Having lived here for 10 years, what I remember most about SD weather is that it’s sunny all the time. Clearly, this can’t be true. It does rain in San Diego; however the sunny days are so beautiful that it is easy to forget the few rainy days that exist per year. [Photo: San Diego's sunny skies are picturesque.]

Indeed, in physical maps, San Diego is a “Costal Desert”. This is evident when you drive inland (eastward). After 30 minutes, you will immediately notice the change in climate: much drier, much hotter, less grass, and more drought resistant plants (succulents & cacti). These hot, dry conditions sometimes cause dangerous forest fires which can persist for weeks. Very bad, uncontrolled, forest fires occur about once every 5 years.

On average, there is about 10 inches (25cm) of rain per year: this constitutes 10% to 20% of San Diego's drinking water. The remaining 80% to 90% drinking water is imported via aqueducts from the Colorado River and from Northern California (near Sacramento). [Photo: cacti and succulents in Anza-Borrego.]

• cool temperatures of 65°F (18.5°C).
• Some days can be overcast while other days be sunny with clear skies. It is unpredictable; however, it is often either one or the other, not both on the same day.
• occasional showers. On rare occasions (once per 5 years), there might be heavy rain which causes flooding and uprooted trees.

• these spring months are often the most pleasant
• weather conditions head towards warmer temperatures (above 65°F; near 19°C) and more sunny skies
• a typical day may start cloudy, turn sunny by noon, and then revert to cloudy skies by late afternoon.
• rain may still occur in March, but becomes more and more rare as you approach April.

• for a week or two, "May Gray" or "June Gloom" may occur where clouds are blown in from the ocean. Clouds burn off by noon.
• almost no rain as you enter these summer months
• weather is quite pleasant: upper 60’s°F (20°C)
• is often hot when you are in the sun and cool when you are in the shade. A combination of warm sun and cool breeze can be quite enjoyable.

• hot days of summer!
• temperatures seem pleasant (75°F, 23°C), however, the sun is scorchingly hot making it feel like it is 85°F (30°C)
• no rain
• avoid being outdoors at high noon
• best times for touring and sightseeing are before 11 am and after 4 pm

• entering the Fall season
• finally, a relief from the very hot temperatures
• temperatures gradually decrease from 75°F to a balmy 70°F (24°C to 21°C)
• may begin to be cloudy as you approach October
• may get some rain in late October.