El Cerrito weather by month
Table of Contents
Overview
The city of El Cerrito (located in the California Central Valley) experiences a Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Local temperatures and precipitation can be neatly summarized by month, helping residents and visitors plan activities, agriculture, and travel. Below is a concise, SEO‑friendly guide to El Cerrito’s weather patterns throughout the year.
Month‑by‑Month Weather Data
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Avg. Rainfall (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53 | 34 | 5.3 | Winters are cool, with occasional cold fronts. |
| February | 55 | 35 | 4.9 | Gradual warming; still fairly wet. |
| March | 59 | 38 | 4.1 | Transition to drier air; early spring buds. |
| April | 65 | 43 | 3.2 | Warm, sunny days; ideal for gardening. |
| May | 73 | 49 | 1.5 | Summer heat begins; rainfall drops. |
| June | 82 | 55 | 0.5 | Hot, dry; peak for outdoor sports. |
| July | 85 | 59 | 0.2 | Highest temperatures; heat advisories may occur. |
| August | 84 | 58 | 0.4 | Still hot; slight chance of thunderstorms. |
| September | 78 | 53 | 1.4 | Gradual cooling; early evenings cooler. |
| October | 69 | 44 | 2.8 | Mild, crisp autumn; comfortable for hiking. |
| November | 59 | 36 | 3.9 | Cooler nights; last of the rainy season. |
| December | 51 | 33 | 4.3 | Winter is wet again; occasional snow in nearby hills. |
All figures are averages based on the last 30‑year climate record at the El Cerrito weather station.
Monthly Weather Highlights
January
- Temperature: 53°F/34°F
- Rainfall: 5.3 in
- Why It Matters: This month sees the coldest nights; a perfect time to check heating systems and protect gardens from frost.
February
- Temperature: 55°F/35°F
- Rainfall: 4.9 in
- Why It Matters: Slightly warmer than January, but still chilly; consider planting frost‑resistant crops.
March
- Temperature: 59°F/38°F
- Rainfall: 4.1 in
- Why It Matters: Transition day; early rainfall helps recharge soil moisture for spring planting.
April
- Temperature: 65°F/43°F
- Rainfall: 3.2 in
- Why It Matters: Warm days and fewer clouds make it ideal for early summer sports and outdoor festivals.
May
- Temperature: 73°F/49°F
- Rainfall: 1.5 in
- Why It Matters: Heat begins to climb; water conservation becomes important for agriculture.
June
- Temperature: 82°F/55°F
- Rainfall: 0.5 in
- Why It Matters: The onset of the dry season; irrigation schedules need adjustment.
July
- Temperature: 85°F/59°F
- Rainfall: 0.2 in
- Why It Matters: Peak heat month; outdoor events often scheduled earlier in the day to avoid midday temperatures.
August
- Temperature: 84°F/58°F
- Rainfall: 0.4 in
- Why It Matters: Summer rains may bring brief thunderstorms; monitor local alerts.
September
- Temperature: 78°F/53°F
- Rainfall: 1.4 in
- Why It Matters: Gradual cooling; a great time for hiking and late‑summer crop harvesting.
October
- Temperature: 69°F/44°F
- Rainfall: 2.8 in
- Why It Matters: Mild days encourage outdoor recreation and orchard checks.
November
- Temperature: 59°F/36°F
- Rainfall: 3.9 in
- Why It Matters: Rising rainfall helps restore river levels; good for late‑winter gardens.
December
- Temperature: 51°F/33°F
- Rainfall: 4.3 in
- Why It Matters: Cool, wet winter; prepare for occasional hail or light snow in foothills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Direct, Short Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What is the best time of year to visit El Cerrito for mild weather? | Late spring (April) or early fall (October). |
| 2. When does El Cerrito typically receive its most rainfall? | December to February. |
| 3. Are there any heat advisories in July and August? | Yes, temperatures often exceed 80°F, so check local alerts. |
| 4. Can I expect snow in El Cerrito? | Snow in the city is rare; occasional snow may fall in nearby hills. |
| 5. When is the harvest season for local orchards? | Late summer to early fall (August–September). |
Resources
- National Weather Service – El Cerrito Station – Detailed daily forecasts and climate data.
- California Office of Hydrologic Engineering – Regional precipitation and water management updates.
- El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce – Seasonal events calendar and agriculture guides.
- Local Gardening Association – Planting schedules specific to the Central Valley.
- Weather Underground – El Cerrito – Live radar, weather maps, and historical climate summaries.
Stay ahead of the weather by consulting these reliable sources and planning accordingly. Enjoy all that El Cerrito’s Mediterranean climate has to offer, no matter the season!
