They call it “Sunny California” — but if you’re in San Diego during spring, the sun takes more sick days than your flaky coworker. Welcome to May Gray and June Gloom — where the sky looks like it’s ghosting us.
Some years the gloom overstays its welcome, earning nicknames like “Graypril,” “No Sky July,” and even “Fogust.” Yeah, we get it — our sun’s on sabbatical.
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What is May Gray June Gloom?
If you’re not from San Diego, May Gray, and June Gloom are annual phenomena that describe the weather patterns that occur along the coast of Southern California during late spring and early summer. Specifically, May Gray refers to the overcast and foggy conditions that often occur in May, while June Gloom refers to similar conditions in June.
Locals joke about additional months of cloudy weather including Graypril, No Sky July, and Fogust.
Why is it cloudy during May and June?
The weather patterns are caused by a combination of factors, including a marine layer of cool, moist air that forms over the ocean and is pushed inland by onshore winds, temperature, and pressure differentials between the coast and inland areas. The result is often cloudy, cool, and damp weather along the coast, with periods of sunshine later in the day.
This layer can stick around until late morning or early afternoon, and sometimes it never burns off, especially along the coast. The closer you are to the ocean, the more likely you’ll experience this coastal cloud cover. Drive 10 miles inland, and it might be full sun and 85 degrees.
The gloom also hangs around because of something called a temperature inversion. Normally, air gets colder the higher you go. But during May Gray and June Gloom, a layer of warm air traps the cool marine air near the surface, capping it like a Tupperware lid and keeping the clouds from rising and dispersing.
So, while it might look like the universe is just trying to ruin your beach day, it’s really just nature doing its thing — and keeping temps mild while it’s at it.
Bonus: it gives your skin a break before the summer sun shows up swinging.
Best things to do during May Gray June Gloom?
Believe it or not, the locals love this time of year as it keeps the tourists away. Despite sounding a bit dreary, this natural phenomenon has its perks. The marine layer helps to moderate temperatures, preventing them from skyrocketing during the summer months. This leads to mild, comfortable temperatures, one of the many reasons San Diego is such a fantastic place to live and visit.
For two months, it’s like the coast is playing hide-and-seek with the sun, or having mood swings like an indecisive toddler. If you’re visiting, make sure to bring a hoodie and some hot cocoa instead of your bikini.
Hit the Trails While it’s Cool
This is a great time of year to go on hikes before the summer weather starts rolling in. You might actually get to take a picture at the end of the Potato Chip Rock hike. This is also a perfect time you head to Torrey Pines to get some exercise without the sun beating on your head.
Visit Balboa Park & the museums
Rain or shine, Balboa Park has breathtaking scenery that can turn a gloomy frown upside down. Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens or visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. The slightly cooler temperatures make these outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Discover a wealth of history and culture at Balboa Park’s numerous museums. Immerse yourself in fascinating exhibits and enrich your knowledge.
Dive into San Diego’s Coffee Scene
There’s not a neighborhood in San Diego that doesn’t have a cozy local cafe. We recommend grabbing a physical copy of a book and heading to a local coffee shop to escape the gray skies. We have an article that lists the top coffee shops in San Diego ranked by locals.
Enjoy the empty San Diego Beaches
Even though the weather may not be ideal, it’s important to stay active and get some exercise. Head for the beach for a run on the hard sand while the tourists are confused.
It’ll be empty but that’s what we all love, right? You might run into confused tourists sitting on the beach in bikinis while the locals will be wrapped up in fur coats.
Visit the Birch Aquarium
Haven’t checked out the Birch Aquarium yet? Well, a cloudy day in San Diego is the perfect time. This place is seriously cool – it’s not just an aquarium, it’s the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. That means you’re not just looking at fish; you’re diving into some of the cutting-edge ocean research happening right now. And it’s not just a couple of goldfish in a bowl – we’re talking over 5,000 fish across more than 60 habitats.
Check out the craft beer scene
San Diego is often known as the “Capital of Craft Beer”. San Diego is home to over 150 craft breweries. What better way to spend a cloudy day than diving into the world of hops, malt, and yeast? There are some very well-known breweries such as Stone Brewing and Ballast Point along with some local favorites like Bolt Brewery in La Mesa and Amplified Ale Works in PB. Each of the local breweries in San Diego brings a local feel to their brews with a cozy atmosphere that is great for those gray and gloomy days. Check out our article where we break down the best breweries in San Diego.
When all else fails, grin and bear it. Most San Diegans have learned to accept May Gray and June Gloom as a fact of life and make the best of it.
This is the perfect time of year to turn on your space heaters or put on your hoodie and embrace your inner emo. Don’t trade in your whole wardrobe for black sweaters just yet though. Once July hits, it’ll be hotter than the red salsa from your favorite taco shop.
