California weather

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Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations in California. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

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The weather guide for California shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by MeteoBlue. Find out more about our data sources.

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When is it hottest in California?

The hottest time of year in Los Angeles, California is normally August. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 30°C with moderate heat and humidity.

What is the wettest month in California?

In terms of rainfall, January usually gets the most rainfall in Los Angeles, California with 80mm on average. In January there are normally 5 days with some rain.

When is it sunniest in California?

The sunniest time of year in Los Angeles, California is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 83% of daylight hours; that's 11 hours of sunshine per day.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

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Compare California weather with the USA

Below the California weather chart shows average maximum daytime temperature for California, USA (Los Angeles) and the USA (Washington).

Maximum daytime temperature (°C)

California, USA (Los Angeles)

USA (Washington)

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Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

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California weather overview

California has an unusual Mediterranean climate which gets warmer and drier the further south you go.

The state's extreme southeast witnesses hardly any rainfall and conditions are semi-desert with temperatures soaring in the summer months: the aptly named Death Valley records some of the highest temperatures in the world!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California © Joey Lax-Salinas - Flickr Creative Commons

The coast, where San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles are situated, has coolish summers with frequent fog and mild, rainy winters.

Rain also falls heavily in the Sierra Nevada range and the mountains which back the coast; this turns to snow on the higher peaks and gives California its reputation as a place where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.

You should, however, take care in the mountains as sudden, heavy snowstorms can occur.

Another climatic hazard is urban smog around Los Angeles which is a mixture of fog and pollution trapped by a blanket of coastal warm air. However, overall, California is a delightful place to visit and deserves its nickname 'the sunshine state'.

What to pack for California weather

Take light clothes for visiting southern California in the summer, add a few wraps if you are going to the coast and much warmer clothes for trips to the mountains.

Take fairly warm clothing in the winter when you should be prepared for the occasional cold snap, and rain.

Be aware that different parts of California often register America's hottest and coldest temperatures within a single day - over 55°C (120°F) in Death Valley, close to freezing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains - so pack appropriately for where you are going.