United States, North America
San Diego in March
Spring break crowds and wildflowers. Pleasant but cool ocean.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit San Diego. Spring break crowds and wildflowers. Pleasant but cool ocean.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 66F (19C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What March is like in San Diego
March brings mild, pleasant days with highs near 66F (19C) and less rain than midwinter. The hills are green and the light is soft. Spring break lifts crowds and prices, especially at the zoo, Legoland, and the calmer family beaches. The ocean is still cool, so most swimmers stay in wetsuits or out of the water.
This month suits families on spring break, hikers, and anyone who wants comfortable sightseeing weather. It is less ideal if you want a quiet, cheap trip, since school holidays fill hotels near the beach. For warm water and the best weather, plan for September or October instead.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about San Diego this month.
The last strong whale weeks
Gray whales are still passing Point Loma, now with some heading north. A morning boat tour early in the month gives good odds.
Green trails at Torrey Pines
Winter rain leaves the clifftop reserve green and fresh, and the air is cool enough for a long hike. Arrive early for parking.
Desert bloom season
In a wet year, Anza-Borrego's wildflowers are often at their best around now. Blooms vary a lot by year, so check before you go.
What to pack for March
- A light jacket for breezy afternoons on the coast
- Comfortable hiking shoes for Torrey Pines
- Sunscreen, since spring sun is stronger than it feels
- A swimsuit for hotel pools rather than the ocean
Our timing tip
Check your kids' spring break week against the local school calendars and book the zoo or Legoland on a weekday outside the busiest overlap.
Book San Diego for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San DiegoOpens a hotel search for San Diego in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in San DiegoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in San DiegoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Diego for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Gray whale migration
Roughly December through April, peaking January to March
Whales pass close to Point Loma. Boat tours and shore watching from Cabrillo.
Things to do in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
Go at opening; the animals are most active in the morning. Plan a full day.
Balboa Park
Seventeen museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial buildings. Many museums close one day a week, so check.
La Jolla Cove
Sea lions, seals, and snorkeling. Best in early fall when the water is warmest.
Cabrillo National Monument
Point Loma views, tide pools at low tide in winter, and gray whale watching from December through March.
USS Midway Museum
A walk-through aircraft carrier on the bay. A hit with kids.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Open-range animal habitats in Escondido, about 45 minutes north.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Comic-Con week downtown unless you are going. Stay in La Jolla or Coronado if dates overlap.
- Hit La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines early in the morning. Parking fills fast by late morning in summer.
- Visit the zoo on a weekday outside school holidays.
- Choose September and October for summer weather without summer prices.
Know before you go
- The city runs fully year-round. Some Balboa Park museums close one weekday each week.
- Beach water quality advisories can close stretches of shoreline after rain, especially near the Tijuana River in the South Bay. Check before swimming.
- Santa Ana wind events in fall can bring heat and fire danger to the region.
San Diego in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit San Diego?
March is a good month to visit San Diego. Spring break crowds and wildflowers. Pleasant but cool ocean.
What is the weather like in San Diego in March?
Mild, highs near 66F (19C).
Is San Diego crowded in March?
Crowds in San Diego are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in San Diego in March?
Gray whale migration (roughly december through april, peaking january to march).
Keep planning San Diego.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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