Fresno Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Spring and Summer (March – September)

Fresno experiences warm and dry springs, with average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is scarce during this season, with an average monthly precipitation of less than an inch. Summers are hot and sunny, with average temperatures reaching the low 90s Fahrenheit. Daily humidity levels remain low, making the heat bearable. However, occasional thunderstorms can bring brief periods of heavy rain.

Autumn and Winter (October – February)

Autumn in Fresno brings pleasant weather, with average temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. The skies remain mostly clear, and rainfall becomes more frequent, averaging around 1 to 2 inches per month. Winters are mild, with average temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit. Frost and occasional light snow are possible, but severe winter storms are rare. Fog can be a common occurrence during the winter months, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Fresno’s climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average monthly temperature in January, the coldest month, is 10.3°C (50.5°F), with average highs of 13.8°C (56.9°F) and average lows of 6.8°C (44.2°F). In July, the warmest month, the average temperature is 29.1°C (84.4°F), with average highs of 37.2°C (98.9°F) and average lows of 21.3°C (70.3°F).

Seasonal Variations

The average annual temperature in Fresno is 19.1°C (66.4°F). However, there is significant seasonal variation in temperature. The spring months of April and May have average temperatures of 16.6°C (61.9°F) and 20.9°C (69.6°F), respectively, with occasional warm spells reaching into the 30s °C (mid-80s °F). The fall months of September and October have average temperatures of 23.8°C (74.8°F) and 19.7°C (67.5°F), respectively, with cooler nights bringing temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Cloud Types in Fresno

Fresno experiences diverse cloud types within its semi-arid Mediterranean climate. During the warm, dry summers, the sky is often characterized by fair-weather cumulus clouds. These puffy, white clouds appear during the afternoon and dissolve by evening. Cirrus clouds, thin and wispy, are also prevalent in the summer, indicating fair weather and beautiful sunsets.

Seasonal Cloud Patterns

In the fall, as temperatures cool, Fresno witnesses an increase in stratus clouds. These low, gray clouds cover the sky, often resulting in overcast conditions. Nimbostratus clouds, responsible for prolonged drizzle or light rain, become more common during the winter months. As spring approaches, convective clouds, such as cumulonimbus, become more frequent. These towering clouds can produce thunderstorms and occasional hail.

Annual Precipitation Patterns

Fresno’s annual precipitation patterns exhibit a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and moderately wet winters. The wet season typically spans from November to April, with an average annual precipitation of 11.88 inches. January is the wettest month, receiving an average of 2.41 inches of rainfall. During the summer months (May to October), precipitation is scarce, with average monthly rainfall below 0.5 inches.

Variability and Trends

Fresno’s precipitation has been subject to significant interannual variability, influenced by factors such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Over the past century, the city has experienced both wet and dry periods. During the early 20th century, Fresno witnessed several years of above-average rainfall, followed by a period of drought from the 1930s to the 1950s. In recent decades, Fresno has experienced a slight increase in annual precipitation, with the wettest years occurring in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the city remains vulnerable to droughts, with several dry years recorded since the late 2000s.

Average Rainfall and Patterns

Fresno, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, experiences an average annual rainfall of approximately 12 inches (30 cm). The city’s Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months, rainfall is scarce, with an average of less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) per month. In contrast, the winter months bring the majority of the annual precipitation, with an average of over 2 inches (5 cm) per month. December through March are the wettest months, receiving over 4 inches (10 cm) of rainfall on average.

Climate Variability and Impacts

Rainfall patterns in Fresno can vary significantly from year to year. During wet years, the city can receive upwards of 20 inches (51 cm) of rainfall, while during dry years, it may receive less than 8 inches (20 cm). These fluctuations can have a substantial impact on local agriculture, water resources, and flood risks. In recent decades, Fresno has experienced periods of both extreme drought and flooding, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to climate variability.

History of Snowfall in Fresno

The city of Fresno, California, in the central San Joaquin Valley, is not known for its snowfall. However, on rare occasions, the city does experience snowfall. The last time Fresno received measurable snowfall was in December 1979, when the city received 2.5 inches of snow. Prior to that, Fresno received measurable snowfall in 1969, 1968, 1950, 1938, 1922, 1913, and 1888. The greatest snowfall on record for Fresno was 6.4 inches in January 1938.

Impact of Snowfall on Fresno

Snowfall in Fresno is a rare event that can have a significant impact on the city. When it does snow, the city’s infrastructure can be strained, as the city is not equipped to handle large amounts of snow. Snow can also cause power outages, as the city’s electrical grid is not designed to withstand the weight of snow. In addition, snowfall can cause traffic accidents, as drivers are not accustomed to driving in snowy conditions.

Sun Exposure in Fresno, United States

Fresno, located in central California, experiences ample sunshine year-round. The city has an average of 290 sunny days per year, and even during the winter months, there is still a fair amount of sunlight. This makes Fresno an ideal place for outdoor activities. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of excessive sun exposure and take appropriate precautions.

Protecting Yourself from the Sun

Prolonged sun exposure can be damaging to the skin and can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and other health problems. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by following these tips:

Seek shade during the peak sunlight hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and a hat.
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin, and reapply every two hours.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Lunar Visibility and Phases

Fresno, California experiences distinct lunar phases throughout the month. As the Earth’s natural satellite orbits around our planet, different portions of the moon are illuminated by the sun, resulting in the familiar waxing and waning of the moon’s appearance. During the new moon, the moon is not visible from Earth as it lies between the Earth and the sun, with its dark side facing us. As the moon progresses through its orbit, the illuminated portion gradually increases, leading to the first quarter, then the waxing gibbous phase. When the entire moon is illuminated, we observe the full moon, with its brightest appearance.

Moonrise and Moonset

The times of moonrise and moonset in Fresno vary throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and the moon’s elliptical orbit. Moonrise occurs in the eastern sky as the moon emerges above the horizon, while moonset takes place in the western sky as it descends below the horizon. The precise timing of these events depends on factors such as latitude, longitude, and the day of the year. During the summer months, moonrise and moonset tend to occur later in the evening and earlier in the morning, respectively. Conversely, during the winter months, they occur earlier in the evening and later in the morning.

Seasonal Variations of Humidity

Fresno, California, experiences significant seasonal variations in humidity levels. During the summer months (June to August), the city is characterized by low humidity, with average relative humidity values ranging from 30% to 40%. This low humidity is attributed to the hot and dry air masses that dominate the region during this period.

In contrast, the winter months (December to February) bring higher humidity levels to Fresno. Average relative humidity values typically range from 50% to 60% during this time. The higher humidity is influenced by incoming storms from the Pacific Ocean, which bring moisture and precipitation to the area.

Long-Term Trends and Extremes

Over the long term, Fresno has exhibited a gradual increase in humidity levels. This trend is attributed to factors such as urbanization and regional climate change, which have resulted in warmer and wetter conditions. The city has also experienced occasional extreme humidity events, with relative humidity values reaching as high as 90% during intense storms or periods of moist air from the ocean.

Historical Wind Patterns in Fresno, United States

Fresno, California, is located in the Central Valley of the United States and experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The prevailing wind direction in Fresno is from the west or northwest, bringing cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean. During the summer months, the prevailing wind direction shifts to the southwest, bringing hot, dry air from the Mojave Desert.

Winds in Fresno are typically strongest in the afternoon and evening, when the air is warmest and most unstable. During the summer, winds can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, while winter winds are typically milder, averaging around 10 miles per hour. Strong winds can cause dust storms in the Fresno area, particularly during the summer months.

Spring (March-May):

Spring in Fresno brings warm and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore the city and its surroundings. Temperatures hover around a comfortable 60-70°F (15-21°C), inviting outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Sierra National Forest or biking along the San Joaquin River Trail. The city comes to life during this time, with numerous festivals and events showcasing the vibrant culture of Fresno. The Fresno Film Festival, held in March, is a highlight for movie enthusiasts.

Fall (September-November):

Autumn in Fresno is characterized by crisp mornings and warm afternoons, creating a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing. Temperatures average between 50-70°F (10-21°C), perfect for exploring historical landmarks like the Fresno Art Museum and the Kearney Mansion Museum. The season also marks the beginning of harvest time in the San Joaquin Valley, offering opportunities for apple and pumpkin picking at local orchards. The Clovis Rodeo, held in October, is a renowned event that draws crowds from all over the region. Fresno also hosts the California State Fair during this time, featuring agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and live entertainment.

Solar Energy Potential

Fresno, located in the sun-drenched Central Valley of California, offers immense potential for solar energy utilization. The city boasts an average of over 300 sunny days annually, resulting in abundant solar radiation. This favorable climate makes Fresno a prime location for installing solar panels, which can generate clean and renewable electricity. Moreover, the city’s large rooftops and open spaces provide ample opportunities for commercial and residential solar installations.

Solar Energy Development

In recent years, Fresno has made significant strides in harnessing solar energy. The city government has adopted ambitious solar energy goals and implemented incentives to encourage the development of solar projects. As a result, numerous solar farms and rooftop solar installations have been established throughout the city. The Fresno Solar Farm, located southwest of the city, is one of the largest solar farms in the United States, generating enough electricity to power over 50,000 homes. Additionally, many local businesses and residents have embraced solar energy, installing solar panels to reduce their energy consumption and contribute to sustainable energy production.

Regional Topography

Fresno is located in the Central Valley of California, a vast, flat agricultural region. The valley is bounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west. The elevation of Fresno is approximately 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level, and the topography is generally flat with a slight slope to the west. The city is intersected by the Fresno River, which flows from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the San Joaquin River.

Local Topography

Within the Fresno metropolitan area, there is some variation in topography. The city center is located on a relatively flat plain, but the eastern and northern suburbs rise gently into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The highest point in the city is Millerton Peak, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, with an elevation of 1,770 feet (540 meters). The western suburbs of Fresno are located in the San Joaquin Valley, a flat, agricultural region. The San Joaquin River flows through the western suburbs, and the elevation ranges from approximately 200 feet (61 meters) above sea level to 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the primary commercial airport serving Fresno, California, and the surrounding region. It is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) northwest of downtown Fresno. The airport features two asphalt runways and can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including large commercial jets and private planes. FAT offers direct flights to major hubs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Salt Lake City, as well as regional airports in California and neighboring states. The airport also serves as a cargo hub, with UPS operating a major facility at FAT.

Other Nearby Airports

While Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest airport to Fresno, there are several other airports within a reasonable driving distance. These include:

Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS): Located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Fresno, VIS primarily serves private and corporate aircraft. It offers limited commercial flights to Los Angeles.
Merced Municipal Airport (MCE): Situated about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Fresno, MCE offers commercial flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY): Located approximately 120 miles (190 kilometers) southwest of Fresno, MRY provides commercial flights to major hubs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

History and Culture

Fresno, located in Central California, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was later settled by European immigrants seeking agricultural opportunities. The city grew rapidly as a railroad hub and agricultural center, known for its fruit and nut production. Fresno’s diverse population reflects its agricultural roots, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and Sikh communities. Today, the city is a thriving cultural center, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate its unique heritage.

Arts and Entertainment

Fresno is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The William Saroyan Theatre, named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, presents a variety of Broadway musicals, plays, and performances. The Fresno Art Museum showcases a collection of contemporary and historical art, while the Forestiere Underground Gardens provide a unique glimpse into the ingenuity of a Sicilian immigrant who built his home and gardens entirely underground. The city also offers numerous parks, gardens, and recreation areas, such as Woodward Park, which features a zoo, botanical garden, and hiking trails.