Visalia Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Summer in Visalia

Summer in Visalia is characterized by hot and dry conditions. Temperatures consistently reach the upper 80s to low 90s during the day, with little to no rainfall throughout the season. The humidity levels remain low, making it feel more comfortable than it actually is. However, it is essential to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during this time.

Winter in Visalia

Winters in Visalia are mild and relatively dry. Temperatures average in the low to mid-50s during the day and drop to the mid-30s at night. The occasional cold snap can bring temperatures below freezing, but snow is rare. Rain and fog are more common during the winter months, but the skies remain clear most of the time.

Annual Temperature Profile

Visalia, California, experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature in Visalia is approximately 61.1°F (16.2°C). The warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures ranging from 82.6°F to 86.3°F (28.1°C to 30.2°C). The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures between 41.7°F and 45.2°F (5.4°C and 7.3°C).

Seasonal Variation

Spring in Visalia typically brings mild temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 50.8°F to 72.5°F (10.4°C to 22.5°C). Summer temperatures are hot and dry, with average temperatures climbing to 86.3°F (30.2°C) in August. Autumn brings pleasant temperatures, with average highs ranging from 73.4°F to 81.5°F (23°C to 27.5°C). Winter temperatures are relatively mild, with average lows dipping to 41.7°F (5.4°C) in December. Visalia receives an average of 10.8 inches (274 mm) of rainfall per year, mostly during the winter months.

Cloud Types

Visalia’s cloud cover primarily consists of fair-weather and layered clouds. Cumulus clouds, characterized by their puffy and often isolated appearance, are commonly observed during the day. Cirrus clouds, high-altitude wispy clouds, are also frequent. Stratus clouds, appearing as a uniform gray layer, cover the sky during overcast conditions. Mid-level clouds, such as altocumulus and altostratus, can bring partial cloud cover or precipitation.

Seasonal Cloud Patterns

Cloud cover in Visalia varies seasonally. During the spring and summer months, fair-weather cumulus clouds dominate the sky, with the occasional thunderstorm bringing heavy rainfall. In the fall, the frequency of layered clouds increases, leading to more cloudy days. Winter brings a mixture of cumulus and layered clouds, with precipitation primarily occurring as rain or snow. The driest season, late spring to early fall, features the least cloud cover, with clear skies prevailing on most days.

Seasonal Precipitation Patterns

Visalia, located in California’s Central Valley, experiences distinct seasonal variations in precipitation. During the rainy season, which typically spans from October to April, the city receives the majority of its annual rainfall. This precipitation is primarily associated with Pacific storms that bring moist air from the ocean as they approach the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. As the air rises over the mountains, it cools and condenses, resulting in significant precipitation in the form of rain or snow in higher elevations.

Annual Precipitation Trends

Visalia’s annual precipitation has exhibited fluctuations over time, but it generally averages around 10-12 inches. The city receives the highest precipitation during the winter months, with December and January typically being the wettest. During these months, rainfall can be heavy and persistent, leading to occasional flooding events. In contrast, summer months are characterized by extremely low precipitation, with July and August often receiving less than an inch of rain combined. This marked seasonality in precipitation reflects the influence of the Mediterranean climate pattern, which brings warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters to much of California.

Annual Rainfall

Visalia, located in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley, experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual average rainfall for Visalia is approximately 10.2 inches (259 mm), with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. January and February are typically the wettest months of the year, each receiving an average of around 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain. In contrast, the summer months are characterized by hot, dry conditions, with precipitation levels typically below 0.5 inches (13 mm) per month.

Seasonal Variations

The seasonal distribution of rainfall in Visalia is heavily influenced by the movement of the jet stream and storm systems originating in the Pacific Ocean. During the winter, when the jet stream dips southward, storm tracks are directed towards California, bringing frequent precipitation. In contrast, during the summer, the jet stream shifts northward, resulting in a blocking effect that effectively shuts off the flow of moisture into the region. As a result, Visalia experiences prolonged periods of drought-like conditions during the summer months.

Seasonal Patterns and Variability

Visalia, situated in the Central Valley of California, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Snowfall in Visalia is an uncommon occurrence, primarily observed in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. However, occasional snowfall does reach the city during cold winter storms.

Snowstorms typically occur between December and February, brought by cold fronts originating from the Pacific Ocean. The frequency and intensity of snowfall vary significantly from year to year, influenced by atmospheric circulation patterns. In typical winters, snowfall may accumulate to a few inches in the city, while heavier snowfalls exceeding six inches are less common. The last significant snowfall event in Visalia occurred in December 2008, dropping over 8 inches of snow on the city, paralyzing traffic and causing widespread power outages.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Visalia, situated in the San Joaquin Valley of California, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During summer, temperatures soar to an average high of 95°F (35°C), with minimal precipitation. Conversely, winter brings cooler temperatures, averaging around 55°F (13°C) with occasional rainfall. Visalia’s annual precipitation is relatively low, averaging only 10 inches (254 mm).

Sunlight Availability

Visalia enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. On average, the city receives over 300 sunny days annually. During the summer months, daylight hours are the longest, with the sun rising shortly after 5:00 AM and setting well past 8:00 PM. In winter, the days are shorter, with sunrise around 7:00 AM and sunset around 5:00 PM. The high levels of sunshine make Visalia an ideal location for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming.

Moonrise and Moonset Times in Visalia, United States

The moonrise and moonset times in Visalia, United States vary throughout the year due to the Earth’s rotation and the moon’s elliptical orbit around the Earth. Generally, the moon rises in the east and sets in the west, and the specific times of moonrise and moonset can be affected by factors such as the phase of the moon, the observer’s location, and the time of year.

For instance, during the full moon phase, the moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, while during the new moon phase, the moon is not visible from Earth. Additionally, the moon’s orbit around the Earth is not perfectly circular, which means that the moon’s distance from Earth can vary throughout the month. This can affect the apparent size of the moon and the times of moonrise and moonset.

Seasonal Humidity Variations

Visalia, located in California’s Central Valley, generally experiences low humidity levels throughout the year. During the summer months, from June to September, relative humidity averages between 40% to 50%, reaching a peak of around 60% in July. This is due to the influence of warm, dry air masses from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, during the winter months, from December to February, humidity levels rise to an average of 50% to 60%, peaking at 70% in January. This increase in humidity is attributed to the influx of cooler, moisture-laden air from the Pacific, which results in fog and occasional rain.

Effects of Low Humidity

The low humidity levels in Visalia can have various effects on the local environment and human health. The dry air can lead to dehydration, especially during the summer months when temperatures soar above 90°F. It can also exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as the lack of moisture can dry out the skin. Additionally, low humidity can affect plants, making them more susceptible to drought and pests. On the positive side, low humidity creates an ideal environment for outdoor activities, as it reduces the احساس of mugginess and discomfort.

Historical Wind Patterns

Visalia, California has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city experiences prevailing wind patterns that vary seasonally. During the summer months, Visalia is influenced by the North Pacific High, which steers warm, dry winds from the northwest. These winds are typically mild and consistent, bringing clear skies and little precipitation. In the winter, the North Pacific High weakens, allowing moist, unstable air from the Pacific Ocean to flow into the area. This change in wind direction results in increased rainfall and occasional windy storms.

Wind Speed and Direction

The average wind speed in Visalia varies throughout the year. In the summer, wind speeds typically range from 10 to 15 mph (16 to 24 km/h), while in the winter, speeds can reach up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The prevailing wind direction in the city is from the northwest, particularly during the summer months. However, during the winter, winds can shift to the southwest or southeast, bringing in moisture from the Pacific Ocean. The strongest winds in Visalia typically occur during the spring and fall, when cold fronts pass through the area, bringing with them gusty winds and occasional severe weather.

Spring (March-May):
Spring in Visalia offers a delightful blend of moderate temperatures and vibrant landscapes. The days are warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. The nights are pleasantly cool, with lows seldom falling below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal time to explore the city’s parks and gardens, which burst into life with a myriad of colors. The annual Visalia Garden Tour in April showcases the city’s exceptional horticultural artistry.

Fall (September-November):
Autumn in Visalia signals the arrival of cooler temperatures and a magnificent display of fall foliage. The days remain mild, with average highs in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The nights become chilly, with lows dipping into the mid-40s Fahrenheit. This is an excellent time to visit the Sequoia National Park, just a short drive from Visalia, and marvel at the towering grandeur of giant sequoias. The annual Visalia Harvest Festival in October offers a festive celebration of autumn, featuring live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Solar Energy Potential

Visalia, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, enjoys ample sunshine year-round. The region’s total solar resource is impressive, with an average of 5.4 peak sunlight hours per day. This makes Visalia an ideal candidate for solar energy development. The city has already taken steps to harness this potential, installing solar panels on municipal buildings, schools, and businesses.

Solar Energy Adoption

The adoption of solar energy in Visalia has been significant. In recent years, the city has seen a surge in residential solar installations, as homeowners seek to reduce their energy bills and contribute to environmental sustainability. The city has also supported solar development through incentives, such as net metering, which allows solar customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates. As a result, Visalia has emerged as a leader in solar energy adoption in California and the United States.

Topography of Visalia

Visalia is a city located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, with a topography largely influenced by its position in the valley and its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 270 feet above sea level, with a generally flat and gently sloping terrain. The Kern River, which flows through the city, has also played a significant role in shaping the local topography, creating a floodplain and alluvial terraces along its banks.

The most notable topographic feature in the vicinity of Visalia is the Sierra Nevada range, which rises to elevations of over 14,000 feet and serves as a dramatic backdrop to the city. The foothills of the Sierra Nevada begin just a few miles east of Visalia, gradually rising in elevation as one approaches the mountains. These foothills form a transition zone between the San Joaquin Valley and the high peaks of the Sierra, offering a scenic and diverse landscape. The presence of the Sierra Nevada also influences the local climate, creating a rain shadow effect that contributes to the warm and dry conditions characteristic of the San Joaquin Valley.

Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS)

Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) is the nearest airport to Visalia, California, located approximately 5 miles west of the city center. It offers a convenient option for air travel with a range of scheduled and charter flights. The airport is served by United Express, which operates daily flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Private jets and smaller aircraft can also utilize the airport’s facilities, making it an accessible gateway for both business and leisure travelers.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is another option for air travel in the region, located approximately 45 miles north of Visalia. It is a larger airport with a wider range of available flights, including connections to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Multiple airlines operate at FAT, offering a variety of routes and competitive pricing. The airport also provides ground transportation options for travelers connecting to Visalia, with bus services and car rental companies available.

Local Culture and History

Visalia, the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant history. The region has been inhabited for centuries by Native American tribes, with evidence of their presence still found in the area’s place names and archaeological sites. In the 19th century, Visalia emerged as a major agricultural hub, attracting settlers and entrepreneurs who transformed the landscape into a productive farming region. Today, Visalia seamlessly blends its agricultural roots with a modern and progressive urban center. Visitors can delve into the city’s history at the Tulare County Museum, which houses exhibits on the area’s Native American heritage, agricultural development, and pioneering spirit.

Arts and Culture

Visalia’s cultural scene thrives through its vibrant arts community. The city is home to the Visalia Art Center, a dynamic space that showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. The Visalia Fox Theatre, a historic Art Deco landmark, serves as a venue for live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and film screenings. The Visalia Symphony Orchestra offers classical and popular concerts throughout the year. Additionally, Visalia hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity, including the annual Sequoia Crank Rally, which attracts vintage motorcycle enthusiasts from around the region. With its blend of local and international influences, Visalia’s arts and culture scene offers something for everyone to enjoy.