The climate of Riverside
Positioned in Southern
California,
Riverside owns a Mediterranean climate, marked as a hot-summer version by the Köppen climate classification (Csa). The climate here is characterized by hot, sunny summers, and mild, wet winters. The temperature in Riverside ranges from an average low of 45.9°F (7.7°C) in the coldest month,
December, to an average high of 91.2°F (32.9°C) in the hottest month,
August.
Temperature fluctuations in Riverside are relatively regular, with the highest changes usually observed in summer months. Average highs escalate from 65.3°F (18.5°C) in
January to a peak of 91.2°F (32.9°C) in August, while the average lows increase from 47.3°F (8.5°C) in January to a warmest low of 66.4°F (19.1°C) in August. The average relative humidity varies slightly over the year, with the lowest humidity registered in August at 43%, and the highest in the wet month of
April, at 56%.
Predominantly clear skies dominate Riverside, with average cloud cover percentage bestowing more bright days than dark ones. The smallest cloud cover in Riverside is 5% in August, while the highest is 23% in both
February and
March, allowing ample daylight throughout the year.
Riverside's unique weather pattern is its scarce rainfall during the peak summer months. The city receives the least amount of rainfall, 0.04" (1mm), in the dry month of
June. Conversely, February is marked by the highest rainfall, 1.61" (41mm), making it the wettest month.
The best time to visit Riverside
The optimal period to visit
Riverside for favorable weather is from
April to
June. During these months, the temperatures are pleasurably warm, ranging from an average high of 73°F (22.8°C) in April to 84.2°F (29°C) in June, and an average low from 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 58.6°F (14.8°C). The periods of daylight are generously long, with approximately 13 hours per day between April and June.
In addition, relative humidity is comfortably balanced during this time. The rainfall is minimal, predominantly in the earlier spring months, reducing the chances of weather disruptions during tourist activities.
The worst time to visit Riverside
The least desirable time for a visit would be the hot summer months, specifically
July and
August. During this time, the temperatures can climb to average highs of over 90°F (32.2°C), making outdoor activities potentially uncomfortable. Additionally, these months have the lowest relative humidity, dropping to 46% and 43% each, resulting in quite dry conditions.
Spring weather in Riverside
Spring in
Riverside, from
March to
May, presents a gentle transition from the cooler winter months to the hotter summer timeframe. The average temperatures rise gradually, with high temperatures from 68.7°F (20.4°C) in March to 76.6°F (24.8°C) in May, and low temperatures increasing from 47.5°F (8.6°C) to 54°F (12.2°C).
In these months, relative humidity rates hover around mid-fifties. Rainfall diminishes substantially from March to May with a significant drop from 0.87" (22mm) to 0.2" (5mm). The duration of daylight steadily extends from 12 hours in March to nearly 14 hours in May.
Summer weather in Riverside
Summer in
Riverside is hot and dry. From
June to
August, the average high temperature escalates from 84.2°F (29°C) to a peak of 91.2°F (32.9°C). The average low temperature varies from 58.6°F (14.8°C) to 66.4°F (19.1°C), reflecting warm nights. Relative humidity descends to its yearly lowest point, and rainfall is minimal, providing conditions ideal for outdoor activities, particularly water sports.
Autumn weather in Riverside
Autumn in
Riverside is quite pleasant, with cooling temperatures and modest amounts of rainfall. Starting from
September to
November, the average high temperature descends from a warm 88.3°F (31.3°C) to a more moderate 71.4°F (21.9°C). The low temperatures experience a similar decline, from 64°F (17.8°C) to 52°F (11.1°C).
Winter weather in Riverside
Winter in
Riverside is mild and a little wetter than other seasons. The average high temperatures are between 65.3°F (18.5°C) in
January and 63.3°F (17.4°C) in
December. The average low temperatures decrease from 47.5°F (8.6°C) in January to 45.9°F (7.7°C) in December. The amount of daylight shortens to approximately 10 hours, and noticeable increases in rainfall make this season the wettest with 1.61" (41mm) precipitation in both January and December.
Weather in January
January in
Riverside,
California sees the low end of annual temperature swings. The bulk of the days are brightly-lit, receiving over six hours of sunshine. Despite milder average temperatures, the month is equipped with a UV index of four, enabling individuals to bask in the sunlight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather in March
March's temperatures rise slightly in
Riverside in anticipation of spring. With spring's arrival, rainfall diminishes down to 0.87" (22mm), suggestive of efflorescence throughout the city. Sunlight increases by an hour from
February, illuminating sweeping landscapes of the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sheds some of winter's leftover rains, with rainfall dropping to 0.63" (16mm).
Riverside's temperature ascends in April with residents and tourists alike appreciating milder climate conditions. The winds pick up a bit from the preceding month, adding a pleasant breeze to the warming days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Riverside experiences minimal rainfall of only 0.2" (5mm), compelling locals and visitors to venture outdoors. Temperatures experience a more considerable increase, reflective of the city’s transition to summer. The average visibility remains consistent, permitting uninterrupted viewing of Riverside's various attractions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
Riverside steps into
June, temperatures undergo a substantial climb while maintaining a steady humidity level. Rainfall decreases further to 0.04" (1mm), marking June as the driest month of the year. The lack of rainy days and prevalent sunshine create an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July amplifies
Riverside's summer sensation with recorded high temperatures hitting 90.1°F (32.3°C). Humidity drops, reflecting the lack of moisture in the air during the peak of summer. The abundance of sunlight supports the extended daylight hours throughout July, increasing outdoor activity hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August contends with
July for the hottest month in
Riverside,
California as temperatures rove around the 90s°F. Despite the soaring temperatures, the rainfall continues to remain on the lower end. Sunshine hours remain lengthened, courtesy of the summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Riverside,
California beings to mark the end of summer with a decline in maximum average temperatures in
September. However, rainfall remains barely noticeable with a mere 0.08" (2mm) recorded. The wind conditions mirror those from previous months, upholding the calm suave.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the transition from summer to fall continues, reflected by a significant decrease in mean temperature. There is also a marked increase in precipitation with rainfall accumulating to 0.2" (5mm). However, despite the onset of fall, the abundance of sunshine and daylight continues to grace
Riverside.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Riverside,
California witnesses further decrease in average temperatures. Rainfall escalates up to 0.75" (19mm), ushering in the city's wet season. The daylight duration reduces, indicative of winter's swift approach.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As
Riverside revels in the holiday season the weather turns chillier with
December marking the onset of winter in the city. Rainfall hits a significant rise, accumulating 1.61" (41mm) through the month. Sporadic cloud cover blankets the cityscape, setting December’s distinctive ambience.
Weather in December »