Long Beach, California, boasts a mild climate that attracts visitors year-round. The city experiences average high temperatures that range from 64°F in February to a peak of 79.5°F in August, making it ideal for outdoor activities almost any time of the year.
For those planning a beach day, August offers the warmest water temperatures, averaging 69°F.
Rainfall in Long Beach is relatively sparse, with the area receiving about 14 inches of rain per year. This means sunny days are plentiful, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy its sandy beaches and various attractions without much weather-related interruption.
Even in the cooler months, temperatures remain pleasant with average lows dipping to around 52°F in February.
Tracking the weather history of Long Beach reveals a consistent and comfortable pattern, making it a dependable destination for good weather.
Its local time experiences little fluctuation in temperature extremes, adding to its appeal as a go-to spot for those in search of a reliably moderate climate in the United States.
Average Temperature In Long Beach, California
In Long Beach, California, temperatures remain mild throughout the year. The average temperature ranges significantly, with highs fluctuating from 64°F in February to 79.5°F in August.
January brings cooler temperatures, with average lows around 48°F. February, the coldest month, sees average temperatures range between 52°F (low) and 64°F (high).
March and April show slight warming. March averages around 68°F while April reaches an average high of 70°F.
By May, the temperatures rise steadily. June marks the beginning of summer with temperatures averaging from 61°F (low) to 75°F (high).
July and August are the warmest months. In these months, temperatures peak at 79.5°F, while lows hover around 65°F.
September and October still enjoy warm temperatures, with highs averaging between 77°F and 73°F.
November sees a decline, leading into cooler winter months. December temperatures average between 47°F and 68°F, indicating the start of a cooler period.
Annual temperature averages in Long Beach are relatively stable, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. Detailed temperature data can be found here.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 69 | 48 |
| February | 68 | 49 |
| March | 68 | 50 |
| April | 70 | 53 |
| May | 72.5 | 58 |
| June | 75.5 | 61 |
| July | 79 | 64.5 |
| August | 79.5 | 65 |
| September | 77 | 63 |
| October | 73 | 58 |
| November | 70 | 52 |
| December | 68 | 47 |
Understanding these temperature trends helps in planning activities and enjoying the outdoors.
Long Beach offers a mild climate suitable for various activities year-round.
Average Precipitation In Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, receives a mixture of rainfall throughout the year with no significant snowfall. It experiences varying precipitation levels, influenced by seasonal changes.
Average Rainfall In Long Beach, California
In Long Beach, annual rainfall averages around 12.02 inches. The bulk of this precipitation occurs during the winter months, with February typically being the wettest month.
January and February see the most rain, receiving about 2-3 inches each month.
Summers are much drier, with little to no rainfall from June through August. The driest month is typically July, with less than 0.1 inches of rainfall.
Rain is more frequent during the fall and winter, gradually decreasing as spring approaches.
A typical year sees most of the rainfall between November and March. This pattern is common in the Mediterranean climate experienced in southern California.
Average Snow In Long Beach, California
Snowfall is exceedingly rare in Long Beach. The city boasts mild winter temperatures averaging from 48°F to 67°F, which do not favor snow.
As a result, Long Beach does not record significant snow.
Historically, any snowfall in the region has been minimal and not part of the weather averages. Instead, the city’s mild winters coupled with a relatively stable climate have precluded regular snowfall events. For more on snow and ice in different regions, refer to relevant articles on snow.
Average Sun In Long Beach, California
Long Beach enjoys a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year. The average daily shortwave solar energy, hours of sunshine, and variation in sunrise and sunset times contribute to the overall sun exposure in the city.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Long Beach, California
Long Beach receives significant solar energy on a daily basis. The average daily shortwave solar energy varies across the year, with peak values during the summer months.
In July, the city experiences the highest daily solar energy, reaching around 7.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter. In contrast, December sees the lowest daily solar energy, averaging about 4 kilowatt-hours per square meter.
This fluctuation impacts the amount of sunshine and warmth residents experience.
The cloud cover also changes throughout the year, with fewer clouds in the summer, leading to more sun exposure.
During winter, increased clouds can lessen daily sunshine hours. This seasonal variation dictates the sunlight and UV index Long Beach residents experience.
Average Humidity In Long Beach, California
The average humidity in Long Beach varies throughout the year, influenced by its coastal location. Generally, the city experiences moderate humidity.
Monthly Averages:
- January: Relative humidity around 64%
- May: Peak relative humidity at about 73%
- November: Lowest relative humidity around 50%
Data Highlights:
- Annual Average: The average annual percentage of humidity is approximately 65%.
- Dew Point: The annual dew point averages around 52°F, indicating comfort most of the year.
Seasonal Trends:
In May, the humidity peaks as temperatures begin to rise. By November, relative humidity drops significantly, making it the least humid month.
Humidity levels are generally consistent, providing a relatively mild and comfortable climate. This makes Long Beach a favorable location for outdoor activities year-round.
Average Wind In Long Beach, California
Long Beach experiences a moderate wind throughout the year. The wind speed usually ranges from 5 to 15 mph.
Monthly Wind Speed Average:
- January: 6.3 mph
- February: 6.5 mph
- March: 6.8 mph
- April: 7.2 mph
- May: 7.5 mph
- June: 6.9 mph
- July: 6.8 mph
- August: 6.7 mph
- September: 6.5 mph
- October: 6.3 mph
- November: 6.2 mph
- December: 6.1 mph
The typical wind direction is from the west. This means that the wind generally brings in cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean.
The windiest month in Long Beach tends to be May, with speeds averaging around 7.5 mph.
Wind patterns can change based on local weather conditions. For example, coastal areas might experience stronger winds due to ocean breezes.
Despite seasonal variations, the overall wind climate in Long Beach remains fairly steady throughout the year. This makes it suitable for various outdoor activities, especially in coastal regions where the wind helps to moderate temperatures.
Average Air Quality In Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, often sees varying levels of air quality throughout the year. On average, the air quality index (AQI) ranges from the “good” to “moderate” category.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Overview:
- July: Good (11.9 µg/m³)
- August: Moderate (13.6 µg/m³)
- September and October: Higher Pollution Levels (24.8 µg/m³ and 24.5 µg/m³)
These averages can affect outdoor activities and overall health.
Real-time Examples of Air Quality:
- Current AQI: 28 (Good)
- PM2.5 Levels: 11 µg/m³
- PM10 Levels: 27 µg/m³
This shows that Long Beach often maintains good air quality but can experience less favorable conditions in certain months.
Environmental Factors:
- Pressure: Consistent atmospheric pressure helps in keeping pollution levels in check.
- Visibility: Good visibility is often seen with good air quality.
Data Sources:
Check real-time air quality and other environmental info from trusted resources such as IQAir and AccuWeather.
These platforms offer updated AQI, visibility, and pressure data essential for planning outdoor activities.
Topography Of Long Beach, California
Long Beach, located in Los Angeles County, is known for its diverse terrain. The city spans between the coordinates of 33.69058° N to 33.88556° N latitude and 118.24897° W to 118.06328° W longitude.
The average elevation of Long Beach is 39 feet above sea level. This relatively low elevation contributes to its mild coastal climate, which is influenced by the Pacific Ocean.
The city features flat areas as well as rolling hills. The highest points provide vistas of both urban landscapes and ocean views, showcasing the geographical diversity within the city limits.
Long Beach is surrounded by various geographical features. To the north and east, there are gently sloping hills, while to the south and west, you will primarily find coastal plains.
Elevation Data:
| Area | Elevation (feet) |
|---|---|
| Average | 39 |
| Highest Point | Approximately 30 |
The USGS topo map lists Long Beach with its highest point around 30 feet elevation, emphasizing its relatively flat terrain.
This topography, combined with its coastal location, makes Long Beach both accessible and picturesque, suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Boating, cycling, and running are popular pastimes enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year.
Heatwaves are common and can be intense. For instance, temperatures soared to 103°F at Long Beach Airport in July 2023, surpassing the previous record of 98°F. These events can pose health risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
Heavy rainfall and flooding are other significant concerns. In early 2024, a storm caused severe flooding, submerging parts of the 405 freeway under a foot of water. Prolonged periods of rain can lead to infrastructure damage and slow down daily activities significantly.
Hail is less frequent but has occurred. When hailstorms do happen, they can cause substantial damage to property and vehicles. Small hail events are typically noted during strong convective thunderstorms in spring.
Historical data reveals past extreme weather events. For example, the 1862 floods known as the “Noachian Deluge of California” created widespread devastation, although the impact on Long Beach wasn’t specifically documented.
Wildfires are less of a direct threat to Long Beach compared to inland areas. However, smoke from nearby fires can still affect air quality and visibility, causing health problems for residents.
Uncommon, but possible, tornadoes are another risk. Though rare, Southern California has documented tornadic activity, which can cause localized destruction in urban areas like Long Beach.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Long Beach, California
The best time to visit Long Beach is between May and September when the weather is warm, and crowds are fewer. Each season offers a unique experience, making Long Beach a year-round destination.
What Is Long Beach, California Like In Spring
Spring in Long Beach spans from March to May. During this time, temperatures typically range between 55°F and 75°F. Rainfall is minimal, averaging about 1-2 inches per month.
Daylight saving time begins in March, providing longer evenings to explore.
Spring is perfect for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific. The beaches are less crowded, making it an ideal time for a peaceful visit. The city garden blooms add extra color and life to the area.
What Is Long Beach, California Like In Summer
Summer months, from June to September, are warm and beautiful in Long Beach. Temperatures usually range from 74°F to 84°F during the day and cool to around 60°F at night.
This season sees the least rain, with almost no rainfall in July and August. Despite being the peak tourist season, Long Beach remains relatively quiet in summer best time to visit Long Beach.
The ocean water is comfortable for swimming, with temperatures between 65°F and 70°F. Summer is perfect for beach activities, sailing, and attending events like the Long Beach International Film Festival.
What Is Long Beach, California Like In Fall
Fall, from October to November, boasts mild and pleasant weather. Daytime temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. Nights can be cooler, sometimes dropping to around 50°F.
Rain begins to increase slightly but remains low. The beaches are less crowded, and the city takes on a more relaxed vibe.
Outdoor activities like visiting local parks, museums, and restaurants are still enjoyable. The sunsets are often spectacular, providing excellent photo opportunities.
What Is Long Beach, California Like In Winter
Winter in Long Beach, from December to February, is mild compared to many other places.
Daytime temperatures hover between 55°F and 70°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 40°F.
Rainfall increases, particularly in January, averaging 2-3 inches.
While it’s the rainy season, there are still many sunny days.
Water temperatures drop to 55°F to 60°F, making swimming less appealing.
Daylight saving time ends in November, leading to shorter days.
Visitors can enjoy indoor activities, including museums, theaters, and shopping, without large crowds.