San Diego Beaches in November: Weather, Water Temperature, Crowds & What to Expect
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November marks the transition from San Diego's busy summer season into a quieter, more relaxed time along the coast. Warm autumn afternoons are still common, summer crowds have disappeared, parking becomes much easier, and many locals consider it one of the best months to enjoy the beach.
While swimming becomes less common without a wetsuit, November remains an excellent month for beach walks, photography, tide pooling, wildlife viewing, surfing, kayaking, and enjoying coastal restaurants without long waits.
Whether you're planning a vacation or you're a local wondering what to expect, here's everything you need to know about spending time at San Diego beaches in November.
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November at a Glance
Condition | What to Expect |
Air temperature | Mid 60s to low 70s°F |
Ocean temperature | Around 61–64°F |
Crowds | Low |
Parking | Much easier than summer |
Wind | Usually light mornings, breezier afternoons |
Surf | Often more active than summer |
Wildlife | Beginning of gray whale season, dolphins, sea lions |
Best activities | Walking, hiking, surfing, kayaking, photography, sunset watching |
Weather at San Diego Beaches in November
November usually brings comfortable daytime temperatures with cool mornings and evenings.
Unlike June, the marine layer becomes much less common, meaning blue skies are more frequent throughout the day.
Typical conditions include:
Highs around 68–72°F
Overnight lows in the 50s
Mostly sunny afternoons
Occasional Pacific storm systems later in the month
It rarely feels cold during the day if you're walking along the beach, although a light jacket becomes useful after sunset.
For a broader look at seasonal patterns, see our San Diego Beach Weather by Month guide.
Ocean Water Temperature
Ocean temperatures continue cooling throughout November after reaching their annual peak in late summer.
Expect water temperatures around:
Early November: 64°F
Mid November: 63°F
Late November: 61–62°F
Many surfers continue wearing lighter wetsuits, while swimmers often switch to full wetsuits for longer sessions.
For current ocean temperatures, check the National Weather Service or NOAA, or apps like Surfline before heading out.
You can also read our San Diego Water Temperature by Month guide for monthly averages.
Wave Conditions
November often brings larger Pacific swells than late summer.
That means:
Better surf at many beaches
Larger shore break on exposed beaches
More variable ocean conditions
Beginners usually have the easiest time at:
More experienced surfers often head toward:
Always check daily surf reports before entering the water.
Wind Conditions
Morning hours are usually calm.
Afternoon sea breezes commonly develop, especially on sunny days.
If you're planning:
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Photography
Beach picnics
Morning conditions generally provide the smoothest water and lightest winds.
Beach Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of November is the lack of crowds.
Compared to July:
Parking lots rarely fill
Beaches feel much quieter
Restaurants have shorter waits
Walking paths are less congested
Thanksgiving week can bring a temporary increase in visitors, particularly around Coronado, La Jolla, and Mission Beach.
Outside of holiday weekends, many beaches feel surprisingly peaceful.
Parking Is Much Easier
Finding parking becomes dramatically easier after Labor Day.
Popular beaches such as:
Coronado Beach
La Jolla Shores
Del Mar
Pacific Beach
Mission Beach
often have available parking throughout much of the day outside holiday weekends.
For parking tips throughout the county, see our Guide to Parking on the San Diego Coast.
Traffic Around the Coast
Traffic also becomes much lighter than during summer.
Expect:
Less congestion
Easier access to beach towns
Shorter waits entering beach parking lots
The main exception is Thanksgiving weekend, when shopping areas and popular attractions become busier.
Wildlife in November
November is one of the better months for spotting wildlife.
Keep an eye out for:
Dolphins
California sea lions
Harbor seals
Brown pelicans
Cormorants
Late November also marks the beginning of the annual gray whale migration, with sightings becoming more common through winter.
For more seasonal wildlife, read our San Diego Whale Watching & Marine Life Calendar.
Best Beach Activities in November
Beach Walks
Cooler temperatures make long coastal walks much more enjoyable than summer afternoons.
Great choices include:
Coronado Beach
Carlsbad State Beach
Moonlight State Beach
Del Mar Beach
Hiking
November offers excellent hiking weather.
Popular coastal trails include:
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Sunset Cliffs
Annie's Canyon Trail
Kayaking
La Jolla's sea caves remain one of the best kayaking destinations during calm November mornings.
If you're looking for a guided experience, consider booking one of the top-rated kayak tours in La Jolla.
Surfing
Autumn swells begin producing excellent surfing conditions throughout the county.
Even if you don't surf, November is a great month to watch experienced surfers from:
Windansea Beach
Swami's Beach
Blacks Beach
Tide Pooling
November brings some excellent lower tides.
Check tide charts before visiting:
Cabrillo National Monument
Shell Beach
False Point
You may see:
Sea stars
Hermit crabs
Sea anemones
Small fish
Sea hares
Choose a tide pool tour in La Jolla to learn from a marine biologist.
Sunset Watching
Earlier sunsets make it easy to catch golden hour without staying out late.
Some favorite sunset spots include:
Del Mar Beach
La Jolla Cove
Fletcher Cove
What to Pack
November weather changes throughout the day.
A comfortable packing list includes:
Light jacket
Layers
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
Beach towel
Camera
Binoculars for wildlife
Full wetsuit if swimming or surfing
Best Beaches to Visit in November
La Jolla Shores
Excellent for kayaking, walking, wildlife viewing, and beginner-friendly surfing.
Coronado Beach
Wide sand, fewer crowds, beautiful sunsets, and comfortable walking conditions.
Del Mar Beach
Relaxed atmosphere with excellent coastal scenery.
Moonlight State Beach
Great facilities, coastal walking, and nearby restaurants.
Carlsbad State Beach
Perfect for beach walks, photography, and enjoying quieter North County beaches.
Local Tips
November is one of the most underrated months on the San Diego coast.
Locals often choose it because:
Summer traffic has ended.
Parking is significantly easier.
Beaches feel much less crowded.
Ocean views are just as beautiful.
Comfortable temperatures make outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the day.
If swimming isn't your priority, many people actually prefer November over the middle of summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit San Diego beaches?
Yes. November offers pleasant weather, lighter crowds, easier parking, and comfortable temperatures, making it one of the best months to enjoy the coast. However, the weather is more variable so it can feel chilly.
Can you swim at San Diego beaches in November?
Yes, although the ocean is noticeably cooler. Many swimmers and surfers wear full wetsuits, while some visitors still swim briefly without one.
What is the ocean temperature in San Diego during November?
Ocean temperatures typically range from about 61°F to 64°F, gradually cooling throughout the month.
Are San Diego beaches crowded in November?
Generally no. Outside of Thanksgiving week, most beaches are much quieter than during summer.
Does it rain in November?
Rain is possible, especially later in the month, but many November days remain sunny and pleasant.
Is November good for surfing?
Yes. Autumn swells often create excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers throughout San Diego County.
Can you see whales in November?
Gray whale migration begins in late November, and dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds can be seen year-round.
What should I wear to the beach in November?
Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the evening are recommended.
Which beaches are best in November?
La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, Del Mar Beach, Moonlight State Beach, and Carlsbad State Beach are all excellent choices.
Is parking easier in November?
Yes. Compared with the busy summer season, parking is typically much easier to find at most San Diego beaches.
Are sunsets earlier in November?
Yes. Sunset occurs earlier due to the end of daylight saving time, making it easier to enjoy sunset views without staying out late.
Is November better than summer for locals?
Many locals think so. Cooler temperatures, lighter traffic, easier parking, and quieter beaches make November one of the most enjoyable months to spend time along the San Diego coast.
Conclusion
November offers some of the most enjoyable beach conditions of the year in San Diego. While the Pacific Ocean cools and surf becomes more active, the tradeoff is quieter beaches, easier parking, lighter traffic, and comfortable weather that makes walking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and coastal dining especially enjoyable.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or live nearby, November provides an opportunity to experience the San Diego coastline at a slower pace. With fewer crowds and plenty of sunshine, it's one of the best months to explore beaches from Coronado to Carlsbad and discover why many locals consider fall their favorite season by the ocean.
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