Rain Likely to Occur
Highest Monthly Rainfall Totals in San Diego are most likely to occur in January and February (about 1.9 inches each on average) according to weather-service statistics. If low temperatures accompany the typical Pacific storms of this period, there's a chance …
Latest Sunrise of the Year
The latest sunrise of 2010 (on standard, not daylight time) occurs Sunday, January 10, near 6:52 a.m. for most of metropolitan San Diego. Slowly at first, then more rapidly in the weeks to come, sunrise will arrive earlier with each …
Where's Venus These Days?
Venus is nowhere to be seen, and for good reason. Venus is currently at superior conjunction, which means that it lies on the far side of the sun and is hidden in the sun's glaring light. Venus will make it …
San Diego's Lowest Temperatures
Recent Chilly Days and Nights only confirm that San Diego's lowest temperatures (according to more than a century of weather records) tend to occur during the month of January. January's mean temperature at Lindbergh Field is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. …
Gray Whale Migration
Gray whale migration off San Diego County's coast peaks this month. The best view spots from land are high points close to the surf. Aside from the whale watching overlook at Cabrillo National Monument, try Sunset Cliffs, the vest-pocket parks …
SoCal Skiing
Cross-Country Skiers are in for a short-lived treat late this month through February if winter storms intense enough to drop several inches to two feet of snow hit San Diego County's higher mountains. As the clouds are clearing, you may …
In Search of the Green Flash
The Fabled "Green Flash" at sunset or sunrise can sometimes be seen on crystal-clear days in December and January. At the instant the sun's upper rim is last visible at sunset, and also at the instant when it is first …
Winter Solstice Arrives
Winter Solstice, the moment when the sun reaches its southernmost point on the celestial sphere, occurring this year at 9:47am, Monday, December 21. This event signals the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in …
Palm Fruit & Sweet Gums
Liquidambar Trees, or sweet gums, the colorfully deciduous trees gracing front yards, parks, and campuses throughout the San Diego area, have been putting on a good show for the past month. The maplelike leaves of some varieties have turned from …
A Month with a View
Hike to San Diego County's High Places to take advantage of December's characteristically clear air. From spots such as Cuyamaca Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Wooded Hill in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, and Boucher Hill at Palomar Mountain …
Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid Meteor Shower, one of the year's two most regularly active showers, peaks on the evening of Sunday, December 13 through the morning of the 14th. No moonlight in the sky this year means optimum dark-sky viewing (as long …
Poinsettias & Christmas-Berries
Poinsettias, a favorite of backyard gardeners, are now exhibiting their scarlet, petal-like bracts, just in time for the holidays. The onset of 14-hour-long nights triggers their behavior. In San Diego this condition is met just before the date of winter …
December Shorebird-Watching
Shorebird-watching enters its most agreeable season this month, with migrant and resident birds sharing common winter grounds. Egrets, herons, terns, and a variety of other species provide endless entertainment as they go about the business of fishing and feeding in …
The Red Planet
The Red Planet Mars increasingly becomes a prominent late night and early morning object in December. The distance between Earth and Mars is currently narrowing. By late January 2010 Mars will be at opposition to the sun (180° away from …
The Tides of December
Exceptionally High and Low Tides are set to occur on several days in early December. These tides closely coincide with the full moon (which was December 1). On Wednesday, December 2, a peak high tide of +6.7 feet occurs at …
December's Two Full Moons
December's Full Moon rises dramatically over the eastern mountains at around 4:15pm -- some 25 minutes before the time of sunset -- on Tuesday, December 1. The same full moon will set about 14 hours later over the ocean at …
Rain = Rainbows
"Rainbow Season" Arrives with the first rains of late fall. Scattered showers are best for rainbow watching: sunlight refracting and reflecting through the raindrops causes two bows to appear -- an intense circular arc at 42°, and a bigger, but …
The King of the Planets
Jupiter, the "king" of the planets, appears high in the southern sky after sunset. Note its creamy yellow-white color and unblinking brightness. Aim a small telescope at Jupiter anytime during the next few weeks to see the cloud-belt-banded planet flanked …
Fremont Cottonwoods
The Fremont Cottonwoods along the San Diego River in Mission Gorge are now showing their best tawny foliage. You can park at the Old Mission Dam historic site or the Mission Trails Regional Park visitor center and explore the riparian …
Sunrise...Sunset
November's and December's Picturesque Sunsets and sunrises are no accident. This is the time of year when high cirrus clouds, often the precursors of storms, sweep through our area with some regularity. When cirrus or other lofty clouds are present, …