California's climate is often compared to that of the Mediterranean, due to warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters. On the coast, average yearly temperatures range between the low 4.4°C (40s°F) and in the high 21.1°C (70s°F) and 26.7°C (80s°F).

Farther inland, summers are hot and dry, and at higher altitudes the weather is more typical of a four-seasons cycle with cold, snowy winters. The contrast is clear in the state’s two largest cities, where you’ll find very different weather patterns. San Francisco is famous for its fog — especially in the summer, and Los Angeles is known for its consistently sunny, desert-like coastal climate.

San Francisco Bay Area

Late summer and early autumn are typically the warmest and driest in the Bay Area, with highs in the 21.1°C (70s°F) and 26.7°C (80s°F). November through April brings rain and temperatures in the 10°C (50s°F). Days in May, June and July often begin and end with fog, which can clear mid-day.

Central Valley

With all the happy produce in the Central Valley, you might have guessed that the sun shines most days. Summer highs average in the high 32.2°C (90s°F ), and 37.8°C (100°F) weather is not uncommon. Winters are mild, bringing rain and highs in the 10°C (50s°F).

Desert

They don’t call it desert for nothing. During the wettest month of the year, it usually rains less than two inches. In the depths of winter, average high temperatures run around 21.1°C (70°F). At the height of summer, it can reach triple digits, yet the dry air and resort pools make even the hottest days seem bearable.

Gold Country

Nestled between mountain climate to the east and coastal climate to the west, Gold Country enjoys hot, dry summers, and winters, usually in full swing by November, are cooler and wet with rain — or snow, depending on how far up in the foothills you go.

High Sierra

The most important thing to know about this alpine climate is that weather can change quickly, especially if you’re changing altitude while hiking, climbing, or driving. The area is famous for lots of sunshine and big-time winter snow. Summers are typically warm and dry.

Inland Empire

Far enough from the ocean to escape the coastal fog, the Inland Empire is hot and dry from summer through early autumn. People might call it hot and dry year-round, but locals say November to March is the “wet season,” which brings cooler temperatures and a few mild rains.

Los Angeles

The arid climate here promises lots of sun and little humidity throughout the year. Average high temps run from the high 15.6°C (60s°F) in winter months to the low 26.7°C (80s°F) in summer. Rainstorms come through from November to March, dropping roughly 2-4 inches per month.

North Coast

Redwood trees love the foggy climate here: not too hot, not too cold. Average daily highs range from the 10°C (mid-50s°F) in winter to the 15.6°C (mid-60s°F) in summer. Venture inland a few miles, and the temperature might increase or decrease significantly — sometimes up to 50 degrees Farenheit. Rainy season is November through March.

Orange County

There’s one number to remember when you’re talking about Orange County weather: 70. That’s the approximate percentage of sunny days and the average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are moderate to hot, but proximity to the ocean brings cool evening breezes. Winters are mild with little rainfall.

San Diego

Daily high temperatures don’t vary much during the year in San Diego, averaging in the 15.6°C (60s°F) from December through May, and in the 21.1°C (70s°F) from June through November. What passes for rainy season here generally lasts from November to February, but an entire month’s rainfall often comes in one day

Shasta Cascade

The weather here depends largely on what altitude you’re at — and there are a lot to choose from here! In general, this area is cold in the winter, with snow and freezing temperatures. Summers are hot and dry. November through March brings quite a bit of rain and the white stuff, at an average of 5 to 7 inches per month.