When is the best 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.
Given the size of the region there are variations, with some areas attracting more extreme weather changes than others. Along the coast, the temperature rarely dips below 20°C (68°F), though even the hottest summer days are cooled by sea breezes.
Inland, the weather follows a more typical seasonal cycle, with dry summers, a colorful autumn, cold (and, on higher ground, snowy) winters, and bright, temperate spring months ideal for exploring the outdoors.
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California Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 68°F 3" | 70°F 4" | 70°F 3" | 73°F 1" | 75°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 73°F 1" | 68°F 2" |
| Monterey | 59°F 4" | 61°F 3" | 61°F 2" | 63°F 2" | 64°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 64°F 2" | 61°F 3" |
| Napa Valley | 57°F 6" | 63°F 5" | 64°F 4" | 70°F 2" | 75°F 1" | 82°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 77°F 2" | 64°F 4" | 57°F 5" |
| Palm Springs | 70°F 1" | 75°F 1" | 77°F 1" | 84°F 0" | 93°F 0" | 100°F 0" | 108°F 0" | 106°F 0" | 100°F 0" | 90°F 0" | 77°F 1" | 70°F 1" |
| Sacramento | 54°F 4" | 59°F 3" | 64°F 3" | 72°F 1" | 81°F 0" | 88°F 0" | 93°F 0" | 91°F 0" | 88°F 0" | 77°F 1" | 63°F 3" | 54°F 3" |
| San Diego | 66°F 2" | 66°F 2" | 66°F 2" | 68°F 1" | 70°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 75°F 0" | 70°F 1" | 66°F 1" |
| San Francisco | 57°F 5" | 59°F 4" | 61°F 4" | 63°F 2" | 64°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 72°F 0" | 70°F 2" | 63°F 4" | 57°F 4" |
| Santa Barbara | 63°F 4" | 64°F 4" | 66°F 3" | 68°F 1" | 70°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 75°F 0" | 70°F 2" | 64°F 3" |
Month-by-month guide to traveling in California
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. This is a more affordable time of year to travel and many of the regional highlights are quiet with fewer visitors, though certain attractions do close. At higher altitude the snowfall creates ideal conditions for winter sports.
Events & Festivals
- Migrating grey whales pass through Monterey Bay. Read more
Visiting California in April - May
As temperatures increase, the snowmelt on higher ground reveals hiking trails, forest canopies and wondrous national parks with Yosemite perhaps the best known and most popular. At this time of year waterfalls are at their most impressive with fierce, fast flowing water rushing over granite boulders then dropping into lush valleys below. Elsewhere, the beaches and theme parks of Southern California benefit from the onset of warmer days.
Events & Festivals
- The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Palm Springs is now established as one of the biggest music events in the US.
- The Tour of California is an internationally recognized bike race that loops through many of the state's most spectacular locations.
Visiting California in June - August
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 30°C (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 holidays bringing crowds and peak season prices.
Events & Festivals
- The Castroville Artichoke Festival of food and wine on the central coast is a hugely popular local event with tastings, demos and a colourful parade.
- The San Diego Comic-con has evolved into one of the largest pop culture festivals in the world. Read more
Visiting California in September - October
The autumn period attracts a lovely mild climate and in some parts of the state, spectacular foliage. This is a great time to visit California's wine regions during the grape harvest time, known as 'the crush'. The San Francisco and North Coast regions, often shrouded in fog during the summer, typically see some of their sunniest days during the 'Indian summer'.
Events & Festivals
- The annual grape harvest is in full swing in vineyards across California.
- Sacramento hosts a two week foodie festival promoting fresh local produce. Read more
Visiting California in November - December
The start of the winter period can be changeable with an increase in inclement days in certain parts of the state and lingering sunny days in others. Travel inland to the desert around Palm Springs for example and this is arguably one of the best times to visit. There are beautiful clear warm days while a visit to the central Californian coast would mean misty and cooler conditions.
Events & Festivals
- Across the state, towns and cities prepare for the holiday seasons with numerous festive light shows and decorative displays.
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to California, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice.
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