San Diego in July (Top Events, Weather, & More)

July is here, and the sun is shining throughout Southern California. Summer is in full swing, everyone’s spirit is high, and there’s no better time to be in San Diego than now.

Hordes of tourists may make make some cautious about a trip to San Diego in July but trust us; it’s worthwhile. Exciting outdoor events like the 4th of July, Comic Con, glowing sandy beaches in La Jolla, and Del Mar racing season are all well worth it.

Read on for the best of San Diego in July, including top events, weather, and what to wear.

July Weather In San Diego

San Diego weather during July is incredible. Imagine clear skies with the sun beaming all day, and barely any rain.

Temperatures usually range between 66.2° F and 75.2° F. This is perfect for spending your time lounging on the beach or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. Unfortunately, with these high temperatures comes high humidity, the mornings average about 82% and the afternoons 64%.

Daylight hours in San Diego County during July average over 14 hours per day, with 11 hours of sunshine.

Swimmers will be happy to know the ocean temperatures around San Diego are quite favorable this month, averaging around 68.5°F. Be sure to bring your towel and trunks!

What Should You Wear In San Diego In July?

Visiting San Diego in July allows you to bring out your favorite summer outfits. Whether you wish to wear a flowery dress or a nice pair of denim shorts, there are no limits.

Evenings tend to be a little chillier than daytime, so bring a light fleece or hoodie, just in case.

Things To Do In San Diego In July

Comic-Con International San Diego

When: July 19th – July 23rd, 2023
Where: San Diego Convention Center
Website

You definitely don’t want to miss out on Comic-Con International, hosted at the convention center in downtown San Diego. Collaborate with like-minded comic book fans and discover the latest pop culture trends at one of America’s largest events.

Immerse yourself in the complete comic experience. Wander through the huge exhibit hall with stands featuring your favorite magazines, join educational workshops, and listen to presentations from big names in the comic world.

Tickets for the four day event must be purchased online beforehand, and they’re limited, so act fast. But even if you don’t have tickets, it is fun to check out downtown during Comic Con to see the amazing Cosplay artists and open events and exhibits all over the city. Read our full guide on things to do during Comic Con if you don’t have a ticket.

The Del Mar Racing Season

When: July 21st – September 10th, 2023
Where: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Website

Take a break from the beach and watch some horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The Del Mar Racing Season has been a huge part of summers in San Diego for decades, and it only gets more popular as the years go on.

Gather your buddies and witness some of the country’s top jockeys and thoroughbreds battle it out for top prizes. Opening Day is one of the most popular events, with ticket holders dressing up in their finest and placing big bets.

Attendees have two ticket options: buy a day pass or a season pass. Choose whichever suits you.

San Diego Pride Festival & Celebration

When: July 8th – July 16th, 2023
Where: Various locations in San Diego
Website

San Diego hosts one of the best pride festivals in America, with many events and activities hosted throughout the city.

The cathedral lights up in pride colors, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally is alive and kicking, and the Pride 5K Run & Walk takes over. The two day Pride Festival is the main highlight, and the Pride Parade alone attracts thousands.

Entry to each event varies, but you can find more information via San Diego Pride. Fundraising is applied towards various charities and institutions working to make the world happier and more welcoming.

The Fourth Of July Celebrations

When: July 4th, 2023
Where: Everywhere in San Diego
Read our Top Tips for 4th of July in San Diego here

Fourth of July is an exciting day in the US, as it’s the country’s Independence Day, and boy, does San Diego throw a big party. 

There’s so much happening in San Diego on the Fourth of July. Events include the fascinating Oceanside fireworks display, Crown City Classic Race, Run & Ride event, Annual Rough Water Swim, and much more. 

There’s no way you can see it all, you’re best off choosing just an event or two to properly enjoy.

San Diego County Fair

When: June 7th – July 4th, 2023
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds
Read our Top Tips for the San Diego County Fair here

At least one day in San Diego must be spent at the San Diego County Fair. This is one of the top anticipated events each summer, with so much fun for people of all ages. 

Take a ride on the towering ferris wheel, try your hand at an entertaining game stall in the hope of winning your crush a prize, or indulge in tasty bites complemented by an ice cold beer.

There are different ticket prices depending on the day of week. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, it’s $15 for an adult and $12 for a child. But on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, adults cost $20, and kids, it’s $17. On Fridays, kids are free, but for adults, it’s still $20.

No doubt, this is one of the best things to do during July in San Diego.

San Diego Bayfest

When: July 8th, 2023
Where: Waterfront Park
Website

Learn how to party as Californians do at the San Diego Bayfest. This is a vibrant festival filled with great music, tasty food, and plenty of beers. Listen to fantastic bands playing their latest tracks while indulging in yummy tacos from one of the food stands. It’s what Bayfest is all about.

The event is held in Waterfront Park, a peaceful area that transforms into a wild party for one day only. 

This year’s lineup is shaping up to be a good one, with Common Kings, Damian JR Gong Marley, Kofee, Denm, Prof, and many more amazing artists making an appearance.

Big Bay Boom

When: July 4th, 2023
Where: The Port of San Diego
Website

We’ve already noted some Fourth of July events above, but the Big Bay Boom deserves a section of its own. This is one of the city’s most popular fireworks displays that everyone wants to see on Independence Day. 

Find yourself a nice vantage point and watch the fireworks fly into the sky from places like Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, the bay off Shelter Island, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing.

There’s no entry fee. Just be sure to show up before 9 PM for a good spot.

Over-The-Line Annual Tournament

When: July 15th – July 23rd, 2023
Where: Mission Bay
Website

Are you ready for the 69th Annual World Championship Over-the-Line (OTL) Tournament? Watch over 1,000 teams take to the beach to battle it out for the top spot. For anyone who doesn’t know, Over-the-Line is a bat and ball sport where participants must whack the ball over the opposing team’s field in order to gain points. 

Each morning, the first game kicks off at 7 AM sharp. Games then run throughout the day at various times, so you can always pop in and out as you please.

Anyone who isn’t participating won’t have to pay an entrance fee. However, if you’re planning on entering a team, fees apply.

Regional Wine Dinner at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Date: Thursday, July 27th, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM 
PRICE: $350 (excludes tax + gratuity) 
ADDRESS: AMAYA – 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, California 92130

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar will be hosting the third edition of their Regional Wine Dinner Series featuring Sonoma County Wineries, Convene and Bacigalupi.  

A one-of-a-kind culinary experience, this six-course wine pairing dinner will be led by wine makers and master sommeliers Nicole Bacigalupi and Dan Kosta and feature dishes by Chef Roman Garcia. Guests will be able to engage with them on this immersive wine journey highlighting fresh, seasonal offerings from our favorite local farms and these exclusive wineries. 

Pupologie Cardiff Dog Days of Summer

When: July 16th, 2023
Where: Encinitas Community Park
Website

If you’re an animal lover and love a budget-friendly activity, you need to check out the Pupologie Cardiff Dog Days of Summer at Encinitas Community Park. 

This event boasts so many dog vendors, pet adoption groups, and rescue teams. Not to mention live music, contests, food stalls, and everything else that could possibly put a smile on your fluffy friend’s face.

Before you ask, yes, you can bring your dog to the party. Just make sure you give them good grooming, as you could be coerced into the doggy fashion contest. Why not give them a chance to take home a ribbon?

If you do wish to enter the contest, signup is 9 AM and it costs $10.

After reading this post, you shouldn’t need to question whether it’s worth visiting San Diego in July. There’s so much happening, you don’t want to miss out.

Even if events aren’t your thing, gorgeous areas like Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, and Ocean Beach are all wonderful spots to unwind during your time off.

We’ve done our part, now it’s time to do yours, start planning your trip to San Diego.

Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Maria Haase

The post San Diego in July (Top Events, Weather, & More) appeared first on San Diego Explorer.