San Diego in May can sometimes be gray
The summer is quickly approaching with excitement and travelers are finding their way to San Diego in May. Depending on what neighborhood you are visiting, the “May gray” can fog in some of the coastal regions. We recommend having multiple adventures planned during your trip, and you can make the best decision depending on the weather for the day.
As far as San Diego weather goes for May, the average high temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit while the average low temperate is 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature in the Pacific Ocean is still a cool 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should definitely plan on using a wetsuit.
While you’re in San Diego, consider taking a day trip to one of the many nearby destinations, such as Joshua Tree or Tijuana, Mexico! There is so much to see and do not only in San Diego, but also in the surrounding areas.
Top Events happening in San Diego In May:
Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival
May 11 – 14th
Known as Mardi Gras in May, this three-day festival, held in Point Loma Peninsula has it all. Gator By The Bay-Zydeco Blues & Crawfish Festival is not to be missed! From salsa dancing and rockabilly to Cajun and New Orleans jazz, this festival is truly unique. Come hungry, as there will be vendors and food from all different styles and cuisines on hand, including Thai, Jamaican and Creole! Single-day tickets, as well as multi-day tickets are available for purchase.
San Diego Auto Swap
May 29th
Whether you’re a collector or an appreciator of classic cars, check out this one-day event at the Santee Drive-In Theatre on May 29. The San Diego Auto Swap is a great way to spend the day! From 6am-1pm, car collectors will roll into town and show off their classic and vintage cars. If you have a classic car of your own, come scope out opportunities to trade or sell! See something you like, and it might be for sale, too! Tickets are available online.
Catch A Padres Baseball Game
Petco Park In Downtown
The Padres kicked off their season with opening day during the first week of April. If you get the chance to catch the festivities, you will enjoy a block party that surrounds the stadium with live entertainment and happy fans!
You can grab a cheap ticket and enjoy the game from the back lawn inside Petco Park! Plan on stopping into a few of the local bars and pubs for a pregame to experience Downtown at its fullest.
North Park Music Fest
May 27-28
Held at the North Park Mini Park and its surrounding streets, this festival is a celebration of sound, good food, and great drinks! Various concerts and shows will be held at different locations in the surrounding area, and there will also be discussion panels held throughout the weekend. Purchase a single-day or two-day pass ahead of time, as tickets are likely to sell out!
Live Music in Coronado
Ferry Landing
Relax at the park on Coronado and listen to some good vibes from local musicians.
Have fun exploring
San Diego is home to some of the best entertainment attractions in the country. The weather in March in San Diego makes for the perfect climate to head out and have fun. Seaworld offers a marine waterpark and has been building more and more roller coasters to raise your adrenaline. The San Diego Zoo is our largest attraction and is an awesome way to spend a day and help support the animals. In Downtown, the USS Midway Museum is an awesome experience bringing you on an actual aircraft carrier with fighter jets.
Go Hiking
Cedar Creek Falls
All Spring
The spring is a great time to take on some of the county’s numerous hiking trails. The cooler conditions and recent rainfall make it the perfect time of year to get outdoors and hike on the nature trails. Some of my favorite hikes in San Diego are Three Sisters Waterfall, Cedar Creek Waterfall, Iron Mountain, and Torrey Pines State Park.
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is the ultimate base camp on the coast if you are looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure. Choose between hang gliding or paragliding and let your feet dangle over the cliffs!
Stroll San Diego Bay Through Seaport Village
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is an awesome spot with views of the Bay and numerous entertaining street performers. Recent renovations by the city, built out amazing parks and walkways to explore!
Seaport Village is a short walk from our Downtown Hostel in Little Italy and makes a great day adventure!
Everyday Events!
There is always something happening in America’s Finest City. Want to go to a pop-up bar that rolls along in a camper? Or buy some secondhand books? Check out The Reader for more daily events. It’s hard to know what you will be in the mood to do at times until you see all the options of the day in front of you. Another great local guide is Dosd.com, which breaks down daily events and also on-going festivals and shows.
Weekly Local Events:
Tuesdays: Pacific Beach Farmers Market
Wednesdays: Ocean Beach Farmers Market and Drum Circles
Saturdays: Little Italy Farmers Market
Sundays: Hillcrest Farmers Market
Everyday – Locals Ride Free – San Diego Trolley Tours
San Diego is a great destination year-round. Many other extraordinary events are happening and listed on the San Diego Events website.
For info on the live music scene, the San Diego Reader has a great list of upcoming shows.
If you have any questions about other events happening in San Diego, please contact our receptionist at any of our local hostels.
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After bouncing around town and checking out some of the great offerings that San Diego has in May, book a stay at our Beach Bungalow Hostel in Pacific Beach!
