The climate of Irvine
Located in the heartland of
California,
Irvine features a predominant Csa climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, commonly referred to as a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. This geographical positioning renders unique weather patterns characterized by specific environmental factors typical for every season.
Temperature variation manifests in a range from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 79.9°F (26.6°C), a span that showcases Irvine's Mediterranean climate.
January experiences a low of 50.5°F (10.3°C), climbing steadily to reach the hottest temperature of 79.9°F (26.6°C) by
August. A gradual decrease in temperature succeeds this peak, rounding the year with a cooler 63°F (17.2°C) in
December.
Rainfall distribution extends from a minor 0.08" (2mm) in
June to a pronounced 1.54" (39mm) in December. This considerable variation reinforces the Mediterranean climate: extended dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. The majority of annual precipitation concentrates between
November and
March, while the period from June to
September is remarkably drier.
The daily sunlight hours in Irvine start at 10 hours in January and incrementally rise to a high of 14.4 hours by June, subsequently declining towards the end of the year. Reflecting a Mediterranean environment, these patterns include long, sunny summers and shorter, mild winters.
The best time to visit Irvine
Visitors find
Irvine's climate most welcoming between
April and
June. These months boast an impressive balance between moderately high temperatures, ranging from 66°F (18.9°C) to 73.6°F (23.1°C), and minimally low rainfall amounts, dropping to 0.55" (14mm) in April and falling further to just 0.08" (2mm) in June. Coinciding with this favorable weather is an increase in daily sunshine hours, reaching a high of 14.4 hours per day in June, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Irvine
The less attractive time to visit
Irvine for those unsuited to colder and wetter conditions fall between
November and
February. The temperatures during these months drop to a yearly low between 63°F (17.2°C) and 64°F (17.8°C). Accompanying these colder temperatures is an increase in precipitation, reaching a peak of 1.54" (39mm) in
December and 1.18" (30mm) in February.
Spring weather in Irvine
The weather transition from winter to summer during
March through
May materializes as spring in
Irvine. Average temperatures start at 66°F (18.9°C) in March and advance to 69.8°F (21°C) in May. However, the rainfall depicts a declining trend, receding from 0.87" (22mm) in March to a mere 0.31" (8mm) by the end of spring. An abundance of sunshine is customary for springtime, with sunlight exposure reaching up-to 11.1 hours daily in May.
Summer weather in Irvine
Summer in
Irvine, extending from
June to
August, is embodied by warm temperatures and scarce rainfall. Temperatures average a high of 73.6°F (23.1°C) in June and peak at 79.9°F (26.6°C) in August. Rainfall is virtually absent during the summer, only reaching 0.43" (11mm) in
July. The day's length is also at its zenith, with daylight lasting for 14.1 to 14.4 hours.
Autumn weather in Irvine
Autumn in
Irvine unfolds from
September to
November. During this period, temperatures fall from a high of 79°F (26.1°C) in September to a lower 69.6°F (20.9°C) in November. In conjunction with the chilling trend, there is a gradual increase in rainfall, climbing from 0.31" (8mm) in September to 0.75" (19mm) in November. Despite the reduced temperatures, Irvine remains relatively sunny during autumn with 10.6 sunshine hours daily in November.
Winter weather in Irvine
December to
February depicts winter in
Irvine, featuring cold temperatures and relatively higher rainfall. The temperatures drop to 63°F (17.2°C) by December and fluctuate marginally throughout winter. Rainfall reaches its maximum of 1.54" (39mm) in December and maintains a high average throughout winter. Even during these winter months, sunshine hours rank moderately high, with 10 hours in December and
January, indicating frequent bright and sunny days.
Weather in January
In contrast to much of the United States during this time,
January in
Irvine,
California is strikingly mild. Temperatures are comfortable, and it is not uncommon to see residents walking around in light sweaters or jackets. The primary force at work during this month is rain, coming down at an average of 1.14" (29mm) as compared to a dryer
February.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Irvine exhibits slight warming in comparison to
January, with temperatures gradually creeping upwards. This increment usually indicates a transition away from the colder winter and towards the upcoming warmth of spring.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March sees both longer daylight hours and an increase in sunshine hours. The climate continues to shift from cool to warm in this vibrant city. The upward trend in temperature from
February to March makes outdoor activities more appealing, with residents often spending more time outside.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Being in the heart of spring, the city of
Irvine in
April bathes in temperatures that sees daily highs up to 68.4°F (20.2°C). The most striking aspect of April’s ambiance is the significant decrease in rainfall from
March, recording a mere 0.55" (14mm).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Irvine signals the onset of summer with temperatures consistently on rise. Stepping into the warmer months, this city exhibits less rainfall, giving ample sunshine to the urban dweller. The decrease in average rainfall from
April to May of 0.31" (8mm) makes room for more outdoor endeavors.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer hits its stride,
June in
Irvine experiences an increase in the average temperature while rainfall is at its lowest of 0.08" (2mm). The cooler evenings provide a perfect counterbalance to the warm daytime weather. The city is usually bustling with summer events, including numerous outdoor fairs and festivals.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Irvine, with an average high temperature that peaks at 77.9°F (25.5°C). In spite of such high temperatures, the city avoids oppressive heat because of its signature coastal breeze. This is also the heart of summer in Irvine, thus making it a hotspot for outdoor events such as carnivals, food festivals, and open-air concerts.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Irvine is characterized by high temperatures, similar to its predecessor in
July. However, the shift towards the end of summer starts taking place towards the latter half of the month. The rainfall figure of 0.35" (9mm) indicates the pacifying heat while keeping it an excellent month for outdoor fun.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Irvine in
September reveals a shift from the summer to the fall season. However, the temperature remains warm, enabling outdoor activities to persist. The slight cooling is indicative of the approach of autumn but without any significant reduction in sunshine, keeping the city's atmosphere vibrant.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the heat of summer completely subsides,
October in
Irvine greets residents and visitors with milder temperatures and a notable surge in rainfall compared to the drier
September. The atmosphere in October is typically characterized by a slight chill and shorter daylight hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November entails the sharp transition from autumn to winter in
Irvine. As the temperature continues to drop, the weather calls for warmer clothing and a switch to indoor activities. Contrasting with the trend from
October to November, the average rainfall increases to 0.75" (19mm), setting in the rainy season vibe.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Ending the cycle of seasons in
Irvine,
December is synonymous with cooler temperatures and the holiday season. Despite the drop in temperatures, the conditions remain relatively mild compared to other regions of the country. December brings the highest amount of rainfall for the year, with an average precipitation of 1.54" (39mm).
Weather in December »