Sacramento (CA) Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

On this page, we’ll explore Sacramento’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United States of America.

Monthly Temperature Averages

Visitors to Sacramento will encounter a climate influenced by big temperature differences across the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 34°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a moderate 13°C during cooler months like January. At night, minimum temperatures typically average around 3°C during these months.

The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Sacramento by month:

The lowest temperatures typically occur between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the peak temperatures are generally observed around 3 PM, coinciding with the sun’s strongest heating effect. July, the city’s warmest month, enjoys 440 hours of sunshine.

The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:

January, the city’s coldest month, receives about 67 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 8 days. For more information, please visit our Sacramento Precipitation page.

Annual Temperatures in the United States of America Compared

The map below shows the annual temperature across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Annual

Annual

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Legend

very warm

warm

pleasant

moderate

cold

very cold

Very warm means maximum temperatures above 30°C. Warm: 22°C to 30°C. Pleasant: 18°C to 22°C Moderate: 12°C to 18°C. Cold: 2°C to 12°C. Very cold: lower than 2°C

Sacramento Temperatures Compared World Wide

Sacramento’s average annual maximum temperature is 24°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, experiences an average annual temperature of 23°C, with hot summers and mild winters typical of a Mediterranean climate.

In Toronto, Canada, the average annual temperature is 13°C, with snowy winters and warm summers.

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is mild, with an average annual temperature of 19°C and minimal seasonal variation.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual temperature is 21°C, expect warmer summers and milder winters.

How does the temperature feel?

Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.

In Sacramento, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 83% humidity, which is considered very high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 14°C. In the warmest month, July, the humidity is 53% combined with an average maximum temperature of 34°C, which creates a moderate-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.

How are these Temperatures Measured?

Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.

This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.

Global Warming and Its Effects

Climate change is affecting worldwide temperatures, including in Sacramento. It has massive impacts on both local and global levels:

Global Temperature Rise: The average global land and sea temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
Local Impacts: Most regions of the world are witnessing warmer winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The global frequency and severity of heatwaves have increased. For example, Europe's summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020 all broke records. Summers are also becoming drier; however, during winter, inland regions have experienced increased rainfall. This has caused elevated river levels and more cases of flooding.

Many countries are experiencing earlier springs and later autumns. This is why some bird species have shifted their migration dates.

For more detailed information about Sacramento’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Sacramento climate page.