Best time to visit by popularity California

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California

POPULARITY HIGHLIGHTS(APRIL 28 - MAY 08)

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PopularityApril 16April 25 • Crowdedness

Based on social data we estimate crowdedness to be above average during this time period.

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California weather in January

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In January, California experiences the lowest temperatures, which range substantially depending on the altitude and latitude. The lowest records belong to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and northernmost areas. The upside of the frigid temperatures is ample snow and hence winter sports opportunities. The weather along the coastline and in the south of the state is mild, often sunny. Still, the water is too cold for swimming, even in the southernmost San Diego. The central areas, including Sacramento, are colder than the coast, yet warmer than the Sierra Nevada. Rainfall is distributed all over the state, except the eastern semi-arid area of the Mojave Desert. The sun shines only six hours per day on average, as the weather in winter is generally wet, humid, and cloudy. Bring a windbreaker and a jacket for the coast; a heavy jacket for the inland; and a down jacket for the north and mountains. An umbrella might be needed too.

California weather in February

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The last month of winter brings a slight rise in temperatures to every climate zone in California. Frosty weather is typical in some areas, but extremely low temperatures are unlikely. The Sierra Nevada and the north are the coldest areas. The central inland is mildly cold, while the coast and south enjoy moderately warm weather. Still, the water remains uncomfortably cold for swimming. Snowfall is typical for the highlands, and other areas receive rainfall. The only exception is the western belt along the Mojave Desert, which is a semi-arid zone. The average amount of sunshine increases to seven hours per day. Humid, wet, and cloudy days prevail. Pack layers and dress accordingly to the area you're going to visit: a jacket and a windbreaker will suffice on the coast, while a heavy coat might be necessary for the cooler inland areas. Winter gear must be brought for the mountains.

California weather in March

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The onset of a warmer season is noticeable in the rural hinterlands and northern highlands, where the first blossoms liven up the sceneries. In the Sierra Nevada, snow will lie well into April and beyond. The rainfall is moderate throughout the state, but especially abundant in the northern highlands. The driest zone is a semi-arid desert area in the east. In most areas, the days in March are mild, with a growing amount of sunshine, and the nights are still cold. The southern inland cities such as Pasadena boast slightly warmer temperatures than the northern cities close to the ocean. The water hasn't warmed up yet. Pack in accordance with the climate zone you're going to. Wearing layers will be reasonable. A sweatshirt, a windbreaker, a jacket, and possibly a heavier jacket will be needed if you're into mountains. A raincoat or an umbrella is likely to be used too.

California weather in April

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Spring vibes are scaling up in April. The snowmelt reveals the mountain hiking trails, empowers waterfalls, and gives way to wildflower bloom. Cold and wet days have departed, and sunshine abounds with the progress of the month. The average temperatures across the state hover within the pleasantly mild range between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C). The lows in the northern interior part of the state are a few degrees cooler. Warm and sunny days prevail on the beaches and Southern California. Yet the sea temperature remains a bit on the cooler side for swimming, and it's better to wait until May if you want to hit the beach. When visiting California in April, bring some long- and short-sleeves, a coat or a jacket, and a windbreaker for the sea breezes. Dressing in layers will be reasonable as temperatures might differ during the day.

California weather in May

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Late spring brings pleasantly warm temperatures and temperate nights to most of the state. Sunny conditions improve with the progress of the month, reaching an average of eight hours per day. Precipitation is low, so rainy and cloudy weather is uncommon. May is the right time to hit the beaches in the south. The sea temperature near Los Angeles reaches 70°F (21°C), pleasant and refreshing at the same time. Foggy days also occur in the beach cities bringing somewhat chilly weather. San Diego, in particular, is frequently doused in fog during May. Traveling to California in May, bring light clothing for the day, and a sweatshirt or a jacket for the night. Also, if you plan on hiking the mountains, pack some heavier gear.

California weather in June

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Summers are quite hot in California with the highs often exceeding 86°F (30°C), so it's a perfect time for swimming in the ocean or spending time at other water basins scattered across the state. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park are cooler than most places in California, with freezing temperatures occurring in every month of the year. On the contrary, the areas around the Mojave Desert and close to the border with Mexico, experience higher temperatures. The highs there frequently cross the mark of 100°F (38°C). Even though it's a rainless season, morning fogs are typical for the beaches, in particular around San Diego. The average amount of sunshine has improved to nine hours per day. To stay comfy, pack light summer clothing, a sun hat, and a light scarf for the cooling sea breeze. Also, heavier garments will be needed if you head to the higher elevations.

California weather in July

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It is the height of summer in California, with the average temperatures hovering just a few degrees below 86°F (30°C). Some areas are cooler or hotter though. More temperate weather is observed on the coast due to the sea breezes. Cooler conditions are also observed in the northern and central parts of the state, and the highlands. Whereas, the weather is generally hotter in the southern and eastern regions. In the semi-arid desert area, the temperatures hit 110°F (43°C) during the daytime, and drop to 30°F (-1°C) at night. Humidity and rain decrease substantially, and sunshine abounds. San Francisco, however, sees consistent fog since early in the month. Summer tourists should pack light and loose garments of natural fibers and a light sweatshirt for the evenings. A light scarf will suffice for the sea breeze. Don't forget to cover your head in the sun. And bring warmer clothes if you plan on exploring the mountains.

California weather in August

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The last month of hot and dry weather in California. The sunshine still abounds in August. However, the average highs and lows gradually drop towards the end of the month. The days are still warm, while the nights get more temperate. The exceptions are the semi-arid area of the Mojave Desert and the highlands, which experience more considerable deviations of the temperature. The desert is hotter, while mountains are colder than average. Generally, humidity remains low throughout the state with mostly clear skies. However, in San Francisco Bay, misty summer season lasts through late August, so fogs are frequent. Sea breezes cool the warm coastal areas. For a late-summer visit, bring short-sleeves along with a light sweatshirt, as the days get cooler. A light jacket may come out in the mornings and evenings. A light scarf and a windbreaker may be helpful for sea breezes. Also, pack a heavier coat for the mountains.

California weather in September

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Early fall, also known as "Indian Summer," is a great time in all of California. It's still warm during the day, while nights tend to be more humid and colder than in the summer. The fogs that have been shrouding San Francisco and the rest of the North Coast area are replaced with clear blue skies and sunny weather. The sea temperatures are quite warm for hitting a beach. Besides, Yosemite National Park enjoys pleasant mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal foliage. Another place for taking in the colors of the season is the High Sierra. Early autumn visitors should bring layers of short- and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a sweatshirt, and a jacket for cooler temperatures.

California weather in October

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Another great month to discover the state of California. The average air temperatures remain pleasantly mild both during the day and night. Besides, the temperate sea temperatures are still comfortable for swimming and surfing too. It is your chance to take in the beaches without crowds. Most of the month is dry and bright. The exception is late October when the first signs of rain and snow are visible in the mountain ranges and higher altitudes. Humidity also grows by the end of the month. October visitors should bring different clothes to be able to dress in layers, as the temperatures range throughout the day. Short- and long-sleeved shirts, a sweatshirt, and a jacket are likely to come of use at times.

California weather in November

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The weather is getting progressively worse in November, especially late in the month. The average highs and lows dip consistently but remain cozy overall. Rainy and cloudy days are more common than the lingering sunny ones. Precipitation is the highest in the northern areas of California, with Redding being labeled one of the wettest places in the state. The average hours of sunshine are reduced to seven, and the seawater gets too cold for swimming. The highlands are colder than average, while the semi-arid desert areas in the south-east offer pleasantly mild weather. If you travel in November, pack some light long-sleeves along with warm clothing. A sweater, a sweatshirt, and a jacket or a coat may be needed. A raincoat and an umbrella are also on the list. Hiking to the higher elevations can already require a heavy coat or a down jacket.

California weather in December

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Winter in California is the coldest season by all means, but the lows don't drop below freezing in most places. The exception is naturally the mountains of the Sierra Nevada that commonly experience frost and snowfall. The average temperatures in the northern part of the state range from mildly cold to mild. In the southern region, the weather is a little warmer, especially in the desert area around Palm Springs. The beaches are usually misty and cool with low sea temperatures. It's a wet season with high humidity and frequent rains, particularly in the north. Hence the sunshine is scarce—only six hours per day. Visiting California in December, bring warm and waterproof clothing. A raincoat or an umbrella will be relevant. For the mountains, bring a down jacket and other winter gear.