San Diego Snow: A Once-in-a-Blue-Moon (or Should We Say Teal?) Occurrence
San Diego is famous for many things: beautiful beaches, epic waves, and... well, sunshine pretty much year-round. But what about snow? Let's just say a snowball fight on the shores of Pacific Beach is about as likely as finding a mermaid sunbathing on a lounge chair.
How Many Times Has It Snowed In San Diego |
The Great San Diego Snowpocalypse... Never Happened (Thankfully)
There have only been five documented snowfalls in San Diego's entire history, which stretches back over a century (think horse-drawn carriages, not horseless carriages). That's an average of one snowfall every... well, let's just say it's a rarer occasion than finding a discount on a beachfront condo.
The last time snowflakes graced the ground with their fleeting presence was way back in 1967. We're talking about the year of peace signs, flower power, and apparently, enough of a cold snap to warrant a snowball fight.
So, what gives? Why no winter wonderland for San Diego?
Blame (or thank) Mother Nature for this one. San Diego sits snuggled up against the Pacific Ocean, which acts like a giant air conditioner, keeping things nice and toasty.
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Here's a not-so-scientific breakdown:
- Warm ocean currents: The Pacific Ocean currents bathe San Diego in warm, subtropical air, making snow a distant dream.
- Mountain shield: Mountains to the east help block cold air masses from reaching the coast.
So, while folks in other parts of the country are bundling up in parkas, San Diegans are more likely to be sporting flip-flops and sunscreen.
But wait, there's more! The near misses (of snowballs)
San Diego has come close to a white Christmas on a couple of occasions. Believe it or not, there were flurries recorded in 1882 and a two-day snow flurry in 1949. But alas, no snowman-building extravaganzas for these near misses.
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Fun Fact: San Diego has more days of sunshine than most of the country. We're talking about serious sun-worshipping territory here.
FAQ: Your Burning Snow-related San Diego Questions (Finally Answered!)
How to build a snowman in San Diego?
Use your imagination (and maybe a bag of shaved ice).
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How to have a snowball fight in San Diego?
Stock up on those water balloons.
How to dress for a snow day in San Diego?
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Beach attire with a light jacket (just in case).
How to find out if it's snowing in San Diego?
Look outside your window. If you see sunshine, it's probably not snowing.
How to convince your friends it snowed in San Diego?
Take a picture of yourself next to a palm tree... wearing a scarf. They might buy it.