
Best Season to Visit California
- Summer (June-August) Summer is the hottest season and the time of the year when you’ll want to avoid the deserts. ...
- Fall (September-October) Fall is the best time to visit northern California because the weather is milder, and there’s plenty of foliage to admire. ...
- Winter (November-February) ...
- Spring (March-May) ...
What are the best cities to live in Northern California?
- Orinda. ...
- Rocklin. ...
- Ridgecrest. ...
- Granite Bay. ...
- Roseville. ...
- El Dorado Hills. ...
- Dublin. For those who can afford the $756,800 median property price, Dublin makes a great option. ...
- Clovis. According to NerdWallet, Clovis ranks as the #1 best city in Northern California for families… and it's easy to see why.
When is the rainy season in Northern California?
The stormiest period will be in late December. April and May will be slightly cooler than normal, with rainfall below normal in the north and above normal in the south. Summer temperatures will be hotter than normal, with generally above-normal rainfall.
What are the best cities to visit in California?
The Ultimate Guide To The Best Places To Visit In California
- San Francisco. If you’re looking to visit the largest city in the state, look no further than San Francisco. ...
- Los Angeles. ...
- San Diego. ...
- Yosemite National Park. ...
- Palm Springs. ...
- Joshua Tree National Park. ...
- Disneyland and Disney World. ...
- Monterey, California. ...
- San Luis Obispo, California. ...
- Anaheim, California. ...
What are the best attractions in California?
Recomended businesses
- Lassen Volcanic National Park. Pack your binoculars, hiking boots, and sense of adventure before making your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Yosemite National Park. As one of California’s classic family-friendly attractions, Yosemite National Park offers plenty of activities and stunning views.
- Joshua Tree National Park. ...
- Lake Tahoe. ...
- Lake Shasta. ...

What month has the best weather in California?
The months of September and October are ideal to visit California as they avoid the fog and the crowds and the temperature is ideal for spending time on the beach, sight-seeing, and attending festivals. One of the many appeals of California is that it's a great destination any time of year.
Where is the best weather in Northern California?
San Francisco The Bay Area in the north features mild weather. San Francisco rarely sees extremely hot days. While the rest of the country experiences the start of a cool autumn, September and October in San Francisco are the warmest and sunniest months, and when it experiences its Indian Summer.
What is the cheapest month to visit California?
High season is considered to be June and July. The cheapest month to fly to California is January.
What is the hottest month in Northern California?
JulyQuick Climate InfoHottest MonthJuly (74 °F avg)Coldest MonthDecember (46 °F avg)Wettest MonthDecember (4.30" avg)Windiest MonthJune (4 mph avg)1 more row
What city in California has the best weather year round?
The city with the best weather in California is San Diego. It has the best weather because of its pleasant year-round temperatures, which average out to be around 64°F. San Diego also has great sunny weather almost all year long with only about 24 days of rain.
What is the rainy season in Northern California?
December, January and February are typically the wettest months in the Golden State, with 75 percent of the state's annual precipitation falling between November and March.
Which airport is cheaper to fly into in California?
The Cheapest Airport in CaliforniaAirport RankingAirportSearch Cheap FlightsFirst PlaceLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)Search Flights To Loas AngelesSecond PlaceSan Francisco International Airport (SFO)Search Flights To San FranciscoThird PlaceSan Diego International Airport (SAN)Search Flights To San Diego
How do I plan a trip to California on a budget?
9 Tips for California on a BudgetBook flights in advance.Factor in tax AND tip for all food and services.Remember portions sizes are huge…Don't bother looking on Airbnb.Book accommodation early (and factor in tax again!)Make sure you have CASH for petrol.Buy attraction tickets in advance.More items...•
Is California warm in March?
March is the end of the rainy spring season in California, and daytime temperatures are very pleasant throughout the month as skies clear. The average high temperature varies from around 50°F (10°C) degrees in Lake Tahoe to around 80°F (27°C) at Palm Springs. What is this?
What is the best month to go to San Francisco?
The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Believe it or not, fall offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain (compared to other parts of California).
What are the rainy months in California?
The wetter season lasts 4.0 months, from April 27 to August 26, with a greater than 30% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in California is July, with an average of 11.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 8.0 months, from August 26 to April 27.
What is the weather like in Northern California in April?
The average high temperature will be around 63 F (17 C). On a few of the warmer afternoons, you may expect temperatures to reach at least 75 F (24 C). However, like other coastal climates, late nights and early mornings will be a bit cooler, with temperatures dropping to 50 F (10 C).
Where is the warmest place in Northern California?
Northern California Porterville, with an average high of 71 degrees F.
What part of California has the coolest summers?
1. San Francisco, CA. While Southern California is known for hot summers, the farther you go north, the cooler it gets. Summer might just be the best time to travel to San Francisco with average temperatures in the mid-60s during June, July, and August.
Where is it 70 year round?
In Guatemala City, almost nobody owns an AC or heater. The temperature hovers around 70° fahrenheit year round.
What cities have the best year round weather?
Honolulu took the top spot with an average annual temperature of 77.7 degrees. While the city endures an average of 93 rainy days per year, it also averages 90 sunny days and zero days where the temperature dips below freezing. The top 10 cities hail from the same three states: Hawaii, California and Florida.
What is the least humid month in California?
Northern California has some humid months, and slightly dry months in the opposite season. The least humid month is June (34.4% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (68.1%). Wind in Northern California is usually calm. The windiest month is May, followed by June and April.
When is the lowest chance of precipitation in Northern California?
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Northern California are July, August, and then September. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid June.
How hot is the weather in the spring?
Spring (March through May) Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 86.3°F (30.2°C) and 63.8°F (17.7°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 2 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month.
How many days a month does it rain in the fall?
It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 4 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.
What is the wind speed in Northern California?
Wind in Northern California is usually calm. The windiest month is May, followed by June and April. May’s average wind speed of around 6.9 knots (8 MPH or 12.9 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early May where average top sustained speeds reach 14.1 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.
Is Northern California warm or cold?
Temperature. Average temperatures in Northern California vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very nice much of the year, but hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 43rd percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations ...
Is it Safe to Travel to Northern California?
Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Sep 23, 2019.
When to visit California?
Month-by-month guide for traveling in California. Jan - Mar Apr - May Jun - Aug Sep - Oct Nov - Dec. Visiting California in January - March. The Californian winter months do vary from cooler coastal temperatures in San Francisco and the Bay Area to fine sunny days in the south of the state in Los Angeles and San Diego.
What is the weather like in California in summer?
Summer in California is consistently hot and sunny with all major attractions and sites open for business. In major cities the temperatures can reach over 86°F so visits to the beach are recommended. Additionally, Lake Tahoe, in the north of the state, has perfect conditions for kayaking, rafting and a cooling swim in the stunning clear water at this time of year. Although the weather is good, this period is also the busiest as it coincides with school vacations bringing crowds and peak season prices.
What is the weather like in the Inland?
Inland, the weather follows a more typical seasonal cycle, with dry summers, a colorful fall, cold (and, on higher ground, snowy) winters, and bright, temperate spring months ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Is Lake Tahoe good for rafting?
Additionally, Lake Tahoe, in the north of the state, has perfect conditions for kayaking, rafting and a cooling swim in the stunning clear water at this time of year. Although the weather is good, this period is also the busiest as it coincides with school vacations bringing crowds and peak season prices.
Is it a good time to visit California?
There isn’t one best time to visit California — it’s a year-round destination. Much of the state attracting a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers and cooler wet winters.
When is the biggest travel weekend in California?
July. California's campgrounds, beaches and theme parks hit peak popularity, especially on the July 4 holiday – summer’s biggest travel weekend. Horse racing returns mid-July to Del Mar’s elegant racetrack, built by Hollywood stars in the 1930s. Tickets are tough to get, but it's worth going just to see the ladies’ hats.
What is the wettest month in California?
January. January is the wettest month in California, and a slow time for coastal travel – but this is when mountain ski resorts and Southern California deserts hit their stride. The famous New Year’s parade held before the Tournament of Roses college football game draws over 700,000 spectators to the LA suburb of Pasadena.
What is the official start of summer?
Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the official start of summer, and one of the year’s busiest travel times. California celebrates its Mexican heritage and the victory of Mexican forces over the French army on May 5, 1862.
How many miles is California in 2021?
Lonely Planet Editors. 16 March 2021. Spanning 840 miles of the United States' contiguous Pacific Coast, and several major metros, California's borders sprawl around climate zones, elevations, and ecosystems. It can be tricky to figure out when the best time to visit is when seasonal temps and rainfall can vary widely, ...
When is GBLTQIA+ in California?
California also celebrates GBLTQIA+ pride not just for a day but for the entire month of June, with costumed parades, film fests, marches and streets parties. SF Pride sets the global parade standard, with more than a million people, tons of glitter and ounces of bikinis. San Diego celebrates in mid-July, Palm Springs in November.
When is whale migration season in Mendocino?
March. As ski season winds down the beaches warm up, just in time for spring break (exact dates vary with school schedules and the Easter holiday). Mendocino, Fort Bragg and nearby towns toast the whale migration with wining and dining, art shows and naturalist-guided walks and talks over three weekends in March.
When is the best time to see whales?
February is prime time to spot whales offshore, see thousands of monarch butterflies wintering in California groves, and find colonies of elephant seals nursing pups in Central Coast dunes.
What is the busiest season in California?
The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are brisk. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 2 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in North Coast California, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.
When is the lowest chance of precipitation in California?
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in North Coast California are August, July, and then September. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid June. For example, on the week of June 18th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in mid December with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of December 17th.
Is it Safe to Travel to North Coast California?
Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Sep 23, 2019.
When is the Best Time to Go to California?
By the end of this article, you’ll have understood that it’s difficult to give an unequivocal answer to this question, but in general, the best period to visit California is in the summertime. In some cases you’ll have to be mindful when you visit places with higher temperatures (especially in the deserts), but they are inconveniences that it’s easier to avoid than the winter ones (in the national parks of Sierra Nevada and beyond). If you really can’t go to California in the summer, but if you have no choice but to go during the winter, here’s an example of a winter tour of California.
Is San Diego a good place to visit?
San Diego is the ideal city to spend some time on the beach sunbathing, even more so than Los Angeles. Compared to San Francisco, San Diego’s climate is even more favorable for beach life, even if the ocean waters are always a bit cooler than what you may be used to. San Diego’s climate is mild almost all year round, but it is warmer during the summer months, the period when there is also the highest amount of rainfall, which is very scarce during the winter. Even in December you can find temperatures around 68°, while the annual highest average temperature rarely rises above 91°, so as you can see, you can plan a visit to San Diego almost anytime of year.
When Is the Best Time
Knowing when to visit California’s mesmerizing national parks, fascinating attractions, or beautiful cities can make or break your next trip to this exciting state. Together with a local, we compiled a visiting guide with tips for every month, every region, and every possible activity in California.
July in California
July is the driest, hottest month of the year in the desert, central, and southern areas of California, often surpassing 100° degrees several days of the month. However, the northern and coastal areas of California are warm – averaging 60 to 70° degrees – but not as hot as in August.
What is the best time to visit the National Parks in the Northern states?
Summer in the northern states is the most comfortable time to explore the outdoors, with many of the region's national parks at their very best. Take a hike into Montana's Glacier National Park, see the steaming geysers of Yellowstone or stay on a ranch in the Rockies.
When is the best time to visit the US?
Visiting the US in April. If you’re planning to visit the South or Southwest, April is an excellent time to travel, with warm, sunny weather. The national parks, forests and wetlands are lush and vibrant, wildlife is more active, and a variety of events take place in towns and cities as they emerge from winter.
Why do regional climates vary dramatically from season to season?
Due to its sheer size and range of landscapes, regional climates across the US vary dramatically from season to season.
When is the best time to visit the Grand Tetons?
If traveling to the southern half of the US, the warm and sunny spring months of April and May are my favorite times to visit.
When is ski season in Colorado?
Ski season in Colorado and Utah (April): The peak of the ski season in Colorado and Utah is in April, with more than enough snow covering the ground, coupled with sunny days and pleasant temperatures. Visiting the US in May. Spring has arrived in most of the country.
When is Memorial Day in the US?
Memorial Day takes place on the last weekend of the month and is recognized with parades and commemoration ceremonies. Visiting the US in June. June offers the best of both worlds in the northern half of the country, as you can experience warm, sunny days without the crowds of summer.
When is baseball season in Hawaii?
Events & Festivals. Baseball season (April to September): The baseball season is long enough to be accessible to many visitors.

High Season: June to August
Shoulder Season: April to May, September to October
- Best time for getting outside The fall is when the central coast finally starts to warm up and the heat in SoCal finally breaks, plus students are back in their seats. This makes "shoulder season" prime time for visiting California's ten national parks, exploring the beach, and taking advantage of fall festivals.
Low Season: November to March
- Best time for beating the crowds Winter in California is famously mild (especially in the southern end of the state), but you can still find killer ski powder on the peaks as well as whale watching on the coast, and major events like the Academy Awards and the Lunar New Year. accommodation rates will be lowest along the coast, and this is prime time for visiting California's deserts.
Month-By-Month Breakdown
- Here's a monthly guide to what you can expect through the year in California. All events are subject to change.
January
- January is the wettest month in California, and a slow time for coastal travel – but this is when mountain ski resorts and Southern California deserts hit their stride. The famous New Year’s parade held before the Tournament of Rosescollege football game draws over 700,000 spectators to the LA suburb of Pasadena. Key events: Rose Bowl and Parade, Lunar New Year
February
- As California sunshine breaks through the drizzle, skiers hit the slopes in T-shirts, wildflowers burst into bloom, and romantics scramble for Valentine’s Day reservations at restaurants and hotels. February is prime time to spot whales offshore, see thousands of monarch butterflies wintering in California groves, and find colonies of elephant seals nursing pups in Central Coast …
March
- As ski season winds down the beaches warm up, just in time for spring break (exact dates vary with school schedules and the Easter holiday). Mendocino, Fort Bragg and nearby towns toast the whale migration with wining and dining, art shows and naturalist-guided walks and talks over three weekends in March. Meanwhile, after wintering in South America, the swallows returnto Mi…
April
- As wildflower season peaks in the high desert, the southern desert bursts into song and San Francisco twinkles with international film stars as the nation's oldest film festivallights up with star-studded US premieres of hundreds of films from around the globe, usually held over two weeks in April. Shoulder season in the mountains and along the coast brings lower hotel prices. …
May
- Weather starts to heat up statewide, although some coastal areas are blanketed by ‘May gray’ fog. Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the official start of summer, and one of the year’s busiest travel times. California celebrates its Mexican heritage and the victory of Mexican forces over the French army on May 5, 1862. LA and San Diego have the biggest celebrations, but you'll find mar…
June
- Once school lets out for the summer, everyone heads to California beaches – only to shiver through San Francisco as ‘June gloom’ coastal fog descends. Mountain resorts offer cool escapes, but the deserts are just too darn hot. California also celebrates GBLTQIA+ pride not just for a day but for the entire month of June, with costumed parades, film fests, marches and stree…