California Weather by Month
California, located on the western coast of the United States, boasts a diverse climate that ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the interior and alpine in the mountainous regions. The state’s expansive geography, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada, creates a wide variety of weather patterns. Coastal areas, including cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, typically experience mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Inland areas, such as the Central Valley, endure hotter summers and colder winters, while the desert regions, like Death Valley, are known for extreme heat in summer and cooler, more temperate winters. The mountainous regions, including the Sierra Nevada, experience significant snowfall during winter, supporting popular ski resorts. California’s Mediterranean climate, particularly along the coast, is characterized by a long dry season from late spring through early fall, followed by a rainy season in the winter. Despite the state’s varying climates, the generally mild weather and diverse landscapes make California a year-round destination for tourists, offering everything from beach outings and desert adventures to mountain hikes and wine country tours.
Average Temperature and Precipitation by Month
| Month | Avg Temp (°F) | Avg Temp (°C) | Avg Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 13°C | 4.1 |
| February | 58°F | 14°C | 3.9 |
| March | 60°F | 16°C | 3.0 |
| April | 63°F | 17°C | 1.1 |
| May | 67°F | 19°C | 0.6 |
| June | 71°F | 22°C | 0.2 |
| July | 76°F | 24°C | 0.1 |
| August | 76°F | 24°C | 0.2 |
| September | 74°F | 23°C | 0.4 |
| October | 69°F | 21°C | 1.1 |
| November | 61°F | 16°C | 2.4 |
| December | 56°F | 13°C | 3.2 |
Monthly Weather, Clothing, and Landmarks
January
Weather: January is winter in California, with coastal areas like Los Angeles experiencing mild temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). In contrast, the Sierra Nevada mountains see cold, snowy conditions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The northern part of the state, including San Francisco, tends to be cooler and wetter, while the southern deserts, like Palm Springs, remain relatively mild and dry.
Clothing: In coastal and southern areas, light layers, including sweaters and jackets, are usually sufficient, but heavier coats are needed in the mountains and northern regions. Waterproof footwear and an umbrella are recommended for those visiting during the rainy season, particularly in the north.
Landmarks: January is an excellent time to visit California’s ski resorts, particularly in Lake Tahoe, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. For a more temperate experience, head to Joshua Tree National Park, where the mild winter weather is perfect for hiking and exploring the unique desert landscape. The cooler temperatures also make it a good time to explore urban attractions in Los Angeles, such as the Getty Center or Griffith Observatory, without the summer crowds.
February
Weather: February in California continues the winter season, with similar patterns to January. Coastal regions, including San Diego, remain mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C), while the northern and mountainous regions stay cooler, with more rain and snow. The deserts remain comfortably cool, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18°C to 22°C).
Clothing: Light layers, including jackets and sweaters, are appropriate for coastal areas, while warmer clothing, including insulated jackets and gloves, is necessary for the mountains. An umbrella or raincoat is useful in northern California due to continued rainfall.
Landmarks: February is ideal for visiting Death Valley National Park, where the cooler temperatures allow for more comfortable exploration of the park’s unique landscapes, including Badwater Basin and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. In the wine country of Napa Valley, the winter months bring fewer tourists, offering a more intimate experience at the wineries. Additionally, Yosemite National Park, though cold and potentially snowy, offers a serene and less crowded experience, with stunning winter vistas including frozen waterfalls.
March
Weather: March marks the beginning of spring in California, with temperatures starting to rise across the state. Coastal regions warm slightly, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), while the Central Valley and desert areas begin to see more significant warmth. Northern and mountainous regions may still experience some late-season snow, but conditions generally start to improve.
Clothing: As the weather warms, lighter layers such as long-sleeved shirts and light jackets are ideal for most of the state. In the mountains, warmer clothing is still necessary, but layers can be adjusted as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
Landmarks: March is a great time to visit the California coast, where the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views without the summer traffic. Big Sur is particularly stunning in spring, with wildflowers beginning to bloom and the coastal cliffs bathed in sunlight. The wildflower season also begins in the deserts, making places like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park a must-see for those interested in natural beauty. For city experiences, San Francisco’s weather is improving, making it a good time to explore iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
April
Weather: April brings mild and pleasant weather to most of California, with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 72°F (13°C to 22°C) along the coast and warmer conditions inland. The Central Valley and southern deserts can see temperatures rising into the low 80s°F (27°C), while the mountainous regions begin to thaw, though snow is still possible at higher elevations.
Clothing: Light, comfortable clothing is appropriate for most of the state, with a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. In higher elevations, a mix of warmer layers may still be necessary, particularly for early morning hikes or if snow is present.
Landmarks: April is the perfect time to visit Yosemite National Park, where waterfalls are at their peak flow due to melting snow, and the valley is lush and green. The moderate temperatures make hiking enjoyable, and the park is less crowded than in summer. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are also in full bloom, offering picturesque vineyard views and pleasant weather for wine tasting. Southern California beaches, such as those in Malibu or Laguna Beach, are warming up, making them ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean.
May
Weather: May sees the start of California’s dry season, with temperatures rising steadily across the state. Coastal regions enjoy warm but not hot weather, with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). Inland areas, including the Central Valley, can see highs in the 80s°F (27°C), while the deserts begin to heat up, often reaching the 90s°F (32°C).
Clothing: Light, breathable clothing is essential, particularly in inland and desert areas. A light jacket might be needed for cooler evenings along the coast. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended for outdoor activities.
Landmarks: May is an excellent time to explore the coastal city of San Diego, where the weather is perfect for visiting the famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the beaches. The warmer temperatures also make it an ideal time to visit the Wine Country, where vineyards are lush, and the tourist season hasn’t yet peaked. For those looking for adventure, the warmer weather is perfect for a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, offering stunning ocean views and stops at charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea.
June
Weather: June ushers in summer across California, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) along the coast and higher inland, with Central Valley temperatures often reaching the 90s°F (32°C). The deserts experience intense heat, often exceeding 100°F (38°C), while the mountains remain cooler, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F (15°C to 25°C).
Clothing: In coastal areas, light clothing such as shorts and t-shirts is appropriate, with a light jacket for cooler evenings. Inland and desert regions require lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect against the intense sun.
Landmarks: June is the perfect time to explore the beaches of Southern California, including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Newport Beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing, surfing, and vibrant boardwalk scenes. The iconic Joshua Tree National Park, despite the heat, attracts visitors with its unique desert landscapes and starry night skies. Meanwhile, Lake Tahoe offers a cooler retreat, with opportunities for boating, hiking, and enjoying the stunning alpine scenery.
July
Weather: July is peak summer in California, with coastal temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), while inland and desert areas can reach well over 100°F (38°C). The Central Valley experiences some of the hottest temperatures, with highs regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C). The Sierra Nevada mountains provide a cooler escape, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F (21°C to 27°C).
Clothing: Light, breathable clothing, including shorts, tank tops, and sandals, is essential for most of the state. In the mountains, layers may be needed for cooler evenings. Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, is crucial, especially in the deserts and Central Valley.
Landmarks: July is ideal for visiting the iconic Yosemite National Park, where the higher elevation offers relief from the summer heat. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and swimming in the Merced River. The beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey provide a cooler coastal escape with opportunities for surfing, whale watching, and exploring the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. For those who can handle the heat, Death Valley offers a unique, albeit extreme, desert experience, with stunning landscapes like Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin.
August
Weather: August continues the intense summer heat across California, with temperatures similar to July. Coastal areas remain relatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), while inland regions, including the Central Valley and deserts, often see temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C). The Sierra Nevada remains a cool retreat with temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F (21°C to 27°C).
Clothing: Light, airy clothing is essential, especially in the hotter inland and desert regions. In coastal areas, a light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are necessary for sun protection during the day.
Landmarks: August is a great time to visit the coastal areas of California, where the cooler temperatures provide a welcome respite from the inland heat. Big Sur offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches like Pfeiffer Beach. For those looking for a cooler retreat, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California offers unique geothermal features, scenic hikes, and alpine lakes. The Napa Valley is also ideal in August, where the vineyards are at their peak, and the warm weather is perfect for wine tasting and hot air balloon rides.
September
Weather: September marks the transition from summer to fall in California, with temperatures beginning to cool slightly. Coastal regions see temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C), while inland areas, including the Central Valley, remain warm but begin to see a decline in the extreme heat. The deserts start to cool down as well, though temperatures can still reach the 90s°F (32°C).
Clothing: Light layers are ideal for September, with t-shirts and shorts for the warmer parts of the day and a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Sun protection remains important, particularly in inland areas.
Landmarks: September is an excellent time to visit the California Wine Country, where the grape harvest season, or “crush,” is in full swing. The cooler weather also makes it a great time to explore the Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, where you can walk among the towering ancient trees and enjoy the coastal fog that often lingers in the morning. The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer a cooler retreat with fewer crowds, where you can hike to see the giant sequoias and explore the park’s deep canyons.
October
Weather: October brings further cooling, with coastal temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C) and inland temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). The deserts become more comfortable, with temperatures dropping to the 80s°F (27°C). The Sierra Nevada sees the first hints of winter, with cooler temperatures and the possibility of early snowfall at higher elevations.
Clothing: Light layers, including long-sleeved shirts and light jackets, are appropriate for most of the state. In the mountains, warmer layers may be necessary, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring outdoor areas.
Landmarks: October is the perfect time to visit the Eastern Sierra, where the fall foliage is at its peak, especially around Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. The cooler weather also makes it an excellent time to visit the Channel Islands National Park, where you can explore the rugged coastlines, sea caves, and abundant marine life. The Gold Country, along Highway 49, is another great destination in October, where you can explore historic towns, visit apple orchards, and enjoy the autumn scenery.
November
Weather: November in California sees temperatures continuing to drop, with coastal areas experiencing temperatures from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) and inland areas seeing temperatures from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). The deserts are comfortably cool, with daytime highs in the 70s°F (21°C), while the Sierra Nevada begins to see significant snowfall.
Clothing: Warmer clothing, including sweaters and jackets, is necessary as temperatures cool. In the mountains, heavier layers and insulated jackets may be needed, especially if snow is present. Waterproof footwear is recommended for exploring areas that may be wet from rain or early snow.
Landmarks: November is a great time to visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring more enjoyable. The park is also known for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing. The cooler weather also makes it a good time to visit San Francisco, where you can explore the city’s many attractions, including Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf, without the summer crowds. For a taste of California history, visit the historic missions along the El Camino Real, where the mild weather makes for pleasant walking tours.
December
Weather: December brings winter to California, with coastal temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C) and cooler conditions inland. The deserts remain mild, with temperatures in the 60s°F (16°C), while the Sierra Nevada experiences significant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports.
Clothing: Warm clothing, including coats, scarves, and gloves, is necessary for most areas, particularly in the mountains where snow and cold are prevalent. In coastal and desert areas, lighter layers may suffice during the day, but warmer clothing is needed in the evenings.
Landmarks: December is the ideal time to visit California’s ski resorts, such as Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. The coastal city of Santa Barbara offers a mild climate and festive holiday events, including the annual Parade of Lights. For those seeking warmer weather, head to Palm Springs, where you can enjoy golf, hiking, and the famous mid-century modern architecture in a comfortable desert climate.
