The Best Times to Visit California
Enormous California, with its booming economy, bounty of nature, agriculture, and vibrant cities could be a country unto itself. There’s a season for everything, as the song goes. Therefore, whether you come for the sun, surf, skiing, or culture, here’s a guide to the best times to visit the Golden State.
June to August: Perfect for Beaches and Festivals
California stretches about 800 miles long; in fact, the UK could fit inside California one and a half times over! During summer, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, the nearly continuous ribbon of beaches is thronged and the Pacific is warm. In Southern California’s desert, June through August is notoriously hot, while the San Francisco Bay Area can be famously chilly due to its summer fog. However, travelers roam in droves while school is out, making this the peak period for the busiest beaches, the most expensive hotel rooms, and the biggest crowds.
- California celebrates LGBTIQ+ pride throughout June, especially in San Francisco.
- Summer campgrounds, beaches, and theme parks reach peak popularity, particularly on the July 4 holiday.
- The California State Fair in Sacramento features various competitions and carnival rides later in July.
- Comic-Con, the nation’s largest annual comic-book convention, attracts attendees to San Diego in late July.
- August sees the Outside Lands music and comedy festival take over Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
April to May and September to October: Best for Outdoor Activities
In spring, as wildflower season peaks in the high desert, festivals like Coachella burst into life, while San Francisco showcases film festivals featuring global premieres. Early autumn is equally spectacular, with vineyards transforming into vibrant displays of golden orange and magenta hues from Sonoma to Napa Valley. On the Northern California coast, summertime fog retreats, allowing for more pleasant days.
- Fall is the time for numerous festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and various wine country harvest celebrations.
- Shoulder season is ideal for visiting California’s national parks or exploring scenic beaches.
- Early winter storms in November blanket the Sierra Nevada mountains with snow, giving winter sports enthusiasts an early start.
November to March: Best to Avoid Crowds
Winter in California is famously mild, especially in the south. However, killer powder waits on the peaks, and coastal whale watching becomes prime as migration season begins. Accommodation rates drop significantly along the coast, making it an excellent opportunity to explore California’s deserts.
- January is often the wettest month, providing an opportunity to enjoy mountain ski resorts and the Southern California deserts.
- The New Year’s parade in Pasadena sees over 700,000 spectators, celebrating the start of the year.
- As spring approaches, sunny weather breaks through the winter drizzle, with wildflowers beginning to bloom.
- Winter is a season for witnessing monarch butterflies in California groves and seeing elephant seals nursing pups along the Central Coast.
Expect swallows to return to Mission San Juan Capistrano around March 19, marking a celebration of the town’s rich heritage throughout the month.
