Weather in Fresno

Planning a visit to Fresno or simply wish to keep track of the weather? Here you will find the most up-to-date information: current weather conditions, forecasts, and visual charts.

The climate in Fresno is characterised as Mediterranean with semi-arid features, meaning hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. The city experiences significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, offering diverse weather conditions throughout the year. If you are planning a trip, it is worth considering these seasonal features for a comfortable journey.

The summer months, especially from June to August, are very hot and sunny in Fresno, with average temperatures often exceeding 30°C, and maximums reaching almost 40°C. Rainfall is practically non-existent during this period. Winters, in contrast, are mild, with average temperatures around 10-11°C. Although winter is the "wettest" season, rainfall remains low, with a few rainy days per month. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and little precipitation.

The most notable feature of the weather in Fresno is the distinct dry season, which lasts from late spring to mid-autumn. Between June and October, rain is a rarity. This makes summer the ideal time for those who love sunny and hot weather, but it requires preparation for high temperatures. In winter, one can expect cooler weather and light rains, creating a completely different atmosphere for exploring the city.

The climate in Fresno is characterised by significant seasonal temperature variations. Throughout the year, the average temperature ranges from cool winters to very hot summers. The hottest months are typically July and August, when the average temperature exceeds 30°C, and maximum daytime values can reach almost 40°C (July: average 31.3°C, max. 39.4°C; August: average 30.2°C, max. 38.1°C). The coldest months are December and January, with an average temperature of about 10.6-10.7°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping to 5.3-5.4°C.

Summer in Fresno is distinguished by dry heat. June, July, and August show high daytime temperatures, often exceeding 35°C. However, nights bring some relief as temperatures drop to an average of 19-23°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer months is quite significant, which is typical for a desert or semi-desert climate. Precipitation in the summer period is practically absent.

Winters in Fresno are relatively mild but cool. Average daytime temperatures in December, January, and February fluctuate in the range of 15-18°C, while night-time temperatures drop to 5-7°C. Frosts are possible, but severe freezes are rare. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are characterised by comfortable temperatures. In spring (April-May), the temperature rises quickly, reaching a pleasant 25-30°C during the day. In autumn (September-October), the heat subsides, and warm weather sets in with daytime highs from 28°C to 34°C.

Fresno observes a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterised by a long and very dry summer period, followed by a wetter, yet still moderate in terms of rainfall, winter.

The majority of annual precipitation falls during the winter months. The wettest months are considered to be January and March, when an average of 3 mm of precipitation falls. Meanwhile, March records the highest number of days with precipitation – about 11 days. In January and December (2 mm of precipitation), there are approximately 7 rainy days each. Given the small total amount in millimetres, precipitation is likely to take the form of light rain or drizzle.

The summer period in Fresno is notable for extreme dryness. From June to October, precipitation is practically non-existent. Specifically, June, July, and August are absolutely dry months with zero rainfall and no rainy days. September and October also remain very dry, with a minimal chance of precipitation (0 mm) and only one rainy day on average for each of these months. Transitional months, such as April, May, and November, are characterised by a small amount of precipitation (1 mm) and a low number of rainy days (from 3 to 4).

To ensure your trip to Fresno is as comfortable as possible, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the local climate features. Summer here, from June to September, is distinguished by intense heat and aridity: daytime temperatures often reach 35-39°C, and rainfall is practically absent. Therefore, the basis of your summer luggage should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen: shorts, t-shirts, light dresses, and sundresses. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a head covering (a hat or cap) to protect yourself from the scorching sun. And, of course, do not forget comfortable walking shoes – they will be useful in any season for exploring the city.

The winter months (December-February) in Fresno are quite mild, with an average daytime temperature of around 10-11°C, however, nights can be noticeably cooler, dropping to 5°C. Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are transitional periods when the weather can change. That is why for these seasons, as well as for winter days, the layering principle in clothing is ideal. Take t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or fleece jackets, as well as a light jacket or windbreaker with you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Although Fresno is not characterised by high humidity, rainy days are possible between November and March (averaging 1-3 mm of precipitation per month, with March potentially having up to 11 days with precipitation), so a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be a useful addition to your luggage. Jeans or other comfortable trousers will also be very appropriate during the cooler time of the year.