Bakersfield weather by month
Bakersfield Weather by Month: Your Complete Guide to the City’s Climate
Understanding Bakersfield’s seasonal trends will help you plan outdoor activities, dress appropriately, and make the most of this California Gem.
January
- Avg High: 68 °F (20 °C)
- Avg Low: 39 °F (4 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.7 in (18 mm) – Mostly clear days
- Notice: Mild start to the year, occasional chilly winds from the south
February
- Avg High: 70 °F (21 °C)
- Avg Low: 39 °F (4 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.6 in (15 mm)
- Notice: Slightly warmer; sunsets over the Tehachapi Mountains are beautiful
March
- Avg High: 78 °F (26 °C)
- Avg Low: 45 °F (7 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.7 in (18 mm)
- Notice: Spring bloom in the orchards; best time for farmers’ markets
April
- Avg High: 83 °F (28 °C)
- Avg Low: 48 °F (9 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.8 in (20 mm)
- Notice: Growing heat; day-length increases and the Valley begins to dry
May
- Avg High: 91 °F (33 °C)
- Avg Low: 56 °F (13 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.7 in (18 mm)
- Notice: Warm afternoons, crisp evenings – ideal for hiking
June
- Avg High: 99 °F (37 °C)
- Avg Low: 66 °F (19 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.4 in (10 mm)
- Notice: First signs of summer heat; early evenings are quite cool
July
- Avg High: 107 °F (42 °C)
- Avg Low: 74 °F (23 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.3 in (8 mm)
- Notice: Dry, hot days; perfect for late‑afternoon sunbathing
August
- Avg High: 106 °F (41 °C)
- Avg Low: 73 °F (23 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.5 in (13 mm)
- Notice: Consistently scorching; water‑conservation tips advisable
September
- Avg High: 101 °F (38 °C)
- Avg Low: 68 °F (20 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.8 in (20 mm)
- Notice: Heat slows to moderate; still a hot stretch for outdoor work
October
- Avg High: 92 °F (33 °C)
- Avg Low: 56 °F (13 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.9 in (23 mm)
- Notice: Cooling evenings; harvest season for grapes and apples
November
- Avg High: 77 °F (25 °C)
- Avg Low: 42 °F (6 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.7 in (18 mm)
- Notice: Crisp mornings; early snow not typical but possible in nearby mountains
December
- Avg High: 68 °F (20 °C)
- Avg Low: 38 °F (3 °C)
- Rainfall: ~0.7 in (18 mm)
- Notice: Mild winter, occasional cold fronts; holiday light displays in town
Bakersfield Weather by Month Table
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rainfall (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68 | 39 | 0.7 | Mild, clear |
| February | 70 | 39 | 0.6 | Slightly warm, sunny skies |
| March | 78 | 45 | 0.7 | Spring bloom |
| April | 83 | 48 | 0.8 | Growing heat |
| May | 91 | 56 | 0.7 | Warm afternoons |
| June | 99 | 66 | 0.4 | First hot summer days |
| July | 107 | 74 | 0.3 | Dry, scorching |
| August | 106 | 73 | 0.5 | Consistently hot |
| September | 101 | 68 | 0.8 | Cooling but still warm |
| October | 92 | 56 | 0.9 | Harvest season |
| November | 77 | 42 | 0.7 | Crisp mornings |
| December | 68 | 38 | 0.7 | Mild winter, holiday vibes |
FAQ
Is it really that hot in Bakersfield during summer?
Yes—average highs reach the mid‑100s°F (37–42°C) in July and August, but mornings and evenings can be pleasantly cooler.
How reliable is the rainfall in Bakersfield?
The Valley is quite dry overall, averaging less than 1 inch per month in most months, with December and January being the wettest.
Do I need a rain jacket in Bakersfield?
A light jacket is useful in winter months when temperatures drop into the 40s°F (4–9°C); rain jackets aren’t necessary except during the rarer downpours of early spring and late fall.
What’s the best time of year for outdoor events?
Late March to early October offers warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall—great for festivals, concerts, or sports.
- Are heat advisories common?
Summer heat alerts can occur when temperatures exceed 110°F (43°C); staying hydrated is essential.
Resources
- Bakersfield Airport Weather
- National Weather Service: Bakersfield, CA
- Weather.com Bakersfield Summary
- Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce: Climate Overview
- Local Library – Historical Weather Records
Plan your day, pack the right gear, and enjoy all that Bakersfield’s climate has to offer!