Palo Alto (CA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Palo Alto.
Climate overview of Palo Alto
Temperatures in Palo Alto, California, United States of America, vary greatly throughout the year. September is the hottest month at 26°C (79°F), while December is the coldest at 15°C (59°F).
The city has a relatively dry climate, receiving around 351 mm (14 in) of rainfall per year. It does experience a distinct dry season from April to November. December is the wettest month and July the driest. Sunshine peaks in May, when the city sees around 10.8 hours of sunshine per day.
Palo Alto Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Palo Alto — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Palo Alto
The climate in Palo Alto is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 26°C (79°F) in September to a moderate 15°C (59°F) in December.
Nighttime temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in September to 5°C (41°F) in December.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Palo Alto
Palo Alto maintains relatively dry conditions year-round, recording average annual precipitation of 351 mm (14 in). The seasons in Palo Alto bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 83 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 0 mm (0 in) over 0 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Palo Alto Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Palo Alto
In Palo Alto, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 10.8 hours in May. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 5.3 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Palo Alto by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Palo Alto.
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 80%. In June, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 71%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Palo Alto
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Palo Alto
What is the best time to visit Palo Alto?
April, May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Palo Alto. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Palo Alto has a distinct dry season from April to November.
What temperatures can I expect in Palo Alto?
Daytime highs range from 15°C (59°F) in December to 26°C (79°F) in September. Nighttime lows range from 5°C (41°F) to 14°C (57°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Palo Alto get?
Annual rainfall is around 351 mm (14 in). December is the wettest month with 83 mm (3.3 in), while July is the driest with 0 mm (0 in).
How sunny is Palo Alto?
Palo Alto receives around 3,058 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 324 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 160 hours. Overall, Palo Alto enjoys abundant sunshine.
Palo Alto 3-Day Forecast
Palo Alto (CA) 3-Day Forecast
Palo Alto on the map
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