When to Go to La Jolla, California

We’ve talked about how to get to San Diego’s favorite coastal community, but if you’re planning a trip, you also need to think about the best time to be here.

Weather -

Weather is certainly a consideration – even though the temperature in San Diego is mild year round, and we get less than 10 inches of rain a year (usually from November to March). Click here for some rainy day suggestions.

Daytime temps range from a low of 64°F (about 17°C) in December to a high of 79°F (about 25°C) in August. Nighttime temps are 15-20 degrees cooler. We get a fair amount of coastal fog in May and June – known locally as “May gray” and “June gloom” – and the best beach weather is July though September. Visit in the spring (especially in April and May) to see our colorful gardens at their very best.

Insider tip: I think of September as San Diego’s secret season, because the crowds are gone and the weather is wonderful.

Annual Events -9008669456?profile=original

Annual events are also a consideration when planning a trip to La Jolla. Here are some to factor into your plans:

January and September - San Diego Restaurant Week includes lots of La Jolla restaurants offering good-value prix-fixe menus. Next: January 15-20, 2012

January – The Farmers Insurance PGA Golf Tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Next: January 23-29, 2012.

February – This is free museum month in San Diego. La Jolla participants include the Museum of Contemprary Art San Diego, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the La Jolla Historical Society.

March - Meet the Masters. Sponsored by the Village Garden Club of La Jolla, Meet the Masters features well known personalities from the world of flowers. Next: March 8, 2012 – London floral designer Shane Connolly – “the man who put the trees in Westminster Abbey for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.”

April – The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance (formerly La Jolla Motor Car Classic), sponsored by the La Jolla Historical Society, takes place in Scripps Park near the La Jolla Cove and draws droves of classic car enthusiasts. Next: April 1, 2012.

May – The Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla, sponsored by the La Jolla Historical Society, provides an opportunity for local residents and out-of-town visitors to walk through the gates that surround our community’s most beautiful private gardens. Next: May 19, 2012

May – February - La Jolla Playhouse presents a year round program of musicals, comedies, and dramas Next: Jesus Christ Superstar, November 18 - December 31, 2011.

July – On the 4th of July, fireworks explode from the La Jolla Cove.

August – La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest is a nationally-recognized chamber music festival featuring over 70 world-class artists and ensembles performing concerts during the month of August.

September - La Jolla Rough Water Swim. America's premier rough water swim has taken place at the La Jolla Cove since 1916. Next: September 9, 2012.

October - Kids are free at local museums when accompanied by a paid adult.

December – April – This is whale watching season. Visitors can go out on a boat with a Birch Aquarium or BYO binoculars and scan the waves from vantage points along the La Jolla Coast.

December – May - La Jolla Music Society’s Winter-Spring Series includes a variety of music and dance performances. Some of these are held in Sherwood Hall in the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla.

December – The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a family-friendly community event. Next: December 4, 2012.

Click here if you need help planning your trip to La Jolla.

Click here to search for hotels in La Jolla.

Photo credit ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

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