Berkeley weather by month
Berkeley Weather by Month
Berkeley, California, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate.
Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or simply curious about the city’s weather patterns, this guide presents a month‑by‑month overview of temperatures, precipitation, and what to expect when you head onto Berkeley’s streets.
January Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 57 °F (14 °C)
- Average low: 43 °F (6 °C)
- Rainfall: 3.5 in (89 mm)
- The month feels cool and damp, with occasional light showers. Ideal for exploring the university campus or cycling along the river trail when it’s sunny.
February Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 58 °F (14 °C)
- Average low: 44 °F (7 °C)
- Rainfall: 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Similar to January, February remains cool and wet, but there are more sunny spells, especially late in the month.
March Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 61 °F (16 °C)
- Average low: 46 °F (8 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.5 in (64 mm)
- Transitioning toward spring, March sees a mix of cool and mild days, with rain dropping in frequency.
April Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 65 °F (18 °C)
- Average low: 49 °F (9 °C)
- Rainfall: 1.4 in (36 mm)
- Spring blossoms and less rain. Perfect for enjoying Berkeley’s parks and the Bay Trail.
May Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 71 °F (22 °C)
- Average low: 55 °F (13 °C)
- Rainfall: 0.8 in (20 mm)
- Warm and dry, May is a great time for outdoor festivals and campus events.
June Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 78 °F (26 °C)
- Average low: 59 °F (15 °C)
- Rainfall: 0.1 in (3 mm)
- Hotter days without significant rainfall. Ideal for hiking in the surrounding hills.
July Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 83 °F (28 °C)
- Average low: 62 °F (17 °C)
- Rainfall: 0.0 in (0 mm)
- The peak of the dry season—cool breezes from the Bay help keep the heat in check.
August Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 84 °F (29 °C)
- Average low: 63 °F (17 °C)
- Rainfall: 0.0 in (0 mm)
- Similar to July, dry and warm. Great for beach trips and outdoor concerts.
September Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 82 °F (28 °C)
- Average low: 62 °F (17 °C)
- Rainfall: 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Slightly cooler yet still warm; rain begins to reappear, offering a nice respite from the summer heat.
October Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 75 °F (24 °C)
- Average low: 55 °F (13 °C)
- Rainfall: 1.9 in (48 mm)
- Autumn brings mild days and increased rainfall. Perfect for enjoying the university’s cultural events.
November Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 66 °F (19 °C)
- Average low: 47 °F (8 °C)
- Rainfall: 2.8 in (71 mm)
- Cooler and wet again, with a noticeable drop in temperature as December approaches.
December Weather in Berkeley
- Average high: 58 °F (14 °C)
- Average low: 42 °F (6 °C)
- Rainfall: 3.6 in (92 mm)
- Winters are mild but damp, making it an excellent time for indoor festivals and holiday lights.
Berkeley Weather by Month – Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57 | 43 | 3.5 |
| February | 58 | 44 | 3.2 |
| March | 61 | 46 | 2.5 |
| April | 65 | 49 | 1.4 |
| May | 71 | 55 | 0.8 |
| June | 78 | 59 | 0.1 |
| July | 83 | 62 | 0.0 |
| August | 84 | 63 | 0.0 |
| September | 82 | 62 | 0.7 |
| October | 75 | 55 | 1.9 |
| November | 66 | 47 | 2.8 |
| December | 58 | 42 | 3.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is Berkeley’s rainiest month?
A1: December typically sees the highest rainfall, with January and February also experiencing significant precipitation.
Q2: What’s the best time to visit Berkeley for outdoor activities?
A2: Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer warm, dry conditions ideal for hiking, biking, and campus strolls.
Q3: Does Berkeley ever experience extreme heat?
A3: Temperatures rarely exceed 90 °F (32 °C). The most humid, hot weather occurs in mid-July and late July.
Q4: Are there seasonal patterns to fog?
A4: Summer fog is common near the Bay, especially early mornings in July and August, but it usually dissipates by midday.
Q5: How does Berkeley’s weather compare to San Francisco?
A5: Berkeley is slightly warmer and drier, with less wind and fewer foggy mornings, though both share the mild Mediterranean climate.
Helpful Resources
- Berkeley Weather Center – https://www.berkeleyweathercenter.org
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Berkeley Forecast – https://www.noaa.gov/berkeley
- California Climate Center – https://www.ccla.ca.gov
- University of California, Berkeley – Campus Climate Guide – https://www.berkeley.edu/climate
- Weather Underground – Berkeley Historical Data – https://www.wunderground.com/history
Feel free to explore these sites for real‑time updates, long‑term climate trends, and detailed weather reports tailored to Berkeley.
