It’s a winter-ful life ☁️

Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego in the winter.
Cooler winter days make for great local hiking. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
We know the question on your mind, San Diegans — when’s it going to really, truly get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.

While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring. Reminder: The first day of winter is Wednesday, Dec. 21.

A map showing winter weather outlook for winter 2022-2023

Temps will likely be a bit higher than normal in San Diego County this winter.

🌡️ Temperature

Think San Diego-style cool — like a sweater or jacket with your flip-flops. This winter, our region has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.

🌨️ Precipitation

Expect less precipitation. San Diego has a 40-50% chance of seeing below normal rainfall amounts this winter. Think good thoughts for some much-needed soaks.

☀️ Drought

Drought conditions are expected to persist this season in San Diego County.

SD La Jolla Shores in the winter

Winter is great for a walk on the beach in San Diego — but not necessarily a swim.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

December’s deal

Typically, December’s temps are comfortable, averaging between a low of 52.7° and high of 63.3°. If you like the rain, it’s usually the month with the most accumulated rainfall — an average of 5.8 days for a combined 1.65 inches of precipitation. It’s also the month with the least sunshine. But what about ocean temperatures? The surface water temp averages 60.4°not safe for swimming without a wetsuit or drysuit, as breathing becomes more difficult in water below 70°.

Jumpin’ into January

For January, the average temperature spans 52.7° to 64.2°close to what we might experience in December. On average, there are 5.3 days of rain. The months with the lowest UV index in SD tend to be January-March, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

February’s forecast

This final stretch of winter brings average temps between 51.8° and 63.1°the coldest month of the year in San Diego. It’s also the coldest month for seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 58.6°. Brr. On average, there are 6.3 rainfall days with an accumulative 1.5 inches of rain in February.

The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…

A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter
TELL US

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Dec. 12
  • Mercedes Moore | Monday, Dec. 12 | 6 p.m. | Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego | $5 | The blues singer performs after happy hour.
  • San Diego State Aztecs vs. Kennesaw State Owls | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego | $10-$130 | Georgia visits San Diego for a men’s basketball showdown.
  • Modern Color | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego | $21.46 | The post hardcore brand performs with Gleemer, Soft Blue Shimmer, and Mofie.
Tuesday, Dec. 13
  • Uncovering the Secret City | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 12-1 p.m. | San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Ste. #3, San Diego | Free | Artist Evan Apodaca discusses the making of his video series “Secret City,” which analyzes the military’s shaping of San Diego.
  • The Venice Christmas Show | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. | Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach | $24-$42 | The rock group’s seasonal show — with quintessential California sounds.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
  • 2022 Holiday Market | Wednesday, Dec. 14-Thursday, Dec. 15 | 4-10 p.m. | Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego | $10-$20 | The event lights up the ballpark with decorations, vendors, food + drinks.
  • Holiday Nights | Wednesday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego | Free | The winery village twinkles with lights, carolers + holiday vendors.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
FORECAST: 100% CHANCE OF FUN

Weather
  • 56º | Rain continues; check out the rainfall totals | 90% chance of rain
  • Yesterday’s storm canceled the first round of the 52nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Organizers say round two of the holiday tradition — set for Sunday, Dec. 18 — will go on as planned. Here’s how to navigate the big, free event. ⛵
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 6:41 a.m.
  • Set: 4:43 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 4:15 a.m. + 6:26 p.m.
  • High: 12:41 a.m. + 10:39 a.m.
  • Water Temperature: 59º
Civic
  • The election results are certified and now it’s time for new local leaders to step into their roles. The city’s 2022 Inauguration Ceremony is at 10 a.m. today, where newly-elected San Diego City Councilmembers for Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 will be sworn in. Watch live. ✋
Environment
  • As San Diego continues toward its goal of zero-carbon emissions by 2045, the county is sharing a list of tips for a sustainable holiday season. This includes gifting experiences instead of items, sending digital cards, shopping small and local, and repurposing fabric to use as wrapping paper. ♻️
Arts
  • BANKSYLAND,” an international touring exhibition based on the works of elusive street artist, Banksy, continues its short run at Adams Avenue Theater Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18. The display features 80+ installationsincluding never-before-seen pieces. Get tickets before they disappear. 🖌️
  • Calling local artists. The Chicano Park Steering Committee is seeking submissions for the poster that’ll commemorate the 53rd Annual Chicano Park Day. The theme is “Chicano Park Day 53: Kindling the New Fire,” and entries can be emailed. The free community celebration of the Barrio Logan landmark is on April 23, 2023. 🎨
Trending
  • Local clothing company Tipsy Elves — helmed by two UC San Diego alumniknows its threads. The company has created what it hopes is the world’s biggest ugly sweater, a 30-ft tall and 30-ft wide behemoth on display at the holiday pop-up bar at Nason’s Beer Hall at the Pendry Hotel. 🧶 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Legacy
  • Birch Aquarium shared sad news: One of its beloved Little Blue Penguins — 6-year-old Magic — died after battling a fungal infection. The facility said the tiny seabird will be missed and remembered for his fun and loving personality. “He was a wonderful ambassador for his species,” the aquarium added. 💙
Plan Ahead
  • The San Diego Automotive Museum’s monthly Cars and Coffee meet-up is on Sunday, Dec. 18 — and you should deck out your sleigh. Santa will be checking out the whips and may choose one to win a prize. The museum opens at 8 a.m., with $10 reduced admission before 10 a.m. 🚗
Travel
Sports
  • Now’s the time to buy the sports lover in your life a holiday present, because Fanatics is offering sitewide sales. Easily find licensed sportswear and collectibles like jerseys, hoodies, and outerwear for the world’s most popular sports teams and win the holidays.*
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The art of exploration 🖼️

What’s on at the San Diego Museum of Art?

A photo of a little girl in a green dress taken by artist Lisa Ross for an art exhibition in San Diego.
Lisa Ross, I Can’t Sleep (Green Dress), 2019. Archival pigment print on 100% cotton paper. | Courtesy of the artist and Palo Gallery
Spiritual traditions. A chapel inside a museum. Wonders of the natural world. These are some concepts explored through three new exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art. Let’s see what’s on.

📷 “Lisa Ross: Elegy to a Uyghur Homeland”

Through photos and videos from her travels — including visits to 50+ holy sites — Ross’ exhibition captures the spiritual traditions of Uyghur shrines and daily life around the Taklamakan Desert. The exhibition is on display through Sunday, March 5.

⛪ “Chapel of the Rocks” by Justin Sterling

This immersive exhibition features a 1,000-sqft chapel custom-built inside the museum, created with 30+ shattered and mended stained glass windows. Sterling’s art explores the role of “bad faith” in society. There’s an area for visitors to reflect and record their own thoughts, too. This is the artist’s first-ever solo show, on display through Sunday, Feb. 12.
1 MORE EXHIBITION
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Monica.

Editor’s pick: Hi, friends. With each day that passes this month, it seems our communities get more festive. There is no shortage of local neighborhoods and attractions that go all out with holiday light displays — I think Clark Griswold would be proud. ✨

Each year, my family loves walking around Starlight Circle in Santee. It’s amazing to see how much care and creativity locals put into their displays — many are even themed after movies or characters.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? It’s a wrappuccino — the only Starbucks in Ocean Beach closes today.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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