Best Time to Go Kayaking in La Jolla

Summer and early autumn: calm and clear

June through September is the calm-water season in San Diego. The swell is smaller, the sea is flatter in the mornings, and the caves are open more often. August and September are peak months for leopard sharks — you have roughly 97 percent chance of seeing pregnant females if you snorkel. The water is 71 degrees in August, warmish by California standards. This is peak tourist season, so the launch is crowded, parking fills early, and you need to arrive 30 minutes early. But the conditions are ideal.

Morning for flat water

Mornings are calmer than afternoons. The ocean surface is usually smoothest before 11 a.m. If you want the easiest paddle, book an early tour. The sunrise light is also better than afternoon light if you like photography.

Winter: whales and closed caves

Winter (December-February) brings grey whales on their migration and the coldest water (58.8 degrees in February). It also brings the biggest swell. The caves close regularly, maybe one week out of three. That does not mean the tour is cancelled — the operator runs the "outside the caves" version of the same route, focusing on the marine reserve and the wildlife. But if your heart is set on entering the cave, winter is a gamble.

Spring and fall: transition months

April-May and October-November are mild. The water is cool (around 60-65 degrees), the swell is variable, and you might see leopard sharks early in fall. These months are less crowded than summer and the weather is usually pleasant. Good times to visit if you want to avoid the summer crush.

Timing a specific visit

If you are visiting San Diego and have only one day for a paddle, book for a summer morning and allow 3-4 hours on-site plus parking time. If you want the best chance of seeing leopard sharks, come in August or September. If you are flexible on dates, book with free cancellation in mind and cancel if the swell forecast looks bad in the days before your tour.

Frequently asked questions