Warning to relocators-- SD's winters proabaly not what you think (San Diego: movies, beach)

[jkoz]

Originally Posted by Donna7

First off, we lived in OC during the early to mid 80's, so I know that it's not a tropical island during winter (or even other seasons). More importantly (and more recent), I was in San Diego for a week the first week of February, 2009. Spent a week by myself (for personal and business) in North Coastal San Diego (Carlsbad/Encinitas) and then finished off my stay in downtown San Diego. Weather was almost 80 the first three days I was there, then went down to 70's.

I remember those few weeks last year--I did a whale watching cruise at that time and it was gorgeous--with very flat, almost glassy seas. I think it was near 90 on the coast the day we went out. That was a Santa Ana (thus the glassy seas)--that's usually when you'll get temperatures like that at that time of year, but if you come at that time of year automatically expecting to get that weather every day, you may be disappointed.

Just come expecting to get out of sub-zero temps and snow--anything is better than that.

BTW - Two tourists I talked to on the whale watching boat decided that day they were going to move here!

[iskray917]

Originally Posted by jkoz

Yep, they ALL think that--midwesterners too.

I tell them December in San Diego can be compared to Michigan in late March/early April in terms of temperature, and in terms of the rain. You might be able to break out the shorts and flip-flops during a Santa Ana, but that's about it.

A few weeks ago I saw a couple of gals in their mid 20s sitting on the beach in swimsuits at the Del dutifully applying suntan lotion--in temps of about 65 degrees--they were bound and determined! LOL

I used to wear shorts year round. It never gets that cold.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by iskray917

I used to wear shorts year round. It never gets that cold.

I only ware pants when I'm a. going to somplace important when I need to have a certain appearance or b. Out in nature somewhere when I need my legs protected. Never because I think it's cold.

[philly2sddude]

hey...alot of good input...yah this is my first winter here...and just to clear up a point...by posting this I didnt mean I was disapointed with the weather overall here...but just to tell people its not "tropic"....alot of people like myself want that "hot,hot 80- 90 degree weather all year round" and that the perception to outsiders is that San Diego is that way......and people out here are in general "people pleasers" so when I asked them if the weather was nice and hot in the winter everyone told me it was!!.....people out east are more straight shooters...so be careful how you phrase questions to Sd'ers and ask specifics to a wider range of people for the most accurate answer to your questions...but I love the people here still...no worries!!

[bouncethelight]

Originally Posted by philly2sddude

......and people out here are in general "people pleasers" so when I asked them if the weather was nice and hot in the winter everyone told me it was!!.....people out east are more straight shooters...so be careful how you phrase questions to Sd'ers and ask specifics to a wider range of people for the most accurate answer to your questions...but I love the people here still...no worries!!

Painting us all as people-pleasers isn't exactly accurate...

You have to remember that we all have different perceptions. To me it is nice and warm here in winter - and I've lived here all my life - but I've travelled to other places, so I do know what cold is, and it is definitely not what I would call cold here, ever.

The straightest answer I could give you is that it's temperate and beautiful and yes, warm, most of the year here, including winter.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

I tell people it's cold and nasty. Better yet I send them pics of me in the snow from Laguna.

Too many people here already.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by philly2sddude

and people out here are in general "people pleasers"

Apparently you haven't run into me yet.

[jc76]

It's 7 degrees here right now and the view outside is a portrait of death. Be thankful.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

I tell people it's cold and nasty. Better yet I send them pics of me in the snow from Laguna.

Too many people here already.

I like that approach LOL. Better to discourage more crowding

[Island_OnThe_Land]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Biggest misconception East Coasters have is that California has Florida's weather.

Very well put....but I'd add that historically California boosters were very happy to perpetuate that misconception. From the Beach Boys to the Chamber of Commerce.....

Big difference between a tropical/sub-tropical climate (so. fla) and a mediterranean climate (so. calif).