San Francisco and San Diego are close in January. San Francisco averages 8–14°C with low–moderate crowds; San Diego 10–19°C with low–moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
San Francisco and San Diego
The verdict for January
Rainy and quiet
+Lower prices and fewer visitors.
–One of the rainiest months.
January is rainy and cool, but quiet and good value, and Lunar New Year events can start late in the month.
Mild and quiet
+Whale watching and good rates.
–Cool water and some rain.
January is mild and quiet, with gray whales passing the coast.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month