May · United States
Best time to visit San Diego in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in San Diego in May
Average temperature 17°C, 6 mm of rain, about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 74% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
9.7/10
Ranked #2 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 17°C
- Rainfall
- 6 mm
- Humidity
- 74%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 30
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
May in San Diego scores 9.7/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#2). Expect around 17°C, 6 mm of rain, and roughly 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Balboa Park, the zoo, and La Jolla's coast sit within a short drive of downtown San Diego.
May is one of the strongest months in San Diego (2nd)
Temperatures hover around 17°C (62°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
At just 6 mm for the month, rain will not shape your plans; you get about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 13.8 hours of daylight.
On our climate-comfort scale this is one of the strongest months of the year for San Diego at 9.7/10 (2nd of 12), just behind April at 9.7/10.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening.
Expect peak pricing, and crowds are moderate. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in San Diego in May?
- In May, San Diego averages 17°C, 6 mm of rain, and about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.7/10.
- Is May a good time to visit San Diego?
- May earns a 9.7/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in San Diego in May?
- Expect about 6 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 74% and there are about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in San Diego
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San Diego, United States. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.