Sonoma (CA) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Sonoma.
Climate overview of Sonoma
Sonoma, California, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 30°C (86°F) in July, while winters cool to 14°C (57°F) in December.
Annual rainfall is moderate at around 644 mm (25 in), with December being the wettest month. The city also has a distinct dry season from May to October, with warm summers and mild winters. The sunniest month is May, with 10.3 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Sonoma Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sonoma - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Sonoma
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to moderate in Sonoma. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 30°C (86°F) in July. In December, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a moderate 14°C (57°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 12°C (54°F) in July to 4°C (39°F) in December.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Sonoma
Generally, Sonoma has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 644 mm (25 in) of rainfall annually. Sonoma can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 134 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over 12 rainy days.
In contrast, during the driest month (August), you will experience much drier conditions, with 0.1 mm (0 in) of precipitation spread across 0 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Sonoma 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 Sonoma
Sonoma can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of May under a blue sky, with approximately 10.3 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 5.3 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Best Time to Visit Sonoma
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: April, May, June, August, September and October
- Warmest weather: July, August and September
- Most sunshine: April, May, June and July
- Fewest rainy days: June, July, August and September
- Wettest months: January, February, March, November and December, when rainfall is highest.
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from May to October, with warm summers and mild winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Sonoma
What is the best time to visit Sonoma?
April, May, June, August, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Sonoma. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Sonoma has a distinct dry season from May to October, with warm summers and mild winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Sonoma?
Daytime highs range from 14°C (57°F) in December to 30°C (86°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Sonoma get?
Annual rainfall is around 644 mm (25 in). December is the wettest month with 134 mm (5.3 in), while August is the driest with 0.1 mm (0 in).
How sunny is Sonoma?
Sonoma receives around 3,042 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 310 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 160 hours. Overall, Sonoma enjoys abundant sunshine.
Sonoma 3-Day Forecast
Sonoma (CA) 3-Day Forecast
Sonoma on the map
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