Local LanguageWether CaliforniaClimate
Okay - I've noticed it Thanks With 354 days of sunshine a year, on average, the climate in
California is generally warm and dry across all seasons. Summers
are usually hot and humidity is low, while winters tend to be mild.
The coastal communities of Los Angeles and San Diego are kept
cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the inland regions by
offshore breezes. Smog can often be a problem is summer when
temperatures reach above 90°F (32°C). Winter temperatures
can drop to about 55°F (12°C) and rain is possible. San
Francisco, further north, tends to be cooler and breezier, and fog
appears regularly over the harbour until about midday.
Best Times to Travel
California is a year-round travel destination, with weather that will please everyone from snowbirds to sun worshippers. The best time to visit really comes down to what you want to do and what you want to see.
Most people visit California between mid-June and August. It's summertime! Summer in California is undeniably delicious, but there are some things to consider: The state's top attractions and parks can be very crowded with visitors paying top dollar for lodging and waiting in long lines for popular sites. That said, it's never hard to hop off the beaten path and have forests, fields and even beaches all to yourself. If you're planning on visiting the Sierra Nevada high country, you have no choice but to wait until summer: roads above 8000ft (2450m) are often closed until late June or early July.
Spring (March through early May) is a marvelous time to visit California. Although it can still be cold at higher elevations, temperatures are comfortable throughout much of the state. The hillsides are green, the air is fresh, and wildflowers are blooming. During these months, you'll also encounter shorter lines and better deals: Many of the state's top tourist attractions are still operating at a slower pace, and hotels often charge low-season rates until June. California's desert areas are much more pleasant during spring than they are during the scorching heat of summer.
Fall (September through November) is another good time to beat the crowds, and it can be an especially beautiful time to see Northern California and the state's wine regions. San Francisco, often shrouded in fog all summer long, sees some of its sunniest days during its "Indian Summer," which generally lasts from September through October.
If you plan to ski, visit between December and February, when the Sierra Nevada almost always has snow. It's not uncommon for ski resorts to open by late October, but the snow is rarely as good as it will be later in the season. Lift lines are mobbed between mid December and the first week of January, when everyone hits the slopes during their holiday break.
Time Zone
California is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT minus 8 hours). The state observes daylight saving time. Daylight savings time is in effect from the 2nd weekend in March to the 1st weekend in November. During this time, clocks are set one hour ahead to maximize daylight hours.
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