Weather in Bakersfield

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Bakersfield. In this section, you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and visual weather charts.

Bakersfield is distinguished by an arid climate, close to a desert one, with distinct seasons. Visitors to the city can expect a significant contrast between very hot, sunny summers and mild, comparatively wetter winters. The total amount of precipitation throughout the year is low, which is typical for this type of climate.

The summer period, especially from June to September, is characterized by high temperatures that regularly rise above 30-35°C, and sometimes reach even higher marks. During this time, precipitation is practically absent, and clear, sunny weather prevails. The winter months, from December to March, bring noticeable coolness with average daytime temperatures around 11-14°C. It is in winter that the main, albeit very modest, share of annual precipitation falls. Spring and autumn serve as short transitional periods when the weather gradually changes from winter cool to summer heat and vice versa.

The climate in Bakersfield is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations, typical for its location in the United States. The hottest month is July, when the average temperature reaches 31.4°C, and daytime highs can rise to an impressive 38.7°C. June and August are also very warm, with average temperatures of 27.5°C and 30.1°C respectively. The coolest months are considered to be January and December, with an average temperature of about 11.1°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping on average to 5.7°C.

Summer months in Bakersfield, stretching from June to August, are distinguished by dry heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, and at the peak of summer, especially in July, can approach 40°C. Precipitation during this period virtually never occurs, which highlights the arid nature of the summer season. A characteristic feature of the climate is noticeable diurnal temperature variations: the difference between daytime highs and night-time lows often ranges from 10°C to almost 15°C, especially in the summer and autumn periods. This means that even after a very hot day, evenings and nights can bring noticeable coolness.

Winter in Bakersfield is quite mild and comfortable. Average daytime temperatures in December, January, and February range from 16.5°C to 18.1°C, and night-time temperatures rarely drop below 5.5°C, which means the absence of severe frosts. Transitional seasons – spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November) – demonstrate a gradual change in temperatures. In spring, the temperature comfortably increases from an average of 14.1°C in March to 22.4°C in May. In autumn, there is a smooth decrease from summer heat to winter coolness, with average temperatures from 26.7°C in September to 14.3°C in November.

In Bakersfield, there is a pronounced seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterized by a long dry period and a relatively short, wetter season, which falls predominantly on the winter and early spring months.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls from November to March. The "wettest" months, if one can say so given the generally low level of rainfall, are January, February, and March, when about 2 mm of precipitation is recorded in each. March also leads in the number of days with precipitation – on average 9 days. In February, there are about 8 rainy days, and in January and December – approximately 7 days each. In November, about 1 mm of precipitation falls over 4 days. Given such insignificant volumes, precipitation here, as a rule, represents light rain or drizzle; snow is uncharacteristic for Bakersfield.

The dry season dominates from April to October. Summer months – June, July, and August – are absolutely dry, with zero precipitation and an absence of rainy days. May, September, and October are also practically devoid of precipitation (0 mm), although in these months 1-2 days with insignificant rains may occur. April serves as a transitional month, bringing about 1 mm of precipitation and approximately 3 rainy days, marking the end of the wet period.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Bakersfield, consider that warm and dry weather prevails here for most of the year. This especially concerns the period from late spring to early autumn (May-October), when daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, and in summer (June-August) can reach 38°C, while precipitation is extremely rare. At this time, you will need light, light-coloured clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and headwear (a hat or cap) for protection against the active sun. Comfortable walking shoes, whether sandals or light trainers, will also be indispensable.

Winter in Bakersfield (November-March) is quite mild, with average daytime temperatures around 11-16°C, however, nights and early morning hours can be cool, with temperatures around 5-8°C. During this period, especially from January to March, light rains are possible (about 7-9 rainy days per month, but with a small amount of precipitation), so a light jacket or a compact umbrella may prove useful. Regardless of the season, it is recommended to adhere to the principle of layering your clothing. A light sweater, cardigan, or thin jacket is convenient to throw on during a cool evening or morning, as well as in air-conditioned rooms. This will allow you to feel comfortable during temperature changes throughout the day, especially in transitional seasons such as April and October.