How is the weather typically during Fall/Winter near the coast?? (San Diego: house, living)

[odannyboi]

I moved to pacific beach in June and for the most part, it was a cloudy month (marine layer). But July and August has been fantastic (sun nearly everyday). I commute near La Mesa for work and It would typically get sunnier when I moved away from the beach in June. Just curious..what kind of coastal weather should be expected in Sept. to Dec?

I lived near SDSU (near La Mesa) from Jan through May and it was pretty sunny for the most part. I've visited SD in Dec for a couple of days in 2010 and it was overcast near downtown and OB... I am hoping this will not be the norm in the coming months (only lived in the area since Jan 2012).

[Encinitan]

It can still be warm (80s) along the coast in September even into October. Santa Anas happen at that time of year, so it can be warmer at the beaches than inland. November and December it's usually clear and mild (high 60s to 70s). Summer is great, but IMO, winter at the beach can be the best. Not as hot, no humidity, just clear and perfect.

[Clevelandgal]

The best way to predict cold and rainy weather in the winter is to check with me and see when we have guests are coming to town. It's full proof!

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Dec - Feb everywhere in SD is the rainy season. Thus getting clouds/overcast weather will be everywhere.

I have lived downtown longer than I have in my house inland (near La Mesa where you were.) To me, the weather 'difference' is a non issue after 2 years living the difference, not seeing it on a weather map.
For others, living near the coast is all the reason to live in San Diego.
Ultimately it becomes a moot point to even justify either position because they are ALL personal preference. There are hobbies and activities I am doing here inland that I didnt do living near the coast and vice versa.

For example, this spring it was mild and sunny inland in the 70s until this recent swamp storm. Whereas the coast was not much differnet than it always is, overcast until 1 or 2pm. Bad? Good? Depends on the person.

IMHO, the trade offs for weather at differnet times of the year are about the same between inland and coastal. Fall is hands down THE nicest time of the year. Nice clear days, you can see for miles and miles.

Desert weather on the other hand....

[sdurbanite]

While it is the rainy season during late Fall and Winter, it's also the sunniest time of the year (if that makes any sense). Sept/Oct get the hottest/driest days of the year with Santa Anas blowing thru. Marine layer is pretty much non-existent. The only cloudy days you'll see are during winter storms, and once they pass through in a day or two, it's just plain spectacular.

Here's a great monthy summary of the weather (for the coast) we get throughout the year that I think is fairly accurate. Mind you, all bets are off we get an El Nino year, which means more storms than usual -

Average Monthly Weather for San Diego Lindbergh Field