USA & Canada · Best Apr–May, Sep–Nov
San Diego and La Jolla packing list for families
San Diego has some of the most reliable weather in the country, but the ocean is cooler and the mornings grayer than many families expect. Here is how to pack for sea lions, tide pools, and long beach days.
Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on San Diego & La Jolla
- San Diego's "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real. Early summer mornings at the beach can be cool and overcast, so pack sweatshirts even for a June trip.
- La Jolla Cove is fun for watching sea lions and seals, but keep kids back. They are wild animals, and the rocks are slippery and smelly.
- La Jolla Shores is my favorite beach for families. The waves are usually gentler, and it is the easy launch point for kayak and snorkel tours.
Best timeApr–May, Sep–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
San Diego & La Jolla
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Warm sweatshirtCoastal mornings and evenings are cool.
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoes with gripTide pool rocks are slippery and sharp.
Beach & pool10
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Kids' shorty wetsuitKristina's pickThe Pacific stays cool most of the year.
Kids' snorkel setLa Jolla Shores and the cove have fish and leopard sharks to spot.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For the grown-ups
- Linen shirt or linen set
- A white cover-up dress
- Leather slides for dinner
For the kids
- Seersucker or linen shorts
- Matching-print swimsuits
- Soft cotton sundress
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Month by month
San Diego & La Jolla weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| February | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| March | 66°F 19°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| April | 68°F 20°C | Pleasant and sunny, with cool water. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. |
| May | 69°F 21°C | Overcast mornings from the marine layer, usually clearing by afternoon. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. |
| June | 72°F 22°C | Overcast mornings from the marine layer, usually clearing by afternoon. | The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. |
| July | 75°F 24°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. |
| September | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. |
| October | 74°F 23°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | |
| November | 70°F 21°C | Mild, sunny, and quieter, with cooler nights. | |
| December | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
Questions families ask
San Diego & La Jolla with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit San Diego & La Jolla with kids?
The best time is Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year.
What's the weather like in San Diego & La Jolla?
Typical daytime highs range from about 65°F (18°C) in January to about 77°F (25°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for San Diego & La Jolla?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for San Diego & La Jolla?
None. San Diego & La Jolla uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for San Diego & La Jolla with kids?
San Diego's "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real. Early summer mornings at the beach can be cool and overcast, so pack sweatshirts even for a June trip.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.