Southern California Weather: The Mediterranean Dream
Southern California’s climate is the envy of the world—a textbook **Mediterranean (Köppen Csa/Csb)** regime: dry, warm summers; mild, wetter winters; and staggering sunshine totals.
Temperature Profile
| Season | Coastal (LA, SD, Santa Barbara) | Inland Valleys (IE, San Fernando, Coachella) |
|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Highs 75–85°F (24–29°C); Nights 60–65°F | Highs 90–105°F+ (32–40°C); Nights 65–75°F |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Highs 65–70°F (18–21°C); Nights 45–50°F | Highs 65–75°F (18–24°C); Nights 35–45°F (occasional frost) |
Rainfall: The "Feast or Famine" Pattern
- Season: 85–90% falls Nov–Mar.
- Annual Totals: Coast 12–15"; Inland 15–25"; Mountains 30–40"+.
- Nature: Atmospheric rivers deliver intense, multi-day downpours → flash floods, debris flows (especially post-wildfire). Dry years see <5".
Humidity & Sunshine
- Coast: Marine layer keeps humidity 60–80% day, 80–90% night. "June Gloom" (low clouds/fog) common May–July.
- Inland: Dry—20–40% daytime humidity.
- Sunshine: **280–320 days/year** of measurable sun. One of the sunniest U.S. regions.
Ocean Temperatures
- Winter: 55–58°F (13–14°C) – wetsuit territory.
- Summer: 68–72°F (20–22°C) – swimmable, refreshing.
Microclimates Matter
Drive 30 miles inland, gain 15°F. Climb 3,000 ft in the San Gabriels, lose 15°F and gain snow. SoCal weather isn't one forecast—it's a mosaic.
Wanderlust World