is time-consuming and generally unnecessary. Pack a small backpack or sling bag so you can easily carry a water bottle, extra sunscreen, light snacks, and a compact beach towel.
Reusable water bottle
Make sure you stay hydrated, especially in the summertime on the coast! The best way to guarantee you’re drinking enough water is to have a water bottle with you while you’re out exploring San Diego all day.
I promise getting dehydrated will put a huge damper on your trip, and it’s not hard to avoid; pack a day bag that’s easy to carry hands-free.
Travel towel
If you do plan on going to the beach in San Diego (I highly recommend it; this part of the West Coast is unbelievably gorgeous, but the water is cold), then pack a travel towel in your suitcase. They’re super compact and lightweight, and they dry so quickly. Even if you just want to go sit on the sand and lounge, it’s nice to have a towel.
Extras
A few extra items I like to have with me while I’m traveling are sunglasses, extra sunscreen, lip balm, tampons, lotion, and a book or my Kindle.
Electronics
Chargers
Camera and tripod
I always travel with my camera (I love the Sony A6400) and a mini adjustable tripod. This isn’t necessary, especially with how fantastic phone cameras are these days, but it can be a fun way to capture really nice travel memories.
Portable charger
If you plan to stay out exploring San Diego for hours at a time, I recommend bringing a portable charger with you. You’ll likely need directions from your phone, or to call an Uber, etc., so make sure you avoid getting stuck in who-knows-where San Diego and keep your phone charged on the go.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and hairties / bandana
- Cleanser
- Daily moisturizer
- SPF moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Makeup basics
- Razor
- Lipbalm
- OTC meds like ibuprofen
- Lotion
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Period Products
Now you know what to pack for a summer trip to San Diego. Stay cool and comfortable while you’re out exploring the city and coast. Along with clothes, don’t forget to pack your other essentials like toiletries and electronics. Save this San Diego Summer Packing List for later!
