Climate and monthly weather forecastSacramento, CA

The climate of Sacramento

Located in the central part of the United States' Golden State of California, Sacramento enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with moist, mild winters and hot, dry summers. The city's climate is befitting of its Köppen climate classification, Csa, further reflecting the city's significant seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation. From the sultry heights of summer to the cool depths of winter, the city's weather conditions change markedly as the year progresses.

Throughout the year, average high temperatures in Sacramento fluctuate from 55.9°F (13.3°C) in January to a peak of 94.6°F (34.8°C) in July. The mercury dips at night, with average lows moving between 41.5°F (5.3°C) and 59.5°F (15.3°C) across the year. Relatively minimal variation is observed in relative humidity, with levels oscillating slightly from 46% in July to 75% in March. This pattern significantly influences the characteristic hot, dry summers, and mild, moist winters of the Mediterranean condition.

While November experiences 1.3" (33mm) of rainfall, the highest annual amount, August registers the lowest with barely 0.04" (1mm) of precipitation. Correspondingly, Sacramento sees the highest number of rainy days in March with 12.4 and the fewest in July and August - each with just a single day of rainfall. A similar pattern applies to daylight hours, with the city basks in 14.8 hours at the peak of summer in June, whilst enduring just 9.5 hours on average during the winter month of December.

The best time to visit Sacramento

Tourists often favor the transitional seasons of spring and autumn for their Sacramento excursions. From March to May, the city boasts mild high temperatures ranging from 63.3°F (17.4°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C) and an average of 7.4 to 10.8 sunshine hours per day. Moreover, rainfall is relatively less during this period, especially as spring progresses. Autumn also presents pleasant conditions between September and November, and although the daylight hours are fewer, the city remains bathed in sunlight for approximately 7.1 to 11.2 hours with temperatures gradually cooling from 89.1 to 63.5°F (17.5°C).

The worst time to visit Sacramento

Although Sacramento does not have overly harsh weather conditions, winter may not be the most inviting time to visit for some, particularly from December to February. During these months, the city experiences lower temperatures, with highs ranging from 54.5°F (12.5°C) to 59.7°F (15.4°C) and lows dropping to 41.4°F (5.2°C) to 42.1°F (5.6°C). Also, these colder months coincide with the highest relative humidity and rainfall levels. Therefore, individuals who are not fans of cool, damp weather may want to bypass a winter trip to Sacramento.

Spring weather in Sacramento

During spring (from March to May), Sacramento starts to warm up from its winter chills. The average high temperatures begin to climb from 63.3°F (17.4°C) in March to 78.4°F (25.8°C) by May. The average low temperatures also increase marginally from 43.9°F (6.6°C) to 52°F (11.1°C). Relative humidity levels hover in the vicinity of 68% to 75%, while rainfall quantities dwindle from 1.34" (34mm) in March to a slight 0.43" (11mm) by May.

Summer weather in Sacramento

Typical of its Mediterranean climate classification, summer in Sacramento embodies hot, dry conditions. From June to August, the average high temperatures range from 88.7°F (31.5°C) to 94.6°F (34.8°C) with the nighttime lows sitting comfortably between 57.6°F (14.2°C) and 59.5°F (15.3°C). These scorching months also record the lowest relative humidity levels, between 46% and 48%. Consistent with its dry summer trope, rainfall levels are remarkably low, ranging from 0.08" (2mm) to a mere 0.04" (1mm) in August.

Autumn weather in Sacramento

Autumn ushers in the cooling phase in Sacramento, spanning September to November. During this period, average high temperatures register a descent from 89.1°F (31.7°C) in September to 63.5°F (17.5°C) by November. While rainfall levels start to rise (from 0.12" (3mm) to 0.79" (20mm)), the city continues to enjoy substantial daylight hours (between 11.2 and 7.1 hours) during these months.

Winter weather in Sacramento

Sacramento’s winter, from December to February, is relatively mild with temperatures fluctuating from a high of 59.7°F (15.4°C) to a low of 41.5°F (5.3°C). Despite experiencing the least daylight hours (from 9.8 hours to 9.5 hours), winter brings a higher relative humidity (71% to 74%) and rainfall amount, peaking at 1.3" (33mm) in December. Nonetheless, the city's winter is far from the harsh, biting cold experienced in many other parts of the country.

Weather in January

Sacramento gets the year off to a mild start with January's temperate climate. The temperatures tend to fluctuate, making layers necessary for any outdoor endeavors. Rainfall reaches its second-highest for the year at 1.1" (28mm), making this a relatively wet month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As California's capital, Sacramento, transitions to February, a slight shift in its weather pattern occurs. February maintains the trend of slightly increasing temperatures. Rainfall sees a minuscule hike to 1.22" (31mm), continuing to provide a wet environment for Sacramento's many parks and natural landscapes. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Spring sets foot in Sacramento during March, resulting in clear skies and radiant sunshine, despite the slightly higher cloud coverage of 40%. As the weather transitions, there is a noticeable increase in rainfall, peaking at 1.34" (34mm), marking it as the month with the highest precipitation throughout the year. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings vibrant spring flowers and warmer weather to Sacramento. The rainfall decreases significantly to 0.67" (17mm), offering locals and visitors more sunny days to explore the city's outdoor attractions. It's worth noting that the relative humidity also drops to 68%, a considerable change compared to previous months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With May’s arrival in Sacramento, defined shifts in weather patterns become evident. A steep and rewarding decrease in rainfall to 0.43" (11mm) becomes noticeable, indicating the beginning of the drier season. As schooling fish begin to make their way upstream, local fishermen gear up to take advantage of the conditions. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is a beacon of warmth in Sacramento, welcoming residents and visitors with bright skies and pleasant weather. It becomes the driest month with rainfall petering out to a mere 0.12" (3mm). Outdoor enthusiasts bask in the summer sun and partake in various recreational and cultural events held across the city. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Sacramento's summer peaks in the month of July. Temperatures continue to climb, hitting their annual zenith of 94.6°F (34.8°C). With only 0.08" (2mm) of rainfall, drought-like conditions prevail throughout the month. Families will find a range of activities from summer camps to community programs to enjoy during the school break. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As summer hits its stride in Sacramento, August echoes July's heat, but with a slight dip in maximum temperature to 93.6°F (34.2°C). There is a marginal decrease in rainfall, making this the month with the least rainfall at 0.04" (1mm). Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September makes its appearance in Sacramento, it brings the first hints of fall with it. However, the summer heat lingers with the average high temperature seeing a moderate decline. Rainfall also sees a minuscule increase, doubling to 0.12" (3mm) from the preceding month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October offers a reprieve from Sacramento's heat, marking a transition towards the cooler months. A significant change is observed in the weather patterns, with a noticeable increase in rainfall to 0.39" (10mm). Audiences looking for seasonal display of fall color-intensive landscapes won't be disappointed. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As autumn advances in Sacramento, November brings the transition to cooler weather. Despite the drop in temperature, the month witnesses a surge in rainfall to 0.79" (20mm). Amid the mildly chilly climate, Sacramento encapsulates a multitude of festive vibes, gearing up for the holiday season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Sacramento closes the year with December showcasing a wintery mix, amid festive cheer. The month receives the highest amount of rainfall for the year at 1.3" (33mm), creating an inviting atmosphere for indoor activities. Local theatres, art galleries, and museums thrive in this weather, offering a diverse mix of cultural engagements. Weather in December »