Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January
Little changes in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter from December: highs stay near 67°F (20°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), and about 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain falls.
At 93/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 67°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 1.6 in (41 mm)
- Humidity
- 64%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 67°F (20°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 50°F (10°C).
Rain is moderate at about 1.6 in (41 mm) for the month.
Plan around January
January is one of Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (92 → 93/100).
- Our San Diego New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 50°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Gaslamp hotel that throws one of the city's biggest New Year's Eve parties across several floors and its rooftop.
Why now January scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Altitude Sky Lounge
Rooftop bar on top of the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, looking down into Petco Park.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 1.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Coronado Ferry Landing
Shops and a small park at the Coronado ferry pier, facing the downtown skyline across the bay.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
SeaWorld San Diego
Marine park on Mission Bay whose Christmas Celebration ends New Year's Eve with fireworks at about 9 pm.
Nearby in January
- La Jolla in January~11 mi · highs 63°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Palm Springs in January~85 mi · highs 67°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Joshua Tree in January~108 mi · highs 59°F, 0.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
- Los Angeles in January~112 mi · highs 67°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~394 m to Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter's ~10 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 93/100. Expect highs of 67°F (20°C) and 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January?
Average highs are 67°F (20°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January?
Not much: about 1.6 in (41 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.6 in (268 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 50°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter
Routes in season in January
- San Diego New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.