What to Wear in San Diego, California This Fall

Got a fall trip planned to San Diego, CA? San Diego can be fun to visit in the fall, but you'll want to make sure you're dressed right. The weather is warm and a little humid with muggy evenings, with temperatures averaging around 72°F (that's 22°C). So what should you wear so you can stay comfy and fit in with the local vibe?

To make the most of your trip to San Diego, a good rule of thumb is to pack comfortable clothing that you can layer. Loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics will keep you cool in warmer weather, while a light jacket or cardigan will come in handy for cooler days or evenings. For footwear, comfortable walking shoes are a must. You'll be doing a lot of walking to take in all the sights, so you want to make sure your shoes won't give you blisters.

In just a second, I'll share my specific recommendations for exactly what to wear in San Diego in fall—whether you're visiting Balboa Park, strolling along the San Diego harbor, walking through Coronado, or surfing at La Jolla.

🔗 What should women wear in San Diego, California in fall?

San Diego in fall is generally warm, and there are a few key items you'll want to pack. Here's what I definitely wouldn't go without: cute sundresses, walking shoes, upf 50+ sun protective clothing, swimsuit, and beach coverup. With these essentials, you’ll be all set to experience everything San Diego has to offer.

🔗 Cute sundresses

Packing for a trip can be tricky, especially if you're trying to pack light. However, one item that is always worth packing is a cute sundress. Sundresses are not only incredibly versatile, but they also tend to be very comfortable in hot weather. For instance, you can wear a sundress to the beach as a coverup, or dress it up with some jewelry for a nice dinner out. Plus, sundresses come in such a wide range of styles, so it's easy to find one that flatters your figure. When shopping for a sundress, look for one that is made from breathable fabric and has a flattering cut. And don't forget to pack a cardigan or shawl to go with it in case it gets chilly in the evening.

Here are some of my favorites:

🔗 Walking shoes

Unless you're spending your entire vacation lounging by the pool, you're going to want a good pair of walking shoes. Walking is a great way to see San Diego, and it's also a good way to get some exercise while you're there. But not just any old sneakers will do. You want a shoe that is comfortable and well-cushioned, with good arch support.

Here are some options I'd recommend:

🔗 UPF 50+ sun protective clothing

If there was just one thing I could pack for a sunny trip away, it would be UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. Seriously, this stuff is amazing. It's essentially clothing specially designed to protect your skin from the sun, which is important because UV rays can be incredibly damaging to your skin—especially if you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. UPF 50+ clothing helps to block out the sun's rays, just by you wearing it! Look for items that are loose-fitting and made from breathable fabrics, and you'll also want to make sure that the clothes you choose have a light color, as this will help to keep you cool too. With UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, you can enjoy your time in the sun without having to worry about damaging your skin.

If you're stuck for ideas, here are some of my favorites:

🔗 Swimsuit

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, or even planning on spending a day at a water park, there are plenty of reasons to pack a swimsuit for San Diego. Not only are they essential for staying cool in the heat, but they also come in handy for everything from water sports to simply relaxing in the shade. With so many different styles and designs to choose from, you could even pack more than one.

Need some inspiration? Start here:

🔗 Beach coverup

A beach coverup is a must-have for any trip to San Diego. There are several reasons to pack a coverup, including sun protection and modesty. First things first, a beach coverup can help keep you from getting sunburned, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. Coverups can also be useful for hiding swimsuits that may be too revealing or that you simply don't feel comfortable wearing in public. When choosing a beach coverup, it's important to pick one that is comfortable and that fits well. You'll also want to consider the material—something light and airy is ideal for hot days.

Any of these should work:

🔗 What should men wear in San Diego, California in fall?

For guys, here's the list of essentials I recommend you start with: flip flops, loafers or dress shoes, chinos, linen shirts, and upf 50+ sun protective clothing. With these in your suitcase, I guarantee you will enjoy your trip to San Diego in comfort and style.

🔗 Flip flops

It's no secret that flip flops are one of the most popular types of footwear for visiting San Diego in fall. They're easy to slip on and off, they're usually pretty cheap, and they go with just about everything. But flip flops are also surprisingly versatile—they can be dressed up or down, and they're perfect for everything from a day at the beach to a night out on the town.

Don't have anything suitable? Grab one of these:

🔗 Loafers or dress shoes

While most people focus on packing their casual clothes and shoes for travel, it's important to remember to pack a pair or two of dressier shoes as well. Loafers and dress shoes can come in handy for a number of different occasions, from wedding receptions to nights out on the town. And while you might not want to spend a lot of money on shoes that you'll only be wearing occasionally, it's still worth investing in a good quality pair that will be comfortable and last for years to come.

Here are some of my favorites:

🔗 Chinos

Chinos are the perfect travel companion. They're comfortable, they don't wrinkle, and they go with everything. Plus, they can be dressed up or down, making them the perfect versatile piece for San Diego. You'll thank yourself when you have something reliable to wear on those long days of exploring. When choosing chinos, try to pick a neutral color like khaki or olive green. These colors will go with everything so you'll only need a pair or two.

These options are both stylish and comfy:

🔗 Linen shirts

Packing for San Diego can be a daunting task, but there are a few items that are essential for any trip. One of those items is a linen shirt. Linen is a light and airy fabric that is perfect for a variety of weather conditions. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing linen shirts for travel. First, consider the color. Linen tends to absorb sweat and can become stained quickly. Light colors will help to keep you cool, while dark colors mask any stains better. Also, choose a shirt with a loose fit. Linen shirts are not meant to be skin tight!

Don't have anything suitable? Grab one of these:

🔗 UPF 50+ sun protective clothing

If there was just one thing I could pack for a sunny trip away, it would be UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. Seriously, this stuff is amazing. It's essentially clothing specially designed to protect your skin from the sun, which is important because UV rays can be incredibly damaging to your skin—especially if you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. UPF 50+ clothing helps to block out the sun's rays, just by you wearing it! Look for items that are loose-fitting and made from breathable fabrics, and you'll also want to make sure that the clothes you choose have a light color, as this will help to keep you cool too. With UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, you can enjoy your time in the sun without having to worry about damaging your skin.

Here are some of my favorites:

I hope these recommendations for what to wear in San Diego, California will help make your fall visit unforgettable. Now that you have a better idea of what clothing to take, it's time to pack your suitcase—and then go ahead and enjoy everything San Diego has to offer!