Honestly, if you're looking at the San Diego California 7 day weather forecast right now, you might think the calendar is lying to you. It's mid-January. Normally, this is when we’re dodging the occasional Pacific storm or at least wearing a decent hoodie. Instead, a weirdly stubborn ridge of high pressure is parking itself over the West, and the Santa Ana winds are starting to do their thing.
It's beautiful. It's also kinda confusing if you aren't used to how microclimates work here.
You can literally drive fifteen minutes from the beach to the inland valleys and watch your car's external thermometer jump ten degrees. Right now, the "January Chill" is basically non-existent. We’re looking at highs that are pushing 5 to 15 degrees above what’s normal for this time of year.
The Week Ahead: Sun, Dry Air, and Santa Anas
The big story for the next seven days is the offshore flow. When the wind blows from the desert toward the ocean, it compresses and heats up. That’s why the coast is going to feel like late spring while the rest of the country is freezing.
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Here is what the trend looks like through next Wednesday:
Wednesday (Today): We are peaking early. Expect a lot of blue sky. The coast is hitting the low 70s, but if you’re out in El Cajon or Santee, don’t be surprised to see 80°F on the dial. It’s dry, too—humidity is dipping into the 30% range.
Thursday & Friday: The heat holds steady. Thursday will be nearly identical to Wednesday. By Friday, we might see a few "periodic clouds" (as the NWS likes to call them), but it’s still very much t-shirt weather. Highs around 71°F to 73°F at the San Diego International Airport.
The Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Saturday is looking like the winner for a beach day. We’re forecasting about 74°F near the water. Sunday cools off just a tiny bit, maybe back to 73°F, with a few more clouds creeping in as the offshore winds start to die down.
Monday & Tuesday: This is where the transition starts. The "ridge" begins to break. Highs will slide back toward the high 60s. It’ll feel a lot more like a standard San Diego winter day—mild, but you’ll want that jacket back once the sun drops at 5:05 PM.
Wednesday (Next Week): We’re watching a slight increase in moisture. The chance of rain is still low (under 20%), but the "mostly sunny" days turn into "partly sunny" with a bit more of that grey marine layer returning to the coastline.
Why "Average" Weather in San Diego is a Myth
People always say San Diego has the best weather in the world. They aren't wrong, but "best" is a broad term. In January, the average high is technically 65°F. But check the records—we’ve had Januaries where it dumped nine inches of rain (1993 was a wild one) and days where it hit 88°F.
The San Diego California 7 day weather forecast is rarely just one forecast. It’s actually about four different forecasts depending on where you stand:
- The Coastal Strip: Places like La Jolla and Mission Beach stay moderated by the water. The ocean is currently a "tepid" 62°F. It acts like a giant radiator. It keeps the days from getting too hot and the nights from getting too cold.
- Inland Valleys: This is the 15-fwy corridor. Places like Poway and Escondido. Since they lose that ocean breeze, they bake in the sun and freeze at night. You might see a 78°F afternoon followed by a 44°F night.
- The Mountains: If you’re heading up to Julian, ignore the city forecast. It’s going to be at least 15 degrees colder.
- The Desert: Borrego Springs is its own world. Bone dry and often 10 degrees warmer than the valleys during these Santa Ana events.
What to Actually Pack (or Wear)
Since the humidity is low this week, the "real feel" is going to be crisp.
If you're visiting, do not trust the daytime highs. As soon as that sun disappears behind the Pacific, the temperature drops like a rock. You'll be sitting at a fire pit in Pacific Beach and suddenly realize you're shivering because it went from 72°F to 55°F in the span of two hours.
For the surfers? It’s a mixed bag. The swells are looking small—mostly 2-3 feet with 15-second intervals. The water is 61-62°F. That’s "4/3mm wetsuit" territory for most of us, though some of the crazies are still out there in 3/2s.
The Reality of the "Rainy Season"
January is technically our second wettest month. Usually, we get about 1.8 inches of rain. So far in 2026, we’ve had a few wet bursts, but this current 7-day window is looking remarkably dry.
Is this a drought concern? Maybe. But for anyone planning a vacation or a hike at Torrey Pines this weekend, the lack of rain is a massive win. Just be careful with the fire risk; these Santa Ana winds dry out the brush, and even though it's winter, the hills are still plenty flammable.
How to Handle the High UV
One thing people forget in the winter: the sun is still strong here. Even with a UV index of 3, if you're out at Balboa Park for four hours without sunscreen, you're going to turn pink. The air is clear because of the offshore wind, which means there’s less haze to filter those rays.
Actionable Advice for the Current Forecast:
- Hike early: If you’re hitting Cowles Mountain or Iron Mountain, do it before 10 AM. Even 75°F feels hot when there’s zero shade and 30% humidity.
- Layer up: Carry a light down jacket or a heavy flannel in the car. You will need it by 6 PM.
- Check the tide: With these clear skies, the sunsets are going to be legendary. Check the tide tables; a low tide at sunset makes for those perfect "mirror" photos on the sand at North Beach in Coronado.
- Hydrate: You don't feel yourself sweating as much when it's this dry. Drink more water than you think you need.
The high-pressure ridge won't last forever. By the end of next week, the long-range models suggest a return to "onshore flow," which means more clouds, cooler air, and maybe even a real winter storm. But for the next seven days? Enjoy the "Second Summer." It’s why we pay the "sunshine tax."
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Keep an eye on the wind gusts if you're driving high-profile vehicles on the I-8 through the Alpine area, as those Santa Anas can kick up some nasty crosswinds even when the valley weather looks calm.
To get the most out of this week, plan your outdoor activities for Saturday afternoon when the temperatures peak at the coast, but keep a windbreaker handy for the gusty transitions in the foothills. If you're heading to the mountains, double-check the local mountain-specific stations, as the desert-facing slopes will be significantly windier than the coastal side. For beachgoers, the incoming evening tides will be high, so watch your towel placement if you're staying late to catch the sunset.
The current dry spell is expected to hold firm until the middle of next week when a low-pressure system from the North Pacific might finally bring some much-needed moisture back to Southern California.