San Diego Heat Draws Crowds to Beaches, Boosts Local Businesses

Unseasonably warm February weather brings residents and visitors to enjoy the sun and surf.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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San Diego residents and tourists flocked to beaches, parks, and shops on Friday as record-breaking February heat made it feel more like midsummer across the city. Temperatures soared to 87 degrees, sending people to Mission Beach and other coastal areas to soak up the warm sun. The sudden rush of customers provided a boost for local businesses like Hamel's Surf Shop, which was caught off guard by the dramatic shift in weather from recent freezing temperatures and rain.

Why it matters

The unexpected heat wave in San Diego highlights the impact of climate change and the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. While the warm weather was a welcome surprise for many, it also raises concerns about the long-term effects of rising temperatures on the region's environment and economy, particularly the tourism and retail industries that rely on consistent seasonal weather.

The details

Temperatures in San Diego reached 87 degrees on Friday, shattering previous February records. Residents and visitors took advantage of the warm weather by heading to beaches, parks, and local shops. At Hamel's Surf Shop in Mission Beach, the sudden influx of customers caught the staff off guard, but they were able to manage the increased foot traffic. The dramatic shift in weather, from freezing temperatures and rain just weeks prior, was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the climate.

  • Temperatures reached 87 degrees on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The recent weeks prior had seen cooler temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

The players

Lee Caporally

A visitor to San Diego who was enjoying the unexpected warm weather.

Ann Yang

A San Diego resident who was taking advantage of the rare February heat.

Skyler McManus

The manager of Hamel's Surf Shop in Mission Beach, who was caught off guard by the sudden rush of customers.

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What they’re saying

“I looked at my iPhone, it's like 87 degrees, it's amazing, we love it.”

— Lee Caporally

“This is the perfect weather. I think the past few weeks it's been around the 60's 70's, but today it's perfect beach weather, and everyone is out enjoying the sun.”

— Ann Yang

“I mean, we're a little understaffed for the amount of people walking in and everything, but we're managing getting to everybody.”

— Skyler McManus, Manager, Hamel's Surf Shop

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather patterns in San Diego to determine if this heat wave is an isolated incident or part of a larger trend of rising temperatures and unpredictable weather.

The takeaway

The unexpected heat wave in San Diego highlights the growing impact of climate change on local communities. While the warm weather provided a boost for businesses, it also raises concerns about the long-term effects of rising temperatures on the region's environment and economy. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, communities will need to find ways to adapt and become more resilient.