Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of San Diego, California
19 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-0.1°C
Temperature Drop
101.1kPa
Air Pressure
99.8%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation19 meters
Everest Comparison0.2% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionCalifornia
Highest PointCowles Mountain (486 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Balboa Park
61 meterselevation
Point Loma
122 meterselevation
Mount Soledad
251 meterselevation
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
110 meterselevation
Mission Trails Regional Park
486 meterselevation
Geographic Features
San Diego's topography is characterized by a series of mesas, canyons, and coastal terraces formed by millions of years of geological uplift and erosion. The city is built on a complex network of marine terraces, created by ancient sea level changes and tectonic uplift. These flat-topped mesas are intersected by deep canyons, creating San Diego's distinctive 'mesa-canyon' topography. The landscape rises gradually from sea level at the coast through a series of terraces to the inland mountains. The Rose Canyon Fault Zone runs through the city, contributing to the varied terrain and creating distinct geological features like Mount Soledad, an uplift dome in La Jolla.
Climate Impact
The city's varied elevation profile significantly influences its microclimate zones. The coastal areas (0-20m) experience moderate temperatures year-round due to marine influence, while inland areas at higher elevations can be 5-8°C warmer in summer and cooler in winter. The mesa-canyon topography creates distinct microclimates, with cool, moist air settling in the canyons while mesa tops experience more wind exposure. Marine layer clouds (fog) frequently form along the coastal elevations but often dissipate at higher inland elevations. The elevation changes also influence rainfall patterns, with higher areas like Cowles Mountain receiving slightly more precipitation than coastal zones.
Historical Context
San Diego's development pattern has been profoundly influenced by its unique topography. The original Spanish settlement was established on the relatively flat land near San Diego Bay, but subsequent development had to adapt to the mesa-canyon landscape. The city's modern grid system, established in the 1850s by Andrew Gray, often ignored the natural topography, leading to some of the steepest streets on the West Coast. The development of Balboa Park took advantage of the elevated mesa location, while military installations during World War II utilized Point Loma's strategic elevation. The preservation of canyon lands beginning in the 1970s created San Diego's unique open space network, protecting both the natural topography and critical wildlife corridors.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: San Diego's Elevation
What is the elevation of San Diego?
San Diego has an elevation of 19 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does San Diego's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of San Diego (19 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near San Diego?
The highest point in San Diego is Cowles Mountain (486 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
