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!