Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit San Diego

Most Expensive Time to Visit San Diego

The most expensive time to visit San Diego, like most of California, is during the summer and around major holidays, when warm weather, beaches, and events attract huge crowds.

Summer (June to August)
This is San Diego’s busiest season for tourism.

• Hotels near the Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Beach, and La Jolla are at peak rates.
• Beaches, attractions like the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park are packed.

Comic-Con International (Mid to Late July)
The city’s largest event draws over 100,000 visitors.

• Hotels sell out months in advance at premium prices.
• Flights into San Diego are also more expensive during this week.

Spring Break (March to April)
Families and college students flock to the city for beach weather and attractions.

• Hotels and vacation rentals along the coast are significantly pricier.
• Popular spots like Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, and SeaWorld are crowded.

Winter Holidays (Late December to Early January)
Sunny winter weather attracts visitors escaping the cold.

• Hotels and resorts raise rates for the holiday season.
• Tourist areas and attractions are busier than usual.

Cheapest Time to Visit San Diego

The cheapest time to visit San Diego is during the late fall, winter (outside the holidays), and shoulder months, when crowds thin and prices drop.

Late Fall (October to Early December, excluding holidays)
Tourism slows after summer ends.

• Hotels and flights are cheaper.
• Beaches and attractions are quieter, with mild weather.

Winter (Mid-January to February)
Outside of the holiday rush, winter is San Diego’s most affordable season.

• Hotels and vacation rentals are at their lowest prices.
• A great time to enjoy museums, Old Town, and indoor attractions.

Early Spring (February to Early March, before Spring Break)
A short shoulder season with cooler weather but good deals.

• Hotels and flights are cheaper than in peak spring.
• Attractions are open with lighter crowds.

Best Time to Visit San Diego On a Budget

The best time to visit San Diego if you’re on a budget is during the shoulder seasons, when weather is still pleasant, but prices are lower than summer or holidays.

October to Early December

• Affordable hotel rates and flights.
• Perfect for enjoying beaches, the zoo, and Balboa Park without peak crowds.

Late January to Early March

• Post-holiday lull with the lowest hotel prices of the year.
• Great for exploring museums, historic neighborhoods, and whale-watching season.

Seasonal Tourism Cost Summary

How To Save Money When Visiting San Diego

Transportation

• Parking downtown can hit $20/day—skip the car when you can.
• Use San Diego MTS buses & trolleys ($2.50/ride or $6 day pass) to reach downtown, Old Town, and even the border.
• Rent bikes with Lime or local bike-share apps for cheap exploring.

Accommodations

• Hotels in Gaslamp & La Jolla run $150–$400/night.
• Budget-friendly options: Mission Valley or Point Loma ($80–$150).
• Hostels like USA Hostels Ocean Beach ($40–$60) or Airbnb in North Park ($70–$120).
• Best savings come midweek or in shoulder season (Sept–Nov, Feb–Apr).

Food

• Skip pricey restaurants ($20–$30/meal) and hit taco spots like Las Cuatro Milpas or Tacos El Gordo ($5–$10).
• Check food trucks & Liberty Public Market for cheap eats.
• Coffee & pastries: local shops like Better Buzz ($3–$7).
• Grab groceries at Trader Joe’s or Vons for a Balboa Park picnic.

Activities

• Free fun: Beaches (Coronado, Mission, La Jolla Cove), Balboa Park gardens, and neighborhood markets.
• San Diego Zoo is $70+, but the CityPASS ($119 for 4 attractions) saves ~40%.
• Look for last-minute deals on Padres games, harbor cruises, or tours.

Extra Tips

• Visit in fall or winter (off-peak) for cheaper hotels and flights.
• Search SanDiego.org or event listings for free concerts & festivals.
• Skip tourist traps in Seaport Village—eat in Ocean Beach or Hillcrest instead.
• Keep small cash handy ($10–$20) for food trucks and local vendors.

San Francisco: Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit San Francisco? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Jetsetter AlertsJetsetter Alerts

Los Angeles’s Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Los Angeles? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Jetsetter AlertsJetsetter Alerts

California’s Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit California? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Jetsetter AlertsJetsetter Alerts