Weather in Modesto

Planning your day in Modesto or just want to stay updated on weather changes? Below you will find current weather information, including forecasts and useful charts, to make your stay in the city as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Modesto, United States, can be characterized as Mediterranean or semi-arid, with distinct seasons. The city is distinguished by hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Overall, the weather here is quite predictable, which allows for planning a trip in advance, focusing on seasonal features.

Summer months, especially from June to August, in Modesto are very hot and sunny, with average maximum temperatures reaching 34-36°C, and virtually no precipitation. Winters, conversely, are mild: average daytime temperatures in December-February hover around 10-11°C, and night temperatures drop to 5-6°C. It is the winter months and early spring (especially March) that account for the main, albeit small, amount of precipitation.

One of the key features of Modesto's climate is the very dry period lasting from late spring to mid-autumn. From June to October, rain is an extremely rare phenomenon, making this time ideal for those who prefer sunny and cloudless weather. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures and a small amount of rainfall, especially in April, May, and November.

In Modesto, there is a significant annual temperature variation, characteristic of the United States climate in this region. The hottest months are usually July and August, when the average daily temperature rises above 27°C, and maximum values can reach 35-36°C. The coolest months are considered December and January, with an average temperature of about 10.5°C. During these months, the minimum temperature at night can drop to 5-6°C, while the daytime temperature stays around 15°C.

The summer period in Modesto is characterized by dry heat. From June to August, precipitation is practically absent. Daytime temperatures in July and August regularly exceed 30°C, peaking in July with an average maximum temperature of 36.4°C. However, nights bring noticeable relief: temperatures can drop to 17-19°C. Such significant daily temperature fluctuations, reaching 15-17 degrees, are a characteristic feature of the summer months. Transitional months, such as May and September, also offer very warm weather, with average maximum temperatures from 28°C to 32°C.

Winter in Modesto is quite mild and cool, without severe frosts. Average temperatures in December, January, and February fluctuate in the range of 10-11°C. Night temperatures drop on average to 5-6°C, and during the day the air warms up to 15-17°C. Although frosts are not typical, the night chill is palpable. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but still noticeable, amounting to about 9-11 degrees. Spring and autumn months, such as March, April, October, and November, demonstrate a gradual transition between summer heat and winter cool, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler nights.

Modesto observes a clearly defined seasonality in precipitation distribution throughout the year. The city is characterized by a long dry period, followed by a shorter but distinct wet season, which falls mainly on the winter months and early spring.

The wet season in Modesto usually lasts from November to March. The highest, though generally moderate, amount of precipitation falls in January, March, and December, when the monthly average is about 3 mm. March is also the month with the highest number of rainy days — on average 12. In February, precipitation is also observed (about 2 mm) and approximately 6 rainy days, and in November — 1 mm of precipitation and 5 rainy days. Given the temperature regime, precipitation in Modesto falls predominantly as rain, the intensity of which, judging by the volumes, varies from light to moderate.

The dry season covers a significant part of the year, stretching from June to October. During these months, precipitation is practically absent: the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm. June, July, and August are absolutely dry, with no rainy days. In September and October, measurable precipitation is also not registered, although one day with minor rainfall might be recorded. April (1 mm, 4 rainy days) and May (1 mm, 3 rainy days) act as transitional months, ending the wet period and heralding the onset of the dry summer.

When planning a trip to Modesto, it is important to consider its predominantly dry climate with hot summers and mild, but occasionally wet winters. Regardless of the season, do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun here can be quite active, especially in the summer months. Comfortable walking shoes will become your indispensable companion when exploring the city. The principle of layering clothing will be especially useful, as even in warm seasons evenings can bring coolness, and in the off-season, the weather can be changeable.

In summer, from June to August, when the average maximum temperature stays around 34-36°C, and precipitation is practically absent, you will need light and breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses made of natural fabrics. In winter, from December to February, the weather in Modesto is significantly milder (average highs around 15-17°C, lows 5-6°C). For this period, jeans, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a medium-weight jacket are suitable. Although the total amount of precipitation is small (about 2-3 mm per month), there are more cloudy and wet days in the winter months and in March (up to 12 rainy days), so a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella may come in handy.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Modesto has a transitional character. In these seasons, layering is especially relevant: days can be very warm (for example, in May the average high reaches 28.6°C, and in September – an impressive 32.4°C), but mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler. It is recommended to bring both light items and something warmer, such as a fleece jacket or a light windbreaker, to comfortably adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.