Snow in San Diego
Vintage San Diego: Free Wheelers
We’ve been enjoying a somewhat warm winter, but weather never ceases to surprise us, like it did in early 1949 (pictured above) when snow lightly dusted downtown. Although historical data only confirms traces of snow, this picture, looking southwest toward North Harbor Drive from the Civic Center (now the County Administration building) is worth a thousand words. In the past 130 years, SD has experienced only five instances of snowfall, with the last significant record occurring on the morning of December 13, 1967, when measureable snow fell before the astonished eyes of several communities throughout the county, including Carlsbad and North Park. Scattered and limited amounts have been recorded since, but nothing has stuck to the ground. Although we would like to witness such a scene again, we’re looking forward to spring, San Diego-style—brunching al fresco and watching Padres games in flip-flops.
By The Numbers
1882
First year of recorded snowfall in San Diego
370
Lowest temperature during the 1949 snowfall
5
Inches of snow measured in Fallbrook, December 1967
51°/65°
Average temperature for February in San Diego
1
Hour of snowfall in December 1967
1990
Last year of documented flurries in San Diego proper
