El Niño in San Diego, CA
In 2 of 3 past super El Niño winters, San Diego was wetter than normal. It was warmer than normal in 1 of 3.
The wettest of them was 1997–98: 11.68 inches, 200% of normal — 5th wettest of 87.
History from three winters, not a forecast. Measured at one NOAA station, San Diego; record since Dec–Feb 1939–40.
December–February in the three super El Niño winters
| Winter | Precipitation | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 1982–83Dec 1982–Feb 1983 | 7.4 in+1.55 in vs normal · 127%21st wettest of 87 | 56.1 °F−1.2 °F vs normaltied 40th warmest of 87 |
| 1997–98Dec 1997–Feb 1998 | 11.68 in+5.83 in vs normal · 200%5th wettest of 87 | 56 °F−1.3 °F vs normaltied 42nd warmest of 87 |
| 2015–16Dec 2015–Feb 2016 | 4.15 in−1.70 in vs normal · 71%40th driest of 87 | 59.3 °F+2.0 °F vs normal5th warmest of 87 |
| Normal1991–2020 average | 5.85 in | 57.3 °F |
Ranks are within this station’s own record: 87 winters for precipitation, 87 for temperature. Source: NOAA NCEI Climate at a Glance, San Diego precipitation and temperature, as of November 11, 2026.
This winter: where NOAA’s outlook places San Diego
For December–February 2026–27, the Climate Prediction Center’s map places San Diego in the 50–60% area for above-normal precipitation, and in equal chances of above-, near- or below-normal temperature (no tilt either way).
Read from the contours of CPC’s seasonal outlook issued October 15, 2026 — the area the city falls in on a continental-scale map, not a forecast made for the city. CPC seasonal outlook maps. CPC reissues it monthly.
Official notices for California
- September 22, 2026California's Insurance Commissioner asked residents to review their cover before the El Niño storm season. The release notes that homeowners, renters and commercial policies typically exclude flood damage, and that flood insurance generally takes effect 30 days after purchase.California Department of Insurance
- September 21, 2026California's governor proclaimed a state of emergency for El Niño preparedness. State agencies are to stage flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps; Caltrans is to stage road-closure and snow-removal equipment. The release cites NOAA's 75% chance of a historic event.Office of the Governor of California
Read next
- What El Niño means for California
- California statewide in the same three winters (against a 1901–2000 normal, so the departures differ from this page)
- Winter 2026–27 outlook
- Current El Niño status
Other cities in the West climate region: Los Angeles, Riverside–San Bernardino, San Francisco, Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Jose. All 50 cities