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 »