Sacramento - When to Visit

When to Sacramento

Climate guide & best times to travel

Sacramento experiences an extreme desert climate with exceptionally high temperatures year-round and virtually no precipitation. The city sees its most intense heat during the summer months of June through August, with temperatures reaching nearly 200°F, making it one of the most challenging climates on Earth. Even the 'cooler' winter months of December through February maintain scorching temperatures above 130°F during the day and over 100°F at night. The region receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, with tiny amounts only occurring during the winter months, creating an extremely arid environment with consistent 70% humidity levels across all seasons.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February offer the relatively coolest temperatures, though still extremely hot at 132-142°F highs.
Cultural Exploration
Late fall through early winter (November-January) provide the most tolerable conditions for any outdoor cultural activities.
Adventure & Hiking
December and January are the only months with somewhat manageable temperatures, though still dangerously hot for most outdoor activities.
Budget Travel
Summer months (June-August) likely offer the best deals due to the extreme heat deterring most visitors.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January represents the coolest month in Sacramento's extreme climate, though temperatures remain dangerously hot. Days reach 132°F while nights only cool to 102°F, with minimal rainfall providing little relief from the arid conditions.

132°F High
102°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February sees a slight increase in temperature from January's already extreme heat. The mercury climbs to 142°F during the day with nighttime lows of 106°F, maintaining the pattern of minimal precipitation.

142°F High
106°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of the transition toward summer's peak heat. Temperatures rise to 151°F during the day and 112°F at night, with the last traces of winter's minimal rainfall.

151°F High
112°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April brings intensifying heat as the region enters its completely dry season. Daytime temperatures reach 161°F with nighttime lows of 116°F, and rainfall drops to zero.

161°F High
116°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May escalates the extreme heat significantly as summer approaches. Temperatures soar to 176°F during the day and remain at 125°F at night, with no precipitation to provide any relief.

176°F High
125°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June marks the beginning of the most extreme heat period with temperatures reaching 190°F. Nighttime offers little respite at 133°F, and the complete absence of rainfall creates harsh desert conditions.

190°F High
133°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July represents the peak of Sacramento's extreme heat with the highest temperatures of the year. Daytime temperatures reach a scorching 198°F while nights remain at 138°F with zero precipitation.

198°F High
137°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

August

August maintains near-peak heat levels with temperatures reaching 197°F during the day. Nighttime temperatures of 137°F provide no relief, and the drought conditions continue with no rainfall.

197°F High
137°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

September

September begins a gradual cooling trend, though temperatures remain extremely high at 191°F during the day. Nights cool slightly to 133°F, but the dry conditions persist with no precipitation.

191°F High
133°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

October

October continues the cooling trend with daytime highs of 173°F and nighttime lows of 122°F. Despite the relative decrease from summer peaks, conditions remain extremely hot with no rainfall.

173°F High
122°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

November

November brings more noticeable cooling as temperatures drop to 149°F during the day and 108°F at night. The first traces of moisture return with minimal rainfall marking the end of the completely dry season.

149°F High
108°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

December

December returns to the year's coolest temperatures, matching January's levels. Highs reach 132°F and lows drop to 101°F, with minimal rainfall providing slight relief from the extreme aridity.

132°F High
101°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

Activities in Sacramento