San Diego in September at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 26°C

Minimum temperature: 17°C

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Daylight

Around 12 hours 20 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 6:25am

Sunset: 6:45pm

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Key events

Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA), MCAS Miramar Air Show, San Diego Bayfair

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Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

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What to pack

Swimsuit, light layers, sun hat, sunglasses, beachwear, walking shoes.

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Seasonal treats

Baja-style lobster at Mariscos Godoy, wine dinners during Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Festivals and events in San Diego this September 2026

Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA)

Dates:September 26, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Ski Beach Park

The Pacific Islander Festival Association event at Ski Beach showcases Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures. Over the September 26-27 weekend you can watch hula and Tahitian performances, try dishes like lau lau and shave ice, and visit cultural village exhibits. Admission is free, but parking on Mission Bay fills very early.

MCAS Miramar Air Show

Dates:September 25, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Event type:Events & programmes
Location:Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

The MCAS Miramar Air Show is billed as America’s largest military air show, scheduled September 25-27. The Blue Angels and other military and historic aircraft perform aerial demonstrations, while ground displays show jets, helicopters, and armored vehicles. General admission is free, with paid seating upgrades; expect very high attendance, security screening, and hot, exposed viewing areas.

San Diego Bayfair

Dates:September 18, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Event type:Sports, Nature & outdoor
Location:East Vacation Island, Mission Bay

San Diego Bayfair is a Mission Bay powerboat racing weekend held September 18-20. H1 Unlimited hydroplanes and other classes race on an enclosed course, with spectators watching from East Vacation Island and nearby shores. It is a ticketed event with RV camping, beer gardens, and food vendors; engine noise is intense, so ear protection is recommended.

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Fish tacos

Fish tacos are corn tortillas filled with battered or grilled fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa, a staple shaped by nearby Baja. They suit most diets that include seafood and can be customized for spice. For a classic version, try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood near Pacific Beach, a small counter spot popular with surfers and locals for quick, affordable plates.

Where to get: Oscar's Mexican Seafood

California burrito

The California burrito is a flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, french fries, cheese, and often guacamole and salsa. It originated in San Diego’s surf culture and is a hearty, non vegetarian option best for those who eat beef and gluten. Lolita’s Mexican Food on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard is a local favorite, serving large, shareable versions late into the evening.

Where to get: Lolita's Mexican Food

Uni from Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Locally harvested uni (sea urchin) is a delicacy from cold Pacific waters, eaten raw with lemon or used in simple preparations. It is rich and briny, so best for adventurous seafood eaters. On Saturday mornings, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market near Seaport Village lets divers crack fresh urchins to order, giving you a short sea to table experience on the pier.

Where to get: Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Spiny lobster Puerto Nuevo style

From roughly September to March, local spiny lobster appears on menus, often split, grilled, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas in the Puerto Nuevo style. It is a rich, celebratory dish for shellfish eaters, often shared. In San Diego you can sample it at spots like Mariscos Godoy in Barrio Logan, which draws cross border diners for hearty seafood feasts.

Where to get: Mariscos Godoy, Barrio Logan