The climate of Mammoth Lakes
The climatic characteristics of
Mammoth Lakes are defined by the Köppen climate classification as Csb - Mediterranean, warm summer. Located in
California, USA, it is dominated by somewhat variable weather conditions throughout the year.
Temperature patterns from month to month show diverse fluctuations. High temperatures range from 34.2°F (1.2°C) in the coldest month to a warm 73.4°F (23°C) in the hottest month, while low temperatures oscillate between 15.4°F (-9.2°C) and 48.2°F (9°C). Humidity, on the other hand, shows a downward trend from
January through
June, only to increase again towards the year-end, peaking at 76% in
February.
Although a pattern can be observed in precipitation levels too, Mammoth Lakes does not experience significant rain, with
December being the month receiving the maximum amount of 0.63" (16mm). As far as snowfall is concerned, it is non-existent from June to
August with February receiving the most - 5.67" (144mm).
Daylight hours fluctuate naturally following the course of the year, starting at 9.9 hours in January and reaching a peak at 14.7 hours in June. Sunshine also sees considerable variation, from a low of 6.4 hours in January and December to a high of 12 hours from
May through August. Finally, wind speeds range from 4.9mph (7.9km/h) in the calmer months of
July and August to 6.9mph (11.1km/h) in
March.
The best time to visit Mammoth Lakes
Considering a blend of pleasant weather and favorable climate conditions, the months from
May to
September seem to offer the most desirable conditions for a visit to
Mammoth Lakes. This period sees maximum daylight hours, starting from 14.2 hours in May and remaining above 12 hours till September. In addition to longest sunshine duration, rainfall is at its least with only 0.08" (2mm) in both
August and
October. With warm high temperatures between 52.9°F (11.6°C) to 73.4°F (23°C) and moderate wind speeds, these months provide promising conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Mammoth Lakes
The period from
December to
March might be viewed as less favorable for a visit owing to the lower temperatures and higher precipitation. With high temperatures ranging only from 34.2°F (1.2°C) to 37.6°F (3.1°C) and low temperatures dropping to below freezing, it can be quite chilly. Also, more snowfall can be expected during this period, reaching its peak in
February with nearly 5.67" (144mm). These conditions, while might be desirable for winter sports enthusiasts, can pose difficulties for general outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Mammoth Lakes
Spring in
Mammoth Lakes, starting from
March till
May, sees a transition from colder to warmer weather. High temperatures begin at 37.6°F (3.1°C) in March and rise to 52.9°F (11.6°C) by May. Correspondingly, low temperatures increase from 18.7°F (-7.4°C) to 32°F (0°C). Rain and snow both decrease during this period, making way for rising sunshine hours and longer days.
Summer weather in Mammoth Lakes
Summer, from
June to
August, brings the warmest and longest days to
Mammoth Lakes. High temperatures climb from 65.3°F (18.5°C) to 73.4°F (23°C), and low temperatures also increase from 41.9°F (5.5°C) to 48.2°F (9°C). Rainfall is at its minimum, and there is practically no snow. The period of daylight averages more than 14 hours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Mammoth Lakes
Autumn, comprising
September through
November, sees a gradual decrease in temperature and daylight hours in
Mammoth Lakes. High temperatures drop from 65.8°F (18.8°C) in September to 44.4°F (6.9°C) by November while the low temperature decreases from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 23°F (-5°C). Rainfall increases slightly but it is the start of the snowfall season with November seeing 3.23" (82mm) of snow.
Winter weather in Mammoth Lakes
Winter in
Mammoth Lakes, which lasts from
December through
February, is characterized by cold temperatures and higher precipitation. High temperatures hover between 34°F (1.1°C) and 37.6°F (3.1°C), while lows can plunge between 15.4°F (-9.2°C) and 18.7°F (-7.4°C). The highest snowfall of the year occurs in these months, particularly in February with an average of 5.67" (144mm). With shorter days and fewer sunshine hours, winter presents a stark contrast to the warm and bustling summer months.
Weather in January
January sees the emergence of weather in
Mammoth Lakes,
California that is both cold and wet, setting the stage for the rest of winter. High temperatures average at around 35.6°F (2°C), dipping to a chilly 16.5°F (-8.6°C) at night.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the month of
February takes hold in
Mammoth Lakes, temperatures continue to remain low, although they are slightly higher in comparison to
January. The maximum snowfall occurs during this month with an average of 5.67" (144mm), adding to the winter wonderland vibe.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The signs of spring surface in
March, with
Mammoth Lakes basking in more sunshine as temperatures begin to creep upwards. The snowfall decreases to 5.2" (132mm), indicating a transition from winter to spring. The charm of the city intensifies, surrounded by melting snow and budding flowers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Compared to
March, weather fluctuates in
April with a combination of increasing temperatures and declining precipitation. April witnesses an average high temperature of 44.6°F (7°C) and is the month with the 4th lowest amount of snowfall at 3.39" (86mm).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is characterized by its milder temperatures and drier conditions in
Mammoth Lakes, moving away from the frigid winter months and wetness from the spring showers. The average high temperature reaches 52.9°F (11.6°C), which is still relatively cool.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signals the start of the summer season in
Mammoth Lakes as temperatures rise and daylight hours stretch out. With average high temperatures breaking past the 60-degree mark to reach 65.3°F (18.5°C), it is evident that summer has arrived.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Mammoth Lakes,
California, with an average high of 73.4°F (23°C), signalling the peak of summer. The city takes on an idyllic summer appearance, with daylight stretching out for around 14.5 hours on average.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to bask in the warmth of the summer in
Mammoth Lakes, with only a marginal reduction in average high temperature to 72.1°F (22.3°C). The lakes and hiking trails remain popular attractions as summer activities persist throughout the month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a downward shift in temperatures, suggesting the onset of the Fall season in
Mammoth Lakes. The average high temperature decreases to a comfortable 65.8°F (18.8°C) marking a progression towards cooler months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Mammoth Lakes cools down in
October, providing real fall vibes with average high temperatures down to 55.2°F (12.9°C). October is considered autumn's peak, presenting a picturesque vista adorned with fall colors.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Mammoth Lakes is a month of transition as the weather continues its descent towards winter conditions. The city witnesses a drastic reduction in temperature with the average high falling to a chilly 44.4°F (6.9°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December