Climate and monthly weather forecast
Fresno, CA

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The artificial Millerton Lake near Fresno in California
The artificial Millerton Lake near Fresno in California

The climate of Fresno

Fresno, nestled in California, USA, adheres to a Mid-latitude steppe climate pattern, earmarked by the Köppen climate classification as BSk. This type of climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters, all the while maintaining relatively dry conditions throughout the year. Over the changing months, each weather parameter—the temperature, humidity, rainfall, daylight, sunshine, UV index, visibility, cloud percentage, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and wind gusts—follow certain climatic rhythms.

Temperature fluctuates visibly across months, with the peak being in July at 99.7°F (37.6°C) and the trough in January at 43°F (6.1°C). Relative humidity varies between 28% in July to 65% in both January and December. Rainfalls are quite sparse, the maximum precipitation of 2.01" (51mm) appearing in March and the minimum of 0.08" (2mm) recurring in both June and August. Daylight hours peak at 14.6 hours in June and diminish to 9.7 hours in December, while the Sunshine hours vary from 12.1 hours in June, July, and August to 6.5 hours in December.

Distinct weather patterns are noticeable in Fresno. The city experiences virtually no rain in summer, while the winter months are comparatively wetter, although not by much. Wind speeds are relatively moderate, and gusts unexpected.

The Best Time to Visit Fresno

From a climatic perspective, the optimal months to visit Fresno are between May and October. During these months, the temperature ranges from 72.3°F (22.4°C) to 92.3°F (33.5°C), offering warm and pleasant conditions. The Sunshine hours are at a yearly maximum and rainfall is minimal, allowing visitors to explore the city and engage in outdoor activities with minimal disruptions.

The Worst Time to Visit Fresno

The least favorable time to visit Fresno would arguably be the winter months from December to February. Here, the temperatures are at their lowest, hovering between 43°F (6.1°C) to 60.6°F (15.9°C). Rainfall also reaches its peak during this period, specifically in January with an overall precipitation of 1.42" (36mm). The daylight is reduced considerably, and the sunshine hours shrivel, restricting outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Spring Weather in Fresno

Spring in Fresno, specifically from March to May, warms up to a moderate temperature range between 46.2°F (7.9°C) and 81°F (27.2°C). The days start to extend, with daylight hours spanning from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May. Rainfall, though decreasing compared to winter, is still present, with the highest rainfall of the year in March at 2.01" (51mm) tapering down to 0.98" (25mm) in April and then to 0.79" (20mm) in May.

Summer Weather in Fresno

Summer in Fresno, running from June to August, brings along peak temperatures. These range from 62.8°F (17.1°C) to 99.7°F (37.6°C). Sunshine hours reach their maximum of 12.1 hours per day. However, rainfall decreases significantly, registering the year’s lowest from 0.08" (2mm) to 0.12" (3mm). The combined high temperatures and reduced rainfall make these months the warmest and driest of the year.

Autumn Weather in Fresno

Autumn in Fresno, spanning September through November, sees a gradual decrease in temperature. The range lies between 47.8°F (8.8°C) and 91.8°F (33.2°C). It also heralds an increase in rainfall, from 0.16" (4mm) in September to 1.1" (28mm) in November.

Winter Weather in Fresno

Winter in Fresno, from December to February, represents the coldest and wettest time of the year. Temperatures drop down between 41.4°F (5.2°C) and 60.6°F (15.9°C) during this period. Rainfall is at its peak, especially in December and January. The daylight hours are also the shortest, from 10 hours in January down to 9.7 hours by December. This season witnesses the least amount of sunshine, with 6.5 hours of sunshine in December and 6.8 hours in January.

Weather in January

The onset of the year in Fresno, California, USA is met with cool weather that gradually transitions into mild conditions as the month progresses. January is characterized by a high-pressure atmosphere, with an average pressure reading of 30.15 in. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving further into the heart of winter, February emerges with a similar weather profile as its predecessor, but with a slight increase in precipitation. The dominant trait during this month is the increased rainfall, escalating from 1.42 in to 1.69 in, setting the stage for a damp and moody atmosphere. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Near the end of winter, March presents escalating temperatures and the imminent arrival of spring. Notably, a higher average temperature rise delivers a fresh blossom of nature, benefiting from an increased rainfall of 2.01 in. On the contrary, the winds remain fairly calm, similar to previous months, allowing for a comfortable outdoor experience without the discomfort of harsh drafts. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As spring gains momentum, April's weather showcases increased warmth and sunnier days. However, a notable drop in rainfall is observed, declining from 2.01 in down to 0.98 in, leading to an overall drier climate. The month showcases an increase in daylight hours, creating opportunities for outdoor activities and widespread agricultural growth. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in the comfortable embrace of a warm early-summer atmosphere. The month is characterized by significant upswing in temperatures, complemented by extended sunshine hours. Rainfall plunges to 0.79 in, marking a move towards drier days ahead. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Fresno unravels the full brilliance of the summer season. Marked by a dramatic dip of rain to only 0.08 in, a pattern that suggests the arrival of a typically dry Californian summer. The days become longer with sunlight present for around 14.6 hours, catering to vibrant social events and other daytime activities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The zenith of summer in Fresno is reached in July. With the mercury soaring to a sweltering 99.7°F (37.6°C), it holds the title for the hottest month of the year. Despite this intense heat, there is only a minor increase in relative humidity, which helps to mitigate the overwhelming hot conditions to an extent. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is another peak summer month in Fresno, with little change in temperature from July. With the minimal rainfall levels remaining consistent at 0.08 in, August maintains the dry theme that started in June. The hours of sunlight begin to recede slightly, indicating the first hints of the approaching autumn season. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals an imminent change, with the sharp summer heat undergoing a reduction to pave the way for the cooler autumnal weather. This month, the worst of the summer heat subsides, giving way to a slightly cooler temperature of 91.8°F (33.2°C). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is a month of distinct change for Fresno as it ushers in the full stride of autumn. A significant drop in the average high temperature can be noted, reducing to a comfortable 78.8°F (26°C) from the searing 91.8°F (33.2°C) in September. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Fresno's weather during November welcomes a crisp change, as the leafy hues of autumn gradually yield to the colder particulars of winter. November experiences an uptick in rainfall quantity, demonstrating a rising trend from 0.43 in to 1.1 in, rendering locales moist and cold. Weather in November »

Weather in December

The final month of the year, December, showcases a full transition into winter. With December experiencing the highest rainfall throughout the year at 1.57 in, the city is subjected to the seasonal elements. Concomitantly, the ambient high temperatures drop further, reinforcing the onset of the cold winter season. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 18, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 65%, January is the most humid month.

How much does it rain in Fresno?

Throughout the year, there are 59.3 rainfall days, and 10.43" (265mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is March, when the rain falls for 10.3 days and typically aggregates up to 2.01" (51mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

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 driest month?

The months with the least rainfall are June and August Rain falls for 1.4 days and accumulates 0.08" (2mm) of rain.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.

What is the month with the most sunshine in Fresno?

June through August, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

What month is the hottest?

July, known for its average high temperature of 99.7°F (37.6°C) and an average low temperature of 67.3°F (19.6°C), is the warmest month.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is July, with an average relative humidity of 28%.

What time of the year is the coldest?

Fresno experiences its lowest temperatures in December, with an average peak of 56.1°F (13.4°C) and a low of 41.4°F (5.2°C).

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year in Fresno, with an average of 6.5h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Fresno, CA

Average temperature - Fresno, CA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (99.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (56.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (41.4°F).

Average pressure
Fresno, CA

Average pressure - Fresno, CA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.89"Hg).

Average wind speed
Fresno, CA

Average wind speed - Fresno, CA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (5.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (3.8mph).

Average rainfall
Fresno, CA

Average rainfall - Fresno, CA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (2.01").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are June and August (0.08").

Average rainfall days
Fresno, CA

Average rainfall days - Fresno, CA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (10.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (1.2 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Fresno, CA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Fresno, CA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

The months with the most sunshine are June, July and August (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Fresno, CA

Average sunshine days - Fresno, CA

The month with the most sunshine days is August (28.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (19.5 days).

Average UV index
Fresno, CA

Average UV index - Fresno, CA

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 3).

Average visibility
Fresno, CA

Average visibility - Fresno, 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).

Fresno, California, USA

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