San Francisco

California Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in California, the United States of America in January.

Planning a getaway to California, the United States of America this January and curious about the weather you should prepare for? Discover all the vital details you need on this page, solving your puzzle:

What to Expect in California in January

California, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. The weather in California in January can be quite varied, with temperatures that range from cold to pleasant and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Sequoia National Park at 3°C (37°F) to pleasant in Indio at 22°C (72°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 6°C (43°F) in Indio and -10°C (14°F) in Sequoia National Park.

To explore the conditions in California, the United States of America in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Furnace Creek with an average of 7.2 mm (0.3 in) to heavy rainfall in Crescent City with 236 mm (9.3 in).

Average sunshine

Many locations offer abundant sunshine during this month. For instance, Los Angeles enjoys approximately 224 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore California by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in California — and find the best time to visit. (based on Los Angeles)

Best Places to Visit in California in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across California.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in California

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in California, the United States of America?

Temperature range in California (January)

Precipitation variation in California (January)

Los Angeles

In January Los Angeles generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
220 hours
224 hours
221 hours
Monthly rainfall
61 mm (2.4 in)
49 mm (1.9 in)
39 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
5 days
5 days
Weather conditions

Big Bear Lake

In January Big Bear Lake generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
136 mm (5.4 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
73 mm (2.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

San Francisco

In January San Francisco generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
7°C (45°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly sun hours
160 hours
186 hours
209 hours
Monthly rainfall
112 mm (4.4 in)
70 mm (2.8 in)
75 mm (3 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
9 days
10 days
Weather conditions

San Diego

In January San Diego generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
19°C (66°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
9°C (48°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
231 hours
240 hours
230 hours
Monthly rainfall
59 mm (2.3 in)
35 mm (1.4 in)
37 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Anaheim

In January Anaheim generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
20°C (68°F)
21°C (70°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
8°C (46°F)
9°C (48°F)
Monthly sun hours
205 hours
198 hours
211 hours
Monthly rainfall
64 mm (2.5 in)
44 mm (1.7 in)
38 mm (1.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in California, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in California in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Los Angeles 20°C (68°F) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Big Bear Lake 9°C (48°F) -6°C (21°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
San Francisco 14°C (57°F) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
San Diego 20°C (68°F) 9°C (48°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Anaheim 21°C (70°F) 8°C (46°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Palm Desert 21°C (70°F) 7°C (45°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)

California weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in California, the United States of America in January?

California, the United States of America typically experiences perfect weather in January, part of the season. Daytime highs in Los Angeles average around 20°C (68°F), and temperatures drop to about 9°C (48°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in California, the United States of America in January?

Los Angeles averages a daytime maximum of 20°C (68°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 9°C (48°F).

Does California, the United States of America get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in California, the United States of America. Los Angeles averages only about 49 mm (1.9 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit California, the United States of America?

We believe that January is one of the best times to visit California, the United States of America with overall perfect weather in Los Angeles. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November provide perfect weather in Los Angeles.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in California.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.