San Diego in November: Best Things To Do, Weather, & More

Are you planning a November vacation? Well, you won’t find a better place in the USA than San Diego.

While most of the country is experiencing cold weather, America’s finest city is still basking in warm, pleasant days.

If you visit San Diego in November, it’s prime time for lots of fun events, from Thanksgiving celebrations to the Bay Wine & Food Festival.

In this article, you’ll find all you need to know about visiting San Diego in November, from expected weather to some of the best things to do.

San Diego November Weather

Unlike most places in the USA, which are approaching the winter season, San Diego is quite pleasant.

Throughout most of November, temperatures usually range between 53℉ and 70℉ with mainly clear skies and the possibility of an odd rainy day here or there.

Weather in San Diego in November is not too hot or too cold, just perfect.

On average, the city receives between 7 to 24 mm of rainfall across the month.

In terms of sunlight hours, at the beginning of the month, the daylight duration is 11 hours and 44 minutes, but this gradually decreases as December approaches.

While the sunshine might be nice on land, the sea is a different story.

The average water temperature in San Diego is 63.5°F, so it’s probably best to leave your trunks at home.

What Should You Wear In San Diego In November?

Even though it’s November, we still recommend you travel to San Diego with a suitcase full of light clothes.

You won’t need a big heavy jacket or gloves. It’s more like a short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans kind of weather.

Plan to pack a couple of T-shirts, shorts, shoes, long dresses, jeans, a pair of shoes, and flip-flops for during the day.

There’s no harm in bringing a cardigan or light jumper either, in case you get chilly after dark.

Since the UV rays will be out, don’t forget your sunscreen, a cap or sun hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Best Things To Do In San Diego In November

Thanksgiving

When: November 23rd
Where: All of San Diego

Undoubtedly, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest periods in San Diego.

Between everyone racing home to spend time with their family and people raiding the supermarkets to load up the kitchen for the big day, there’s a lot going on. 

To add that, lots of holiday events are hosted.

One event, in particular, you should check out is the Thanksgiving Turkey Trots & Celebrations on November 23rd.

Compete in the famous Turkey Trot Race for some exercise before diving into this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.

The race is open to people of all ages, medals are given to the winners, and plenty of entertainment is provided across the day.

For more, check out Where To Find The Best Thanksgiving Dinner In San Diego.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

When: November 8th – 12th
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park North
Website

One of our favorite San Diego events in November is the incredible San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival in Embarcadero Marina Park North.

The area comes to life for five days straight, with hundreds of famous wineries and breweries.

Not to mention local restaurants and chefs sampling the best of their goods.

Make sure you turn up with an empty belly because you’ll be rolling out by the end.

This year’s dates for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival are November 8th to 12th.

More Than Pink Walk

When: November 5th
Where: Balboa Park
Website

Stroll for those who can’t at the More Than Pink Walk through Balboa Park.

In aid of those affected by breast cancer, this 2.2 mile walk is designed to bring everyone together for a fantastic cause.

Everyone will set off from a selected location in Balboa Park bright and early at 6:30 AM on November 5th.

Make sure you pack some comfortable footwear!

Fleet Week San Diego

When: November 3rd – 12th
Where: Broadway Pier
Website

Set up as a sign of respect to the men and women who serve in the US military, Fleet Week is a massive display on Broadway Pier.

They have huge displays such as tanks, helicopters, and ships.

There’s also live music, food, and drinks, plus facility tours if you’re interested.

What’s even better is it’s totally free!

Fleet Week will be hosted between November 3rd and 12th, so you can pop down whenever you have a bit of free time.

Escondido VetFest Parade & Festival

When: November 11th
Where: Maple Street Plaza
Website

Another patriotic event is the Escondido VetFest Parade & Festival.

See the American Legion JB Clark Post 149 march around Maple Street Plaza and Grand Avenue in honor of veterans.

This spectacle is well worth checking out, and there are no ticket fees.

The parade will set off from Maple Street Plaza on November 11th.

The Carlsbad Fall Village Faire

When: November 5th
Where: Carlsbad Village

Grab your shopping bags and hit up one of the largest one-day street fairs in southern California, the Carlsbad Fall Village Faire.

It features 900 arts and crafts stalls and foodie booths, even including the yummy Kiwanis Club serving their mouthwatering pancake breakfast and a traditional farmers market.

While you shop until you drop, let the kids play in the massive ride and games section.

The Carlsbad Fall Village Faire is a one-day event on November 5th, from 8 am to 4 pm.

Fall Back Festival

When: November 5th
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
Website

Head on down to the Gaslamp Quarter outside the Davis-Horton House on November 5th for the Fall Back Festival.

This is a vibrant children’s fair with tons of activities for youngsters in downtown San Diego.

Gather the kiddos for a fun-filled day out featuring educational activities and historical demonstrations.

The event is sure to put a smile on their faces, especially the pie-eating contest.

Old Town Día de los Muertos

When: November 2nd
Where: San Diego Old Town
Website

Luring in over 5,000 people every year, San Diego’s Old Town Día de los Muertos is one of the most fun experiences you can have in November.

Usually celebrated in Mexico, Día de los Muerto is part of the Day of the Dead festival, which is held to remember the dead.

Día de los Muerto is the final day where people paint their faces with sceletons (Calavera) and dance to joyful music in memory of the deceased.

San Diego hosts its own version of the festival in Old Town. Complete with the traditional procession to the El Campo Santo cemetery, showing a public altar along with live music and other demonstrations.

San Diego Beer Week

When: November 3rd – 12th
Where: All over San Diego
Website

Brew enthusiasts, get ready for ten days of non-stop fun during San Diego Beer Week.

From November 3rd to the 12th, the city will be the site for events and experiences to celebrate great American craft brewers.

Bars, breweries, and restaurants all across San Diego will be hosting most of the events.

Members of the San Diego Brewers Guild will also be joining in on the fun at various taprooms around San Diego County. They’ll chat with beer lovers and stick around for a pint.

They’ll also be selling Beer Week merchandise and handing out prizes to anyone who can guess the right answers to some of the chosen trivia questions.

A list of the taprooms taking part is set to launch soon.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When: November 8th – December 31st
Where: The Old Globe Theater
Website

Get your kids hyped up for the holidays early this year at Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas musical at the Old Globe Theater, located in Balboa Park.

Due to its high popularity last year, it’s back better than ever this November, with some famous songs from the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Sing along to tunes such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” and “Santa for a Day.”

Tickets can be purchased directly from Old Globe Theater. Get there fast, they’ll sell out.

Looking for more holiday ideas for the upcoming Christmas season? Check out Christmas In San Diego The Ultimate Guide.

Veteran’s Day Boat Parade

When: November 12th
Where: San Diego Bay
Website

There’s no better way to honor those in the US military on Veteran’s Day than by heading down to San Diego Bay for the Veteran’s Day Boat Parade.

Join military-themed boats from the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as they cruise between Shelter Island, Seaport Village, Harbor Island, Coronado Tidelands Park, and San Diego Embarcadero.

If you have your own boat, you’re encouraged to join in on the fun by jazzing it up for the big occasion and taking it out to the bay.

Prizes will be awarded to boats in various themes, so give it your all. The wilder the design, the better!

Skating By The Sea At Hotel Del Coronado

When: November 17th – January 7th
Where: Hotel Del Coronado
Website

It may not snow in San Diego in November, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go ice skating.

Hotel Del Coronado will be setting up their own beachfront ice skating rink from November through January, with proceeds going toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ice skating slots can be reserved online through Hotel Del Coronado website beforehand.

Don’t forget to book your space in the Frostbite Lounge for afterward. They offer cozy seating and delicious snacks.

Coronado Island Film Festival

When: November 8th – 11th
Where: Coronado Island
Website

Head across the San Diego Bay for the famous Coronado Island Festival.

Over five days, all genres of movies will be played, from the latest releases by the industry’s newest filmmakers to Oscar winners.

Films are chosen from industry experts, and always impress. It’s a cinema buff’s dream.

On a Saturday night, there will be the grand Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Gala, where a red carpet will be rolled out.

Clearly, November is looking to be a fantastic month in San Diego, with events for everyone.

You could be in the city for Thanksgiving or simply passing through as a tourist, no matter, you won’t run out of things to do in San Diego in November.

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Maria Haase

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