What’s May Gray and June Gloom in San Diego?

San Diegans are used to sunny skies + warm weather, but we’re heading into the mist of a darker season. “May Gray” and “June Gloom” are upon us, which means just that — expect dreary skies or occasional sprinkles. How dare you, SD.

While we’re familiar with this annual weather pattern, we want to shed light on the science behind the phenomenon and brainstorm ways to survive the grays.

Where’s the sun?

The darker skies are a result of the marine layer, which occurs due to temperature inversion. Normally, air temperatures decrease with height, but the ocean makes air at the sea-surface cooler than higher elevations, which produces the dreaded fog.

Depending on temperatures and severity, each day is different — so grab those sunglasses and an umbrella. Sometimes the marine layer extends up to 80 miles inland with some drizzle, but some days it’s clear skies and a perfect time to hit up local beaches.

Staying bright

Foggy skies will often rain supreme in May and June, but that shouldn’t dampen all of your plans. Here’s a sprinkling of ideas to help you combat these darker days.

• Explore inland — the marine layer is typically less severe 10+ miles east of the coast. Take a hike at Mission Trails or Lake Murray, or maybe finally climb to the top of Cowles Mountain.
• Local museums are a safe bet this time of year. Check out The Big Exchange from Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 18 when your museum membership could get your free admission to 50+ other museums across San Diego County. No bad days here.
• Energize your morning at a cozy local coffee shop — SD has so many of those.
• Take in a show at one of SD’s indoor music venues.
• Pack that sunscreen, clouds don’t block UV radiation well.
• Make outdoor plans later in the day, if the sun peeks out, it’s usually in the afternoon.
• You can’t control your outdoor environment, but you can control your indoor environment. A gray weekend day is the perfect time to do your spring cleaning.
• If May Gray or June Gloom have you wanting to curl up with a good book, try one of these books by local authors or visit a local bookstore.
• It could also be a good time to hit up local record stores, grab some new vinyl, and listen to music at home. Bonus: Channel sunnier days with these fun songs that mention San Diego.
• Use this time to spread warmth across SD by volunteering at a local organization.

When does it end?

It’s a common mist-conception that the marine layer ends in June, but terms like “No-Sky July” + “Fogust” exist for a reason. However, foggy days become less common in July as sea-surface temperatures rise and winds decrease.

You might see some July showers or a gray August morning, but don’t worry — the sun won’t be gone for too long. Pretty soon, you’ll be right back on the beach, wearing those flip-flops and straw hat like a true San Diegan.

Source: Michael Beausoleil, Monica Garske, SDtoday.com