Climate and monthly weather forecast
Carlsbad, CA

Share
The skyline and clear coastline of Carlsbad in California
The skyline and clear coastline of Carlsbad in California

The climate of Carlsbad

Carlsbad falls under the umbrella of the Köppen climate classification of "Csa," typically associated with a Mediterranean climate. The geographical position of the city, perfectly nestled on the coast of California, further contributes to the prevailing climate classification.

A Mediterranean climate invites with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The same is exhibited in Carlsbad with the average highest temperature of approximately 78.6°F (25.9°C) in August and lowest average of 49.6°F (9.8°C) in February. The pattern of relative humidity doesn’t show any significant change; it stays around 60-70% throughout the year, exhibiting a stable humidity setting for those inclined towards such conditions.

Weather parameters such as rainfall, daylight hours, and sunshine hours, also show interesting patterns. Rainfall peaks in December with 1.97" (50mm) and decreases to its minimum by June, with a registered average of 0.12" (3mm). Daylight hours surge from 10 hours in December to a high of 14.3 hours in June, contributing greatly to the comfortable summer weather. As expected, this increase closely mirrors the pattern of sunshine hours, which also peaks in June at 11.8 hours.

Winds in Carlsbad display a gentle, consistent pattern with minor fluctuation. Average wind speed ranges from 5mph (8km/h) to 6mph (9.7km/h). An important factor contributing to the pleasant climate is the fairly constant sea temperature, fluctuating from 58.7°F (14.8°C) in the cooler months to a warm 68°F (20°C) in the summer.

The best time to visit Carlsbad

The summer months of June, July, and August offer idyllic conditions for visitors to Carlsbad. Evaluated on various weather parameters, they present longer daylight hours averaging 14 hours alongside more sunshine hours, culminating to around 11.8 hours at the peak in June. The sea temperature also increases to a warm 68°F (20°C), favorable for water activities. However, it's the adequate balance of climate factors that truly makes these months attractive: warmth without excessive heat (average highs of 72.1°F (22.3°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C)), minimum rainfall, and a comfortable relative humidity range.

The worst time to visit Carlsbad

Though Carlsbad remains applicable for visiting throughout the year, December turns out to be the least inviting due to the increased rainfall. The month welcomes an average of 1.97" (50mm) of rainfall, along with decreasing daylight hours that reach a low of 10 hours. Coupled with lower sea temperatures around 60.3°F (15.7°C) and cooler temperatures ranging from 50.4°F (10.2°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C), these conditions may seem less appealing for activities such as swimming or sunbathing.

Spring weather in Carlsbad

The spring season in Carlsbad, lasting between March to May, presents an escalating warmth with average high temperatures progressively moving from 64.6°F (18.1°C) to 68.2°F (20.1°C), and low temperatures from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). A notable drop in the average rainfall from 0.94" (24mm) in March to 0.35" (9mm) by May sets the stage for outdoor activities. Correspondingly, daylight hours increase from 12 hours in March to 13.9 hours in May, while sunshine hours also rise from 8.7 hours to 11 hours over the course of the season.

Summer weather in Carlsbad

Summers in Carlsbad, spanning from June to August, are identifiable by longer daylight hours, more sunshine, and minimum rainfall, making it a season of choice for most visitors. The average high temperatures hover between 72.1°F (22.3°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C), while lows vary from 57.7°F (14.3°C) to 64.2°F (17.9°C). With a sea temperature peaking at an inviting 68°F (20°C) in August and an effective UV Index of 6, it's an ideal time for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

Autumn weather in Carlsbad

Autumn in Carlsbad arises with a gradual dip in temperatures from highs of 77.9°F (25.5°C) in September to 68.5°F (20.3°C) by November. Corresponding low temperatures decrease from 63.5°F (17.5°C) to 55.4°F (13°C) during this time. Autumn remains fairly dry, with minimal rainfall beginning at 0.31" (8mm) in September and almost tripling to 0.94" (24mm) in November. Daylight hours also decline from 12.4 hours in September to 10.5 hours by November, as does the sea temperature, falling from 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 62.7°F (17.1°C).

Winter weather in Carlsbad

Winters in Carlsbad, between December and February, are mild by comparison with most regions. The season experiences a slight reduction in temperature with average highs ranging from 62.4°F (16.9°C) in December to 63.1°F (17.3°C) in February and lows shifting between 50.4°F (10.2°C) and 49.6°F (9.8°C). The chillier sea temperature of 60.3°F (15.7°C) in December may deter swimming. December records the maximum average rainfall of 1.97" (50mm) but reduces to 1.54" (39mm) by February.

Weather in January

With slightly cooler days extending from December, January in Carlsbad experiences colder yet comfortable weather. The long hours of daylight keep the city vibrant well past early evening. A gentle winter breeze adds a crisp touch to the overall atmosphere. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Succeeding January, February carries forward the prevalent cool weather in Carlsbad. The days see a slow increase in sunshine hours and an upswing in humidity. With a warmer February breeze, outdoor activities gain quite a popularity. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In Carlsbad, March signals the onset of spring with the temperature subtly rising. Keeping pace, the humidity also increases compared to February. Moderate rainfall appears sporadically throughout the month, yet the daylight hours increase significantly. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Carlsbad is pleasing with stable, consistent weather conditions. Daily hours of sunshine rise, complemented by slightly longer days. The relative humidity remains steady from March, allowing for comfortable weather conditions. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings warmer days and decreased rainfall in Carlsbad, signifying the arrival of summer. The days grow longer, and bright sunsets cover the coastal city. The humidity rises slightly making outdoor activities enjoyable in comparison to previous months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June sets the quintessential summer tone in Carlsbad with increased temperatures and consistent sea temperatures. With an average of 14.3 sunshine hours per day, residents enjoy extended outdoor activities. The decreased cloud percentages reveal clearer skies for the majority of the month. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, one of the hottest months in Carlsbad, sees an increase in overall temperatures. Sunny days dominate, and wind speeds slightly diminish, creating ideal beach conditions. The warming trend from June continues with the peaks in sea and average high temperatures. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains July's climate trend, designating it as the peak summer month in Carlsbad. Sunny days, lesser cloud cover, and a decrease in wind speed define the weather. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities under a sky lit by an average of 13.3 hours of daylight. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Navigating from summer, September in Carlsbad begins to cool slightly. With fewer daylight hours, clearer skies, and stability in wind speeds, the outdoor charm persists. The drop in sea temperature subtly marks the transition from summer to fall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October embraces a more substantial fall temperature drop in Carlsbad. The weather turns noticeably cooler with a meaningful reduction in daylight hours. Despite this, alluring sunsets and increased rainfall replenish the city's coastal beauty. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees a steep drop in temperature, indicating the advent of winter in Carlsbad. Shorter daylight hours, a decrease in sea temperature, and less sunshine create a noticeably cooler environment. However, the city holds on to its charm with less rainfall and lesser cloud cover. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December transitions Carlsbad into full winter mode with significantly cooler temperatures. Simultaneously, residents experience shorter daylight hours and reduced sea temperatures. With drops in overall temperatures and high relative humidity, the city prepares for the New Year. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 31, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain?

In Carlsbad, during the entire year, the rain falls for 68.2 days and collects up to 9.49" (241mm) of precipitation.

When is the ocean coldest?

January and February, with an average ocean temperature of 58.6°F (14.8°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Carlsbad?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

What is the most humid month?

June is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall in Carlsbad, California, is June, when the rain falls for 2.7 days and typically collects 0.12" (3mm) of precipitation.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 18min of daylight.

What are the months with the warmest ocean in Carlsbad?

July and August, with an average ocean temperature of 68°F (20°C), are months with the warmest seawater.

What is the month with the most sunshine?

July and August, with an average of 12h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are July through September, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What month is the hottest in Carlsbad?

With its average high temperature of 78.6°F (25.9°C) and a low of 64.2°F (17.9°C), August is regarded as the warmest month.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is November, with an average relative humidity of 60%.

What are the coldest months?

December, noted for its average high-temperature of 62.4°F (16.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 50.4°F (10.2°C), is considered the coldest month.

What is the rainiest month?

December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 6.8 days and accumulates 1.97" (50mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 10h and 0min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 6.6h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Carlsbad, CA

Average temperature - Carlsbad, CA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (78.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (62.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (64.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (49.6°F).

Average pressure
Carlsbad, CA

Average pressure - Carlsbad, CA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.09"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June and September (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed
Carlsbad, CA

Average wind speed - Carlsbad, CA

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are April and May (6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is October (4.8mph).

Average humidity
Carlsbad, CA

Average humidity - Carlsbad, CA

The month with the highest relative humidity is June (73%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (60%).

Average rainfall
Carlsbad, CA

Average rainfall - Carlsbad, CA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (1.97").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (0.12").

Average rainfall days
Carlsbad, CA

Average rainfall days - Carlsbad, CA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (2.7 days).

Average sea temperature
Carlsbad, CA

Average sea temperature - Carlsbad, CA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (68°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January and February (58.7°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Carlsbad, CA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Carlsbad, CA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 0min).

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 12h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h and 36min).

Average sunshine days
Carlsbad, CA

Average sunshine days - Carlsbad, CA

The month with the most sunshine days is October (24.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (20 days).

Average UV index
Carlsbad, CA

Average UV index - Carlsbad, CA

The months with the highest UV index are July, August and September (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 4).

Average visibility
Carlsbad, CA

Average visibility - Carlsbad, CA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Carlsbad, California, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location