Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter warms up: highs climb to 76°F (25°C), from 73°F in April, with lows of 56°F (14°C) and about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain.
It scores 86/100 for comfort, 8th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 76°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 0.3 in (7 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 86/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 76°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 56°F (14°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (October – March).
- Comfort slips from 90/100 in April to 86/100.
- 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 76°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May
May 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 May scores 86/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Gaslamp Quarter
Sixteen blocks of Victorian-era buildings along Fifth Avenue, full of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Altitude Sky Lounge
Rooftop bar on top of the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, looking down into Petco Park.
Why now Highs near 76°F and 0.3 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.
Nearby in May
- La Jolla in May~11 mi · highs 67°F, 0.3 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in May~85 mi · highs 94°F, 0.1 in rain · 10°C (17°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Joshua Tree in May~108 mi · highs 88°F, 0.0 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Los Angeles in May~112 mi · highs 78°F, 0.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 86/100 against a best of 93 in October – March. Expect highs of 76°F (25°C) and 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May?
Average highs are 76°F (25°C) and average lows 56°F (14°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May?
Not much: about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest 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 May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 76°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter
Planning Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.