May Gray !? (San Diego, August: 2014, live in, beach)

[Popfizz]

I wanted to visit SD in mid may or so. But I read about this May Gray thing that happens which makes me worry because the main reason I want to go is to lay out on the beach.

Is this a cause of concern ?? Should I go another time ???

[bloom]

Gray or marine layer or overcast by beach can happen any time of year incl. during summer peak of August, but less likely around August.

[TristramShandy]

May Gray is real. You can usually go 5-10 miles inland and have perfectly sunny days - - but then you are not at the beach. It's roulette, although usually at some point of the day, the sun is out. Just don't expect to be sunbathing from 8 am to 6 pm.

[Popfizz]

Would a july trip be more pleasant ???

[TristramShandy]

Originally Posted by Popfizz

Would a july trip be more pleasant ???

The old line is "May Gray, June Gloom" - - there isn't a little catch phrase for July (maybe because nothing rhymes with "July" ). Usually it isn't yet blazing hot in July (although we've had very hot 4ths of July every so often) - - August and September are our full-on summer usually. I'm not sure where you're coming from in the country and what you're looking for - - do you want it to be less oppressive than where you are coming from or do you want to bake? July should be sunnier and warmer than May, but August is usually when San Diego is most stereotypically summer-like.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by TristramShandy

The old line is "May Gray, June Gloom" - - there isn't a little catch phrase for July (maybe because nothing rhymes with "July" ). Usually it isn't yet blazing hot in July (although we've had very hot 4ths of July every so often) .

This is true, but July in SD is typically sunnier than May & June.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by Popfizz

Would a july trip be more pleasant ???

yes
if possible choose august and even better september (warmer ocean water temp more likely too and more locals>tourists)

[rgb123]

It depends where you are coming from, I think.

If you are here for a week its doubtful it would be gloomy the whole time. And last year we got a lot of gloom in July.

Gloomy here, is not exactly the same as late winter gloom in other parts of the country. It will most likely break up in the middle of the day if it is gloomy (not always, but again not likely to last a whole week). And, you could stay at a more inland place and have the pool option.

If you live in a place with a nice summer it kind of defeats the purpose to come here in July or August. If you want a guaranteed tropical vibe in March-May you might try south florida instead if laying on the beach is a primary goal.

That said, we have had some really warm and sunny days here in SD ... I would welcome the clouds its been so dang sunny!

All that said, SoCal is a lot colder in general than most people in the rest of the country realize.

If you are suffering from a hot humid summer wherever you are in July or August, coming here would most likely be a relief and feel like late spring to you.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

All the sun you want inland.

[lrmsd]

Here's a site that talks about weather and visiting SD:
San Diego Frequently Asked Questions - Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

According to wikipedia:
June Gloom is stronger in years associated with a La Niña, and weaker or nonexistent in years with an El Niño.
They also say that July and August are referred to as: No Sky July and Fogust.....

Also, typically it's referred to as 'night/morning low clouds'. So the gloom wears off at some point in the afternoon. This is not assured, of course, and there are some days where it's grey all day.

Note: A quick search turned up possibility that 2014 will be an El Nino year---so??? Might be good news for the summer beach goers/visitors!