Weather in Merced

Planning your day in the city of Merced? Familiarise yourself with the latest weather information, including current readings and a detailed forecast, presented below.

The climate of the city of Merced can be characterised as semi-arid Mediterranean, which is typical for the Central Valley of California. Seasonal contrasts are clearly pronounced here: travellers can expect a long, hot, and dry summer, followed by a mild and wetter winter. In general, weather conditions are quite stable and predictable, making it easy to plan trips at any time of the year.

The summer season, lasting from June to September, is distinguished by an abundance of sunshine and an almost complete absence of precipitation. Daytime temperatures during this period often rise above 30°C, and at the peak of the heat in July and August, they can reach 38°C, so heat lovers will certainly appreciate it here. Winter in Merced passes without severe frosts: the thermometer rarely drops below 5°C even at night, and the average temperature hovers around 10-11°C. It is the winter months that account for the majority of rainy days.

Spring and autumn are considered, perhaps, the most comfortable times to explore the city. In spring, the air quickly warms up to a pleasant 20-25°C, and nature blooms, creating picturesque landscapes. In autumn, the summer heat gradually subsides, leaving warm and clear days right up until the end of October, before the transition to the cooler and wetter winter season begins.

The climate in Merced is distinguished by distinct seasonality, offering travellers a wide range of temperature conditions throughout the year. The summer period here is characterised by intense heat and a lack of rainfall. The hottest month is traditionally July, when the average daily maximum reaches an impressive 38.2°C. June and August also maintain high figures, regularly exceeding the 34-37°C mark. Thanks to low humidity, such heat is tolerated somewhat more easily, but it requires mandatory protection from the sun.

Winter months, conversely, bring mild coolness, but without harsh frosts. The coldest time of the year is considered to be the period from December to January, when the average air temperature is around 10.5°C. Nighttime readings at this time drop to 5-6°C, however, during the day the air often warms up to a comfortable 15-17°C. Spring arrives quite quickly: already in April, average maximums reach a pleasant 24.5°C, creating ideal conditions for walks.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially noticeable in the summer season. The difference can be more than 15 degrees: after the scorching daytime heat in July or August, relatively fresh nights set in with temperatures around 21°C. This allows the city to "cool down" and makes evenings comfortable for outdoor relaxation.

Precipitation in Merced is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct dry and wet seasons. If you are planning a trip in summer, you are unlikely to need an umbrella, whereas in winter and early spring, the weather becomes more overcast. Snow here is a rare phenomenon, as temperatures even in the coldest months usually remain above freezing, so precipitation falls predominantly in the form of rain.

The period from December to March is considered the wettest time of the year. The peak frequency of precipitation falls in March, when about 12 rainy days are recorded, although the total volume of moisture remains moderate. January and December also bring overcast weather: on average, there are 9 days with precipitation in these months. This time of year is characterised not so much by downpours as by periodic rains or drizzle.

The summer season, on the contrary, is characterised by exceptional dryness. From June to August, the probability of precipitation drops to zero: statistics show a complete absence of rainy days. September and October continue this sunny trend, remaining predominantly dry months, and only towards November do rains begin to gradually return to the region.

When packing for Merced, it is important to consider the clearly pronounced seasonality of the local climate. Summer here is hot and arid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, so for a trip from June to September, light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, is ideal. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high protection factor, as the sun in California is very active. During this period, rain is practically excluded, so the umbrella can be left at home.

In winter and early spring, the situation changes: it becomes cooler, and the number of rainy days increases, especially in January and March. If your journey falls during this season, your suitcase should contain a warm jacket, cosy jumpers, and waterproof shoes. Since nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C, whilst during the day the air warms to comfortable levels, it is best to adhere to the principle of layering: wear a t-shirt, a jumper, and outerwear to easily regulate warmth depending on the weather.

For comfortable walks around the city at any time of the year, choose comfortable flat-soled shoes, as you will likely want to walk a lot. In the shoulder seasons, for example in April or November, the weather can be changeable, so a light windbreaker or a compact raincoat will be a sensible addition to your wardrobe. Such an approach will allow you to feel confident and comfortable, enjoying the sights of Merced regardless of nature's whims.