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California

Touring California is a fantastic way to experience the state’s diverse attractions and natural beauty. From the bustling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles to the stunning coastline of Big Sur and the iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood, there is no shortage of sights to see. The state is also home to a number of national parks, including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, camp, and explore. Along the way, visitors can sample the state’s world-renowned cuisine, from farm-to-table restaurants in the wine country to the taco trucks of San Diego. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery, a touring holiday in California is an adventure of a lifetime.

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What you’ll love most about California

  • California Wine Country is home to some of the world’s best vineyards and wineries, especially in Napa and Sonoma counties
  • Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a breathtaking desert landscape with unique rock formations and stunning vistas
  • Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, located in Anaheim, and a magical experience for visitors of all ages
  • Head to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, that offers visitors a chance to see movie studios, famous landmarks, and the iconic Hollywood sign
  • If you’re exploring California on a road trip, you’ll undoubtedly follow Highway 1, a scenic coastal drive along the Pacific Ocean, with breathtaking views and charming small towns along the way
  • Explore Yosemite National Park and you’ll discover a natural wonderland with stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, and a diverse ecosystem, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Los Angeles’ weather patterns

  • Yosemite valley view in California

  • Julia Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

  • Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley - Visit California/David H Collier

  • Ladies shopping in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

  • Bixby Bridge on Highway 1, California

  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Visit California/Myles McGuinness

  • Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

  • Heisler Park, Laguna Beach in California

  • Malibu Beach, California at sunset

  • Cathedral Peak, Yosemite National Park

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 20℃
  • 20℃
  • 21℃
  • 23℃
  • 24℃
  • 26℃
  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 23℃
  • 20℃
  • 6
  • 6
  • 5
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 5

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, drawing skiers to Lake Tahoe and Mammoth. In contrast, Southern California sees mild sunshine - Los Angeles and San Diego hover around 20°C - making beach walks and alfresco dining pleasant, especially with fewer crowds.

February

The desert starts to bloom. Joshua Tree and Palm Springs offer warm days and crisp nights, ideal for hiking and art festivals. Meanwhile, Northern California gets its greenest, with misty trails in Muir Woods and the Sonoma coast still quiet and peaceful.

March

Wildflowers spread across the Antelope Valley and Anza-Borrego, signalling spring’s arrival. San Francisco may still have lingering fog and rain, but temperatures inch upward, and wine country begins to stir. Yosemite’s waterfalls start to roar as the snowmelt begins.

April

California bursts into life. Monterey’s coastal drives are peppered with wildflowers, and the Big Sur stretch is breathtaking. Temperatures in Napa Valley begin to rise, averaging 23°C, ideal for vineyard visits and patio tastings.

May

Outdoor season kicks off statewide. Santa Barbara sees its best weather - sunny and breezy - while the Pacific Coast Highway becomes a popular road trip route. National parks like Sequoia and Kings Canyon are accessible but still uncrowded.

June

Summer starts strong inland. In Death Valley, extreme heat arrives early, often topping 40°C. Along the coast, however, fog cools mornings in San Francisco and Monterey. Lake Tahoe warms up for kayaking and hiking, and beaches begin buzzing in SoCal.

July

California’s beaches, forests, and mountains fill with vacationers. Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach, and Pismo see peak season. San Diego hosts Comic-Con, while festivals fill Golden Gate Park. Highs in Los Angeles regularly climb to around 30°C, especially inland.

August

Hot and dry inland, this is the month for coastal escapes. Big Sur, Mendocino, and Cambria offer ocean breezes and dramatic views. In Yosemite, trails are fully open, but early starts are best to beat the heat and crowds.

September

Often one of the state’s loveliest months. Wine country is in harvest mode, with events and grape stomps. San Francisco enjoys its warmest days - highs reaching 23-25°C - while coastal fog retreats. Surf towns see great swell and fewer tourists.

October

Crisp mornings arrive in the mountains. Fall colours show in the eastern Sierra near Bishop and June Lake. Inland, the desert begins to cool, making it an excellent time for exploring Joshua Tree or driving through Route 66 ghost towns.

November

A quieter season begins. Coastal towns like Carmel and Mendocino feel peaceful, and whale watching returns along the north coast. In SoCal, it’s still warm enough to hit the beach, with highs in San Diego often peaking around 22°C.

December

Festivities light up the state - from Disneyland’s holiday displays to snowy slopes in Tahoe. San Francisco’s chillier weather contrasts with sunny afternoons in Palm Springs or Santa Monica. For some winter sun, head to the desert, where clear skies dominate.

Our Ratings

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