The climate of Oakland
Oakland,
California, is nestled on the west coast of the United States, and its climate is predominantly classified under the Köppen climate classification as Csb - Mediterranean, warm summer. Throughout the year, the city experiences temperate weather conditions; neither too hot nor too cold, an ideal balance for residents and travelers alike. The temperature in Oakland sees a gradual increase starting from
January with a high of 56.3°F (13.5°C) and a low of 45.7°F (7.6°C) reaching to its zenith in
September with 73.9°F (23.3°C) as the highest and 56.5°F (13.6°C) as the minimum.
Rainfall in Oakland is relatively moderate throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from
November to
March, with an average rainfall of 0.51" (13mm) in
December, the wettest month. Months from
April to September are relatively dry with minor occasional showers or even zero precipitation as seen in
July. The highest relative humidity is observed in March at 75%, which then fluctuates throughout the year but mostly stays above 70%.
Oakland also sees fair amounts of sunshine throughout the year, with
May to
October offering more than 10 hours of sunshine per day. The UV index varies from 3 to 5, indicating moderate exposure levels. The trade winds a constant through the year, with speed ranging from 5.5mph (8.9km/h) to 7.6mph (12.2km/h). It is also noteworthy that the city experiences less cloud coverage during summer compared to the winter months.
The best time to visit Oakland
Given the warm Mediterranean climate, the best time to visit
Oakland is from
May through
September. During these months, the city receives over 10 hours of sunshine a day, allowing visitors to explore local attractions and enjoy the breathtaking
California shorelines. The temperature ranges from 65.8°F (18.8°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C), perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, rainfall is at its least during these months, sometimes even witnessing zero inch of rainfall, thus ensuring undisrupted plans for sightseeing and outdoor events.
The worst time to visit Oakland
The months of
November through
March may be deemed as the less pleasant time to visit
Oakland. While the temperatures still fall in a comfortable range from 55.8°F (13.2°C) to 61.7°F (16.5°C), the city does receive the bulk of its annual precipitation during these months.
December and
February are especially wet, with an average rainfall measuring around 0.51" (13mm) and 0.67" (17mm) respectively. This damp weather coupled with shorter daylight hours - less than 10 hours a day, can potentially hamper outdoor sightseeing plans.
Spring weather in Oakland
Spring in
Oakland experiences progressively lenient temperatures. Starting from a low 47.1°F (8.4°C) in
March to a high of 63.1°F (17.3°C) in
May, the temperature ranges offer a gradual shift from chill to warmth. An average of 12 hours of daylight in March extends to about 14.2 hours in May, providing ample sunshine. The rainfall sees a decline from the previous colder months, coming down to an average of 0.16" (4mm) in
April.
Summer weather in Oakland
Summer is the season when
Oakland truly thrives. The temperature hovers between a comfortable 53.6°F (12°C) to 73.9°F (23.3°C). An average daylight duration of 14.5 to 14.8 hours paints the city in a warm, golden hue making it the ideal season for outdoor activities. The summer months are the driest with negligible to zero inches of rainfall providing a clear sky throughout the day.
Autumn weather in Oakland
Autumn in
Oakland sees a subtle retreat from the peak summer temperatures. With a high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) in
October to a moderate 61.7°F (16.5°C) in
November, the city experiences mild weather conditions. The daylight hours reduce but still stay above 10, sustaining the warm and sunny aura of summer. The autumn season does mark the onset of the rainy season, with November recording an average precipitation of 0.35" (9mm).
Winter weather in Oakland
Winter weather in
Oakland is characterized by cooling temperatures and increased precipitation. Starting from a low of 45.9°F (7.7°C) in
December to a high of 55.8°F (13.2°C) in
February, winter is considerably milder compared to other regions. Despite the temperature drop, the city receives ample sunshine of almost 9.9 hours in December which is notably high for winter months. However, the rainy season in its full swing leads to higher humidity and an average rainfall of 0.51" (13mm) in December.
Weather in January
Oakland,
California kicks off the year with a rather mild temperature range. The cool breeze whispers through the city with an average speed of 5.7mph (9.2km/h), occasionally gusting up to 9.2mph (14.8km/h). Humidity tends to be high, paving the way for an overall cozy winter climate.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Oakland’s winter charm carries on well into
February. With the average daily sunshine hours rising to 6.2 hours, February is slightly brighter than
January. Additionally, the sea temperatures float around the same figures as the previous month, offering consistent conditions for sea-related activities.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Oakland transitions into spring,
March reveals a slight increase in temperature. Relative humidity rises minimally, contributing to marginally more damp conditions. As the days lengthen, the residents witness an increment in daylight hours along with an increase in the number of days with sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Oakland marks the true onset of spring, characterized by longer daylight hours and increased temperatures. With a decrease in humidity, the spring air feels crisp and refreshing. Further elevating the tranquil ambiance is the mild sea temperature, fostering pleasant conditions for water enthusiasts.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is a delightful time of the year in
Oakland. With the progress of spring, the weather continues its warming trend, and the city experiences noticeably longer hours of daylight. The frequency of rainfall reduces drastically, complementing the boosted temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Welcoming the summer season,
June in
Oakland,
California presents warmer days and an extended duration of sunshine. The month also exhibits a decrease in humidity, with a relative drop in the monthly average. Sea temperatures remain fairly unchanged from
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Oakland continues the reign of summer. Despite a small increase in the average temperature, the weather generally maintains the warmth from
June. Alongside, sea temperatures experience a slight rise, making water activities more inviting.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August further intensifies the summer in
Oakland. The month witnesses an increase in average sea temperatures, offering splendid conditions for beach visits. Besides, with a high UV index, ensuring good sun protection becomes essential.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the commencement of fall in
Oakland,
California, bringing a mild decrease in temperature. The duration of daylight lessens slightly, yet people continue to enjoy ample sunshine hours. Relative humidity and pressure remain relatively stable, contributing to a comfortable external environment.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As fall deepens in
October,
Oakland experiences lower temperatures when compared to
September. The daylight hours shorten while the frequency of sunshine days remains fairly stable. Additionally, the sea temperatures exhibit a dip, signaling the calming of water-based activities.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Oakland, is refreshing month, with an average temperature varying between 61.7°F (16.5°C) and 50°F (10°C). November signifies a minor drop in average high-temperature, transitioning from a pleasant 68.9°F (20.5°C) in
October to a comfortable 61.7°F (16.5°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year in
Oakland,
California, with a shift toward cooler days. Relative humidity, sea temperatures, and daylight duration exhibit a drop in their monthly averages. The number of sunshine hours decreases, indicating the advancement of the winter season.
Weather in December »