Weather in Sacramento

Planning your day in Sacramento? Here you will find current information on weather conditions, forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your time.

The climate in Sacramento is characterised as Mediterranean, with distinct seasons. Travellers can expect hot and very dry summers, while winters are generally mild and wetter. Spring and autumn represent pleasant transitional periods with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall compared to winter.

One of the most notable features of the weather in Sacramento is the distinct dry season during the summer months. From June to September, rainfall is minimal, often approaching zero, making this time ideal for outdoor activities if you tolerate heat well. Average maximum temperatures in summer can reach 34-36°C. The winter months, from December to February, bring the majority of annual rainfall, with average temperatures remaining quite moderate, hovering around 10-15°C.

The climate in Sacramento is characterised by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, the average temperature varies from cool winters to hot summers. The coldest months are usually December and January, when the average temperature holds around 10.2°C - 10.6°C, with minimum night-time temperatures potentially dropping to 5.6°C - 6.0°C, and daily highs reaching 14.8°C - 15.2°C. The hottest weather sets in during July and August. In July, the average temperature is 27.1°C, and in August – 26.6°C, with daily highs often exceeding 35°C, reaching an average of 36.6°C in July.

The period from June to August in Sacramento is distinguished by high daytime temperatures, which often rise above 34°C. For example, in July, the average maximum temperature reaches 36.6°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with average minimum temperatures around 16.6°C in June and 17.5°C - 17.6°C in July and August. A characteristic feature of the summer months is significant diurnal temperature variations: the difference between the daily high and nightly low can reach 17-19°C, which is typical for regions with dry summers.

During the winter months, from December to February, the temperature regime in Sacramento becomes noticeably more moderate. Average daytime temperatures at this time range from 14.8°C to 17.3°C, while night-time temperatures drop on average to 5.4°C - 6.0°C. Frosts happen rarely. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but still noticeable, averaging 9-12°C. The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – are characterised by gradual temperature changes, with pleasant warmth in April-May and October.

In Sacramento, there is a clearly defined seasonality in rainfall. The year is distinctly divided into a dry summer period and a wetter autumn-winter-spring season. The bulk of precipitation falls during the months from November to March.

The wettest months in Sacramento are January, March, and December. In each of these months, about 4 mm of precipitation falls on average. January and December count approximately 10-11 rainy days, and March – up to 12 days. February (3 mm, 6 rainy days) and November (2 mm, 6 rainy days) also belong to the wet season but with less rainfall. Given the temperature regime, precipitation falls primarily as rain; snow is not characteristic for Sacramento.

The summer period, conversely, is distinguished by extreme dryness. From June to September, rains are practically absent. In July and August, on average, not a single day with precipitation is recorded. June and September may have one rainy day each, but the total amount of precipitation in these months tends towards zero. Transitional months, such as April, May, and October, are characterised by minimal rainfall (about 1 mm) and a small number of rainy days (from 2 to 5).

When planning a trip to Sacramento, it is important to consider seasonal weather changes to pack your suitcase correctly. Summer in Sacramento, especially from June to September, is characterised by high temperatures, often exceeding 30-35°C, and almost a complete absence of rainfall. Therefore, during this period, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the scorching sun. Evenings can be slightly cooler, but overall, summer clothing will be most appropriate.

The winter months, from December to February, in Sacramento are significantly cooler, with average temperatures around 10-11°C and minimums dropping to 5-6°C. Although severe frosts do not occur, it is worth taking warm clothes with you: sweaters, jeans, and a jacket (perhaps a windbreaker or a light down jacket). At this time of year, more precipitation also falls, so a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella will be very handy. Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures but possible fluctuations. During these periods, layered clothing will suit best: T-shirts, shirts, light cardigans, and a jacket, so you can easily adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

Regardless of the time of year, for walks around Sacramento you will need comfortable shoes, as the city is conducive to exploration on foot. Considering that the weather can change, especially in the off-season, the principle of layering in clothing will become your best friend. This will allow you to feel comfortable both in the warm daytime hours and during cool evenings. A small backpack will also be useful for day excursions to store water, sunscreen, or an extra layer of clothing.