I'll be in San Diego in a few days for a week and was checking the weather forecast. It seems it's in the low 70's this time of year, but I always had the impression SD is tropical so I'm a little confused. Do people go to the beach this time of year? Should I pack heavier clothes? I live in the northeast where it's hot and humid this time of year so I was going to pack summer clothes, but now I'm not sure what to pack. Thanks...

Hi Polly,

The city of San Diego proper is on a bay, and close to the ocean. Temperatures downtown rarely get above 80. If you venture inland, temps can soar quickly, but along the coast, it's quite mild. Don't worry about humidity, or bugs. Take some shorts, but also some long pants. Have fun and eat lots of Mexican while you're there if you like it.

good advice from thevinoman. also take a light sweater sometimes the nights can get cool. the weather has been a little unpredictable this year and we've already had a couple of heat waves. i wouldn't pack heavy clothes but just have some things you can layer.

Two thumbs up for previous posters. San Diego, anywhere along the coast or inland a couple of miles is very mild. We can get cool mornings with fog that burns off to clear sunny days usually in the mid 70's. However, if you are used to humidity bring some lightweight or even one medium weight jacket(s) and jeans/ pants for evening...the temp drops quite quickly when the sun goes down and if the wind blows off the bay. Brrr. Of course we think anything under 60 is freezing!! Welcome and enjoy your stay!

people go to the beach all year, but they don't swim all year round. July thru Sept is usually good enough for swimming in the ocean, but it can also get cold during that time. 70-72 is about as warm as the water gets.

No- San Diego is not tropical. No place in the continental US is tropical -parts of FL are sub-tropical.

Not tropical, and the water isn't even that warm if you're used to Florida and the Caribbean.

You can wear t-shirts and shorts during the day, but you need a cover up if you're going to the beach because when it's windy, it's cold! Sweater or sweatshirt and a pair of long pants is all you'll need.

And you won't need a raincoat!

Thanks everyone for your responses. I now have a much better idea what to pack. Thanks again.