When is the best time to visit California? April to June and September to October: it hardly rains on the coast any more, afternoons hover around 22 to 29 °C (72 to 84 °F) in Los Angeles, Yosemite’s waterfalls are still flowing in spring, and the summer crowds are either not here yet or already gone. If your trip includes Death Valley, aim instead for November to March.
California is a very large state and its climates vary widely. The coast has a Mediterranean climate: mild winters when most of the rain falls, and dry summers. San Francisco stays cool all year, often under fog in summer. The interior (Central Valley, Sierra Nevada) has very hot summers and snowy winters at altitude, and the deserts of the southeast are among the hottest places on the planet in summer. Choosing your dates therefore starts with choosing your itinerary: this guide details California’s climate month by month and region by region.
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When to go to California at a glance
- Best times April to June and September–October for a full circuit
- Driest months June to September, with almost no rain on the coast (0 to 3 mm (0.0 to 0.1 in) a month in Los Angeles)
- Rainy season November to March; February is the wettest month in Los Angeles (92 mm (3.6 in)), December in San Francisco (121 mm (4.8 in))
- Hottest month August in Los Angeles (28.9 °C (84 °F) in the afternoon), July in Death Valley (47.4 °C (117 °F))
- San Francisco 19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) in the afternoon from June to October only; September and October are its warmest months
- Yosemite waterfalls at their peak in May–June; Tioga Road is usually closed from November to late May or June (National Park Service)
- Peak season and high prices July–August, spring break and the year-end holidays
When to go by priority
- Best weather: May, June, September and October; November to March for Death Valley
- Cheapest: January–February and November (outside Thanksgiving), accepting rain and closed mountain roads
- Fewest crowds: January, February and November (outside Thanksgiving); May, September and October are good compromises
- Events: Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, Coachella in April, Comic-Con in San Diego in July, Día de los Muertos in late October to early November; check dates every year
Still unsure about the destination? Compare with our picks: where to go in May.
California: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October
California weather month by month
The table below gives the normals for Los Angeles (Downtown), the gateway of most trips. The verdict takes the rest of the state into account: an excellent month on the coast can be scorching in the deserts or snowy in the Sierra Nevada.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 9.4 °C (49 °F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Rain possible, ideal for the deserts |
| February | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 10.0 °C (50 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Wettest month in Los Angeles |
| March | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 11.3 °C (52 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Fewer showers, deserts in bloom some years |
| April | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | High (Easter) | Moderate → high | ✅ Mild, green hills |
| May | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 14.5 °C (58 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Yosemite waterfalls at their peak |
| June | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 16.3 °C (61 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | High | High | ✅ Dry, morning haze on the coast |
| July | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 1 mm (0.0 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Crowds, extreme heat in the deserts |
| August | 28.9 °C (84 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 0 mm (0.0 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hottest month, San Francisco cool |
| September | 28.3 °C (83 °F) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | Moderate | High → moderate | ✅ Warmest sea, fewer people |
| October | 25.9 °C (79 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Very good month everywhere |
| November | 22.7 °C (73 °F) | 11.7 °C (53 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | Low (except Thanksgiving) | Moderate | ⚠️ Rains return, mountain roads closed |
| December | 19.7 °C (67 °F) | 9.0 °C (48 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | Moderate (holidays) | Moderate → high | ⚠️ Mild but rainy, snow at altitude |
Note: in Los Angeles, winter rain often arrives in short but intense episodes, which can cause mudslides and road closures.
Sea temperature month by month
The sea is cool all year and colder in the north: in San Francisco, it does not exceed 16 °C (61 °F); in Los Angeles, it approaches 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) in August and September.
| Month | Los Angeles (LAX) | San Francisco (airport) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 10.5 °C (51 °F) |
| February | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) |
| March | 14.6 °C (58 °F) | 11.7 °C (53 °F) |
| April | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 12.4 °C (54 °F) |
| May | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) |
| June | 17.8 °C (64 °F) | 14.0 °C (57 °F) |
| July | 19.0 °C (66 °F) | 14.6 °C (58 °F) |
| August | 19.6 °C (67 °F) | 15.3 °C (60 °F) |
| September | 19.0 °C (66 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) |
| October | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 15.0 °C (59 °F) |
| November | 16.5 °C (62 °F) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) |
| December | 14.8 °C (59 °F) | 11.2 °C (52 °F) |
California’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the best season for scenery
The last rains leave the hills green, and in some years the deserts are covered in wildflowers in March and April. Snowmelt feeds Yosemite’s waterfalls, at their peak in May and June. On the coast, temperatures are mild (21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles) but the sea stays cool.
- Pros: green landscapes, waterfalls, deserts still bearable (average highs of 28 to 38 °C (82 to 100 °F) in Death Valley from March to May), moderate prices outside spring break
- Cons: cold sea for swimming, high-altitude roads (Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road) still closed for part of the spring, possible showers in March
- Our tip: May is the most complete month if you combine the coast, Yosemite and the deserts
Summer (June to August): dry and sunny, but very busy
Summer is dry across the state. The southern coast is hot and sunny, often with morning haze in June (Californians call it « June gloom »). San Francisco stays cool: 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon in July and frequent fog that surprises visitors in shorts. Inland, the heat becomes extreme: more than 36 °C (97 °F) in Fresno and more than 47 °C (117 °F) in Death Valley in July.
- Pros: all mountain roads open, long days, lively beaches, festivals
- Cons: crowds and prices at their peak, packed national parks, dangerous heat in the deserts, wildfire and smoke risk
Autumn (September to November): the ideal late season
September and October are often the best months on the coast: the ocean is at its warmest, the fog recedes and San Francisco has its warmest afternoons of the year (21 °C (70 °F)). In November, the rains return and the high mountain roads close with the first major snow.
- Pros: warmer sea, clear skies, falling prices, grape harvest in the Napa and Sonoma valleys
- Cons: Yosemite’s waterfalls often dry in late summer and autumn, risk of wildfires and Santa Ana winds (dry, hot winds) in the south
- Our tip: from mid-September to late October, the most pleasant window for the coast and Big Sur
Winter (December to February): mild on the coast, perfect for the deserts
California’s winter is mild on the coast (20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles) but it is the rainy season, with sometimes violent episodes. Snow covers the Sierra Nevada: Yosemite stays open, but chains may be required depending on conditions and several roads are closed. It is, however, the best season for the deserts: Death Valley, Joshua Tree or Palm Springs.
- Pros: low prices (outside the holidays), pleasant deserts (19 to 23 °C (66 to 73 °F) in the afternoon in Death Valley), skiing in the Sierra Nevada
- Cons: rain, cold sea, short days, closed mountain roads, possible closures of the coastal road at Big Sur after heavy rain
- Who is it for? Travelers focused on cities and deserts, and small budgets
When to go to California by region
Comparison of the official normals for four stations representative of California’s climates:
| Month | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Fresno (gateway to Yosemite) | Death Valley |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 84 mm (3.3 in) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) / 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 19.6 °C (67 °F) / 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| February | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15.8 °C (60 °F) / 111 mm (4.4 in) | 16.3 °C (61 °F) / 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| March | 21.1 °C (70 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) | 16.7 °C (62 °F) / 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28.1 °C (83 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| April | 22.4 °C (72 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 26 mm (1.0 in) | 32.8 °C (91 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17.8 °C (64 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28.2 °C (83 °F) / 11 mm (0.4 in) | 38.2 °C (101 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) |
| June | 25.1 °C (77 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19.2 °C (67 °F) / 5 mm (0.2 in) | 33.0 °C (91 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) | 43.9 °C (111 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) |
| July | 27.8 °C (82 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 36.5 °C (98 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) | 47.4 °C (117 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| August | 28.9 °C (84 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 19.9 °C (68 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 35.8 °C (96 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 46.6 °C (116 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| September | 28.3 °C (83 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 32.6 °C (91 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) | 42.1 °C (108 °F) / 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| October | 25.9 °C (79 °F) / 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) / 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25.9 °C (79 °F) / 14 mm (0.6 in) | 34.1 °C (93 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| November | 22.7 °C (73 °F) / 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17.6 °C (64 °F) / 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18.3 °C (65 °F) / 22 mm (0.9 in) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| December | 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) / 121 mm (4.8 in) | 12.9 °C (55 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) / 7 mm (0.3 in) |
In one table: the recommended period for each major region, month by month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | Jul | August | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles and the southern coast (Los Angeles) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| San Francisco and the northern coast | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Death Valley and the deserts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
Los Angeles, San Diego and the southern coast
The southern coast can be visited all year. The most pleasant months run from April to October, with a heat peak in August–September (about 28 to 29 °C (82 to 84 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles). San Diego is a little cooler in summer and very steady. For swimming, aim for August to October: the water stays cool the rest of the year. These 28 to 29 °C (82 to 84 °F) in August–September suit a beach-oriented stay in Los Angeles, when the water is least cool.
San Francisco and the northern coast
San Francisco has an atypical climate: average highs never exceed 21.2 °C (September), and summer is often gray and windy. The best months are September and October, warm and bright. Winter is mild but rainy (more than 110 mm (4.3 in) in December, January and February).
Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
Fresno, south-west of the park, gives an idea of the heat of the foothills; Yosemite Valley, at about 1,200 m (3,937 ft) above sea level, is cooler and gets snow in winter. May and June are the waterfall months; July–August open up the high-altitude roads and trails; September and October are quieter. In winter, the park stays open but some roads close. According to the National Park Service (nps.gov, checked 11 November 2026), Tioga Road is usually closed from November to late May or early June, depending on conditions, and the park advises carrying tire chains in winter.
Death Valley and the deserts
With an average high of 47.4 °C (117 °F) in July, Death Valley is best avoided in summer, except for a brief drive in an air-conditioned car without hiking. The good season runs from November to March (19 to 28 °C (66 to 82 °F) in the afternoon), with April and October still possible. Winter nights are cool (5 to 6 °C (41 to 43 °F) in December–January).
When to go to California by trip type
| Trip | Best time | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Full West Coast road trip (cities, Yosemite, deserts) | May–June, September–October | Book accommodation near the parks 6 months ahead |
| Coastal road and Big Sur | September–October, April–May | Check the status of Highway 1 before leaving |
| Yosemite waterfalls | May–June | Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road sometimes still closed in May |
| Death Valley, Joshua Tree | November to March | Plenty of water, a full tank of gas before entering the park |
| Beach and swimming | August to October | Cool water, especially north of Los Angeles |
| Budget | January–February, November (outside Thanksgiving) | Rain possible, closed mountain roads |
Major events to fit into your trip
US public holidays (Memorial Day in late May, July 4, Labor Day in early September, Thanksgiving in late November) push up crowds and prices, especially in the national parks.
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 (or January 2 if it is a Sunday) | Rose Parade, flower-covered floats, and Rose Bowl | Pasadena |
| January or February (Lunar New Year) | Chinese New Year parade | San Francisco’s Chinatown |
| February or March | Academy Awards ceremony | Hollywood (Los Angeles) |
| April, over two weekends | Coachella music festival | Indio, near Palm Springs |
| Late June | San Francisco Pride | San Francisco |
| July 4 | National holiday, fireworks | In all cities |
| July | Comic-Con International | San Diego |
| Late October – early November | Día de los Muertos festivities | Los Angeles, San Diego |
| November 11, 2026 | Centennial of Route 66, created in 1926 | The whole route, to Santa Monica |
California month by month
California in January
Mild on the coast (20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles, 14 °C (57 °F) in San Francisco), but it is the rainy season. Excellent for Death Valley (19.6 °C (67 °F)) and the deserts. Snow in the Sierra Nevada. Low prices after January 1.
California in February
The wettest month in Los Angeles (92 mm (3.6 in)). Still ideal for the deserts, low prices outside school vacations.
California in March
Rains ease, hills turn green. Desert wildflowers some years. A good month for Death Valley (28 °C (82 °F)) and Joshua Tree. The Sierra Nevada is still snowy.
California in April
Mild (22 °C (72 °F) in Los Angeles), almost no more rain in the south. Yosemite’s waterfalls swell. Heavy crowds during spring break.
California in May
One of the best months: dry, mild, Yosemite’s waterfalls at their peak, prices still reasonable before summer. Yosemite’s high-altitude roads may still be closed.
California in June
Dry and sunny, with frequent morning haze on the southern coast. San Francisco stays cool (19 °C (66 °F)). The heat builds in the deserts (44 °C (111 °F) in Death Valley).
California in July
Peak season: national parks and beaches packed, prices at their highest. 27.8 °C (82 °F) in Los Angeles, 36.5 °C (98 °F) in Fresno, 47.4 °C (117 °F) in Death Valley. San Francisco often under fog.
California in August
The hottest month in Los Angeles (28.9 °C (84 °F)). Still very busy. Wildfire and smoke risk. Yosemite’s waterfalls are weak or dry.
California in September
Excellent: warm sea, clear skies, San Francisco at its warmest (21.2 °C (70 °F)), crowds falling after Labor Day.
California in October
A very good month everywhere: 26 °C (79 °F) in Los Angeles, 21 °C (70 °F) in San Francisco, deserts bearable again (34 °C (93 °F) in Death Valley). Santa Ana winds and wildfire risk in the south.
California in November
First rains return, Tioga Road closes with the first major snow. A good month for the deserts. Prices fall, except during Thanksgiving.
California in December
Mild but rainy on the coast (121 mm (4.8 in) in San Francisco), snow in the mountains, festive atmosphere in the cities. Ideal for Death Valley.
What to pack for California
Temperature differences between the coast, the interior and the mountains mean you should plan for layers in any season:
- All year: a sweater or windbreaker for San Francisco (19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) in the afternoon at best) and coastal evenings, walking shoes for the parks
- April to October: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a water bottle; light clothing for Los Angeles, San Diego and the deserts
- November to March: a raincoat for the coast (rainy season), warm clothes for desert nights (5 to 6 °C (41 to 43 °F) in December–January in Death Valley) and for the snowy Sierra Nevada
- For swimming: Pacific water stays cool, even in summer
When to book your trip to California
For a trip in July–August or during spring break, book your flights and rental car 4 to 6 months ahead. Accommodation inside the national parks, at Yosemite in particular, opens for booking long in advance and is often full several months before summer: book it first, then build the itinerary around it.
Planning your trip to California
- Entry requirements: passport, visa and travel authorization rules depend on your nationality: see our entry requirements for the United States.
- Time difference: California is on Pacific Time (UTC−8, UTC−7 in summer): 3 hours behind New York and, most of the year, 8 hours behind London (details).
- Currency: the US dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. Displayed prices do not include sales tax, and a tip is expected in restaurants. Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: medical care is very expensive: travel insurance covering medical costs, hospitalization and repatriation is strongly recommended.
- Natural hazards: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026), wildfires are a danger in many dry areas, particularly in canyons, hills and forests, and high winds can make fires spread rapidly; California is among the states at higher risk of earthquakes. Check CAL FIRE for wildfires in California, follow the advice of local authorities and, in summer, check road conditions and air quality before leaving.
To build your itinerary, see our travel guide to California and the West Coast: cities, parks, coastal road, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit California?
May, June, September and October are the most complete months: it hardly rains, it is 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles, and the parks are less crowded than in July–August. May also offers Yosemite’s waterfalls, and September and October the warmest days in San Francisco.
Is San Francisco hot in summer?
No. In July, the average high is only 19.1 °C (66 °F) in San Francisco, with frequent fog and wind. The warmest months are September and October (about 21 °C (70 °F)). Always pack a sweater or jacket.
When should you visit Death Valley?
From November to March, when average highs stay between 19 and 28 °C (66 and 82 °F). In summer, they exceed 43 °C (109 °F) from June to August (47.4 °C (117 °F) in July): hiking is then dangerous.
When can you see Yosemite’s waterfalls?
In May and June, during the snowmelt. They weaken markedly over the summer, and several, including Yosemite Falls, are often dry in late summer and autumn.
Can you swim in California?
Yes, but Pacific water stays cool, even in summer. The most favorable months run from August to October, from Los Angeles to San Diego.
What is the best month to visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles can be visited year-round, but from April to October it hardly rains (0 to 18 mm (0.0 to 0.7 in) a month). September and October are the most pleasant: 26 to 28 °C (79 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, the warmest sea and fewer people than in July–August.
What is the weather like in California in winter?
Mild on the coast (about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Los Angeles, 14 °C (57 °F) in San Francisco), but it is the rainy season, from November to March. Snow covers the Sierra Nevada, while the deserts are pleasant: 19 to 23 °C (66 to 73 °F) in the afternoon in Death Valley from December to February.
What is California’s climate?
Mediterranean on the coast, with mild, rainy winters and dry summers; cool and often foggy in summer in San Francisco; very hot in summer in the Central Valley; snowy in winter in the Sierra Nevada; desert in the southeast, where Death Valley reaches an average high of 47.4 °C (117 °F) in July.
For the rest of the country, see our United States travel guide and, for the East Coast, when to go to New York. Torn with the south? See also when to go to Mexico.
Our sources
- Climate: 1991–2020 normals from NOAA (National Weather Service): Los Angeles (Downtown, Dodger Stadium station), San Francisco (Downtown), Fresno (Fresno Yosemite airport), Death Valley (Furnace Creek); values converted to °C and mm
- Natural hazards information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for the USA (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026)
- National Park Service, Yosemite winter road closures (nps.gov, checked 11 November 2026)
- Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), climate tables for Los Angeles and San Francisco: average sea temperature
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
