The climate of Berkeley
Located in the warm Mediterranean Koppen climate zone (Csb),
Berkeley,
California, experiences a mild and comfortable climate throughout the year. Characterized by warm dry summers and mild wet winters, weather conditions in Berkeley exhibit a clear seasonality.
Temperature patterns are steady, but they show a gradual swing throughout the year. Monthly average high temperatures peak at approximately 76.6°F (24.8°C) in
September, while the coldest month is
January with the lowest temperatures dropping to a mild 44.2°F (6.8°C). The monthly average lows range from 44.2°F (6.8°C) in January to 56.8°F (13.8°C) in September. Humidity levels present a minimal variation, with levels ranging from 64% in
October to 75% in
March.
Rainfall records indicate that the driest period ranges from
June to September with a mere 0.08" (2mm) of rain, a stark contrast to the most substantial rainfall experienced in
February at 1.1" (28mm). Sunshine is abundant, with the city experiencing average daylight hours between 9.6 hours in
December and 14.8 hours in June. The annual cloud cover stays moderate, varying from a low 11% in
July to a high of 36% in March.
The Best Time to Visit Berkeley
For tourists seeking to enjoy the best of
Berkeley's pleasant climate, the duration from
July to
September comes highly recommended. Average high temperatures hover around pleasant levels, between 73.8°F (23.2°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C). Rainfall is bare minimum with an average of 0.08" (2mm), and the city basks in an approximate 14 hours of daylight. Coupled with moderate wind speeds averaging 6.2mph (10km/h) to 6.5mph (10.5km/h), these conditions make it an excellent time for outdoor activities.
The Worst Time to Visit Berkeley
Berkeley experiences its most unfavourable weather conditions in the month of
February. Although temperatures range from a reasonable 45°F (7.2°C) to 58.8°F (14.9°C), rainfall clocks a high of 1.1" (28mm) accompanied by seven days of raining. Additionally, compared to other months, February also has shorter daylight hours at 10.8 hours and lower sunshine duration at 6.2 hours.
Spring Weather in Berkeley
Berkeley transitions into Spring from
March to
May under relatively mild temperatures. Monthly average temperatures rise steadily, from 60.8°F (16°C) in March to 68°F (20°C) by May, while lows remain above 46.4°F (8°C). Humidity levels drop marginally from 75% in March to 70% in May. Rainfall decreases significantly from 0.71" (18mm) in March to 0.28" (7mm) in May while daily sunshine duration improves, reaching up to 10.7 hours by May.
Summer Weather in Berkeley
June welcomes a dry and warm summer to
Berkeley. Lasting until
August, daily high temperatures reach up to 75.7°F (24.3°C). Rainfall is virtually absent during this period, averaging a minuscule 0.08" (2mm). August also witnesses the least rainfall days, with an average of just 1.5 days. Daylight hours peak at 14.8 hours in June, facilitating long, pleasant days. The percentage of cloud cover drops, recording a low 11% in
July.
Autumn Weather in Berkeley
Autumn, extending from
September to
November, experiences a slight drop in temperatures, with averages sliding from a high of 76.6°F (24.8°C) in September to 62.4°F (16.9°C) in November. Gradual resumption of rain is visible with monthly averages rising from 0.08" (2mm) to 0.51" (13mm). However, the amount of daylight decreases steadily, with November recording an average of just over 10 hours.
Winter Weather in Berkeley
The onset of winter in
December brings a chill to
Berkeley, with average temperatures dropping to a low of 44.6°F (7°C) in December. Rainfall increases significantly, reaching its annual peak of 0.87" (22mm) in December. Sunshine duration contracts to the shortest at 5.8 hours in December, with a similar trend mirrored in daylight hours, reaching a low of 9.6 hours. Simultaneously, cloud percentage increases during the winter months, recording a maximum of 35% in December. Despite regular changes, winter in Berkeley remains relatively mild, with very moderate wind speeds ranging from 5mph (8km/h) to 5.7mph (9.2km/h).
Weather in January
January marks the commencement of the year with cool temperatures, the daily lows falling to 44.2°F (6.8°C) and highs ascending to 56.3°F (13.5°C). With the relative humidity averaging at 73%, foggy mornings become a typical sight in
Berkeley,
California.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather pattern carries over from
January to
February but with a slight increase in temperature; the lowest and highest temperatures are 45°F (7.2°C) and 58.8°F (14.9°C), respectively. There's a dip in the number of rainfall days, as February watches 6.2 days of rain.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March introduces the spring with warmer temperatures, averaging from 46.4°F (8°C) to 60.8°F (16°C). This transition style is accompanied by a slightly increased cloud cover of 36%. Rainfall sees a slump with merely 0.71" (18mm) of rain recorded in 8.7 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Berkeley in
April experiences a more considerable leap in temperatures, with the mercury varying between 47.8°F (8.8°C) to 65.3°F (18.5°C). Mirroring the season's exuberance, the cloud coverage drops to 27%, leading to clearer skies and sunnier days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The
May weather in
Berkeley,
California symbolizes a transitional phase from spring towards summer. The temperatures elevate between 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 68°F (20°C), hinting at the impending warmth. With a UV index of 5, protecting oneself from harsh sunlight becomes crucial in outdoor settings.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the entryway to summer in
Berkeley with temperatures spanning from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 73.8°F (23.2°C). Suitable for sunny outdoor activities, this month sees the least cloud cover in the year at 15%. With just 0.08" (2mm) of rainfall observed over 1.6 days, June stands out as the driest month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the peak of summer, witnesses the maximum average temperatures in the range of 55°F (12.8°C) to 75.6°F (24.2°C). Despite being the hottest month, rainfall remains scarce with only 0.08" (2mm) precipitation seen over 2.1 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The continuity of summer is reflected in
August as the temperatures marginally vary from 56.7°F (13.7°C) to 75.7°F (24.3°C). Wider visibility due to the reduced cloud cover of 14% combined with the approaching autumn greets the residents.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The farewell to summer in
September is marked with temperatures averagely ranging from 56.8°F (13.8°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C). Remarkably, this period has the highest temperature readings of the year in
Berkeley,
California. Further fall in cloud percentage to 13% permits clear, blue skies and a lower rainfall amounting to only 0.08" (2mm) over 2.3 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The full-fledged autumn in
October witnesses a sharp fall in temperatures between 54.9°F (12.7°C) to 70.7°F (21.5°C). This dip accompanies the transformation of foliage into vibrant hues, enhancing the aesthetic aura of the city.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Berkeley,
California welcomes the shy winter, reflected in the maximum and minimum temperatures falling to 62.4°F (16.9°C) and 49.5°F (9.7°C), respectively. A slight rise in the average rainfall to 0.51" (13mm) over 4.7 days gives an initial feel of the approaching winter showers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December carries the full onsets of winter with temperatures falling between 44.6°F (7°C) and 55.4°F (13°C). The city experiences an average rainfall of 0.87" (22mm) stretched across 7.5 days, reflecting December as the wettest period of the year.
Weather in December »