Santa Ana, California – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: A Detailed Overview

Nestled in Southern California, Santa Ana enjoys a generally mild climate throughout the year.

The warm season lasts from early July to the end of September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 80°F.

August stands out as the hottest month, featuring highs around 83°F and lows near 65°F.

During the cooler months, spanning from late November to late March, the average daily high temperatures drop below 70°F.

December and January tend to be the chilliest, often with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to mid-60s.

This favorable weather pattern makes the city an attractive destination for those looking to escape harsher climates.

Santa Ana’s Mediterranean climate is marked by dry summers and mild, wetter winters.

Rainfall is sporadic, often peaking in the cooler months and tapering off in the summer.

For detailed information on the weather patterns and seasonal changes, visit the climate data page for Santa Ana on Weather Spark.

Average Temperature in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California, experiences mild weather throughout the year.

The average high temperature typically ranges from 67°F in the colder months to around 84°F in the warmest month, usually August.

The average low temperature can drop to about 45°F, often seen in December and January.

Monthly Average Temperatures

The coldest month is December with an average high of 67°F and a low of 45°F.

The warmest month is August when temperatures can reach an average high of 84°F.

Over the year, temperatures remain fairly consistent, which makes Santa Ana a comfortable place to live.

For articles and detailed discussions on temperatures, you can find more information on temperature.

Average Precipitation in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana has a moderate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Total precipitation varies throughout the year, with winter being the wettest period.

Average Rainfall in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana experiences most of its rainfall during the winter months.

The wettest month is usually February, with an average of around 3.2 inches of rain.

In contrast, the summer months are much drier. July often sees the least rain with barely 0.1 inches.

This seasonal variation means residents can expect damp conditions from late fall to early spring.

The annual total precipitation typically amounts to about 14 inches. This makes Santa Ana relatively dry compared to other regions in the U.S.

The majority of rainfall happens in short bursts associated with winter storms.

This pattern contributes to the overall dry climate outside of the wet season.

Average Snow in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana rarely sees snow due to its warm climate.

The area’s elevation and proximity to the coast keep temperatures well above freezing. As a result, winter precipitation falls as rain rather than snow.

Periods of snow in Santa Ana are extremely rare events.

When snow does occur in the greater Orange County area, it’s usually restricted to higher elevations far from the city.

Residents of Santa Ana can generally expect to experience mild, snow-free winters.

Since snow is such an uncommon event, it does not significantly impact the city’s average precipitation totals.

This contributes to the region’s reputation for having mild, temperate winters. Snow and ice very seldom disrupt daily life here.

Average Sun in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California, enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year.

The city experiences varying daylight hours with the longest days in June and the shortest in December. The average daily solar energy also changes with the seasons.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana receives a considerable amount of shortwave solar energy, which varies throughout the year.

During the summer months, daily solar energy peaks because of longer daylight hours.

June, for example, has the longest days, providing about 14.4 hours of daylight.

In contrast, December has the shortest days with around 9.9 hours of daylight. This results in lower daily solar energy compared to the summer.

The average daily shortwave solar energy in Santa Ana is essential for understanding the city’s climate patterns.

It influences activities such as solar power generation and outdoor lifestyles, providing a clear picture of the sun’s impact year-round.

Even in the cooler months, the city receives enough sunshine to support various outdoor activities and maintain a pleasant climate.

Average Humidity in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California experiences fluctuating humidity levels throughout the year.

• Highest Relative Humidity:
  • March has the highest relative humidity, averaging around 73%.
• Lowest Relative Humidity:
  • November typically sees the lowest relative humidity levels, although specific percentages aren’t mentioned, it is typically lower than March.

The city’s proximity to the coast contributes to consistent humidity levels.

• Monthly Averages:
  • Summer months: Humidity ranges tend to be moderate.
  • Winter months: Experience higher average humidity, especially in December and January.

Humidity levels can affect comfort, making some months feel warmer or cooler than the actual temperature.

Santa Ana’s humidity levels are manageable and contribute to the mild climate.

For more detailed data, the climate information can be found at Weatherspark.

Average Wind in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana experiences varied wind speeds throughout the year. The winds are generally stronger in the winter months and calmer during the summer.

Wind speeds tend to range between 5 to 15 miles per hour most of the year.

During the fall, known for the famous Santa Ana winds, speeds can occasionally exceed 20 miles per hour.

These strong winds are often dry and warm, originating from inland areas and moving towards the coast. They influence local weather and can increase the risk of wildfires.

Wind direction is mostly from the west. However, during Santa Ana wind events, the wind comes from the northeast, bringing a unique weather dynamic to the area.

In general, May to September experiences lighter winds.

October to April often sees more frequent and stronger winds, contributing to the overall wind profile throughout the year.

For detailed articles about wind variations, you can visit relevant wind articles.

Average Air Quality in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana typically enjoys good air quality most of the year. According to IQAir, the Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls in the “Good” range, which is between 0 and 50.

Occasionally, the air quality in certain areas like Oak Street and Casa Terrazas might reach the “Moderate” level, with AQI values between 51 and 100. During these times, it may be advisable for sensitive individuals to limit their outdoor activities.

Below is a quick overview of typical air quality levels:

• Good (0-50 AQI): Most days.
• Moderate (51-100 AQI): Occasionally, especially near busy roads or industrial areas.

Common pollutants include:

• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter that can impact health, especially for people with respiratory issues.

The weather can influence air quality. Higher temperatures and lower wind speeds can sometimes lead to worsened conditions.

• Temperature: Ranges from 66°F to 86°F.
• Wind Speed: Averages around 8.9 mph.

For daily updates, AccuWeather provides a localized Air Quality Index and forecast for Santa Ana.

Topography of Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, located in Orange County, California, has unique topographic features.

The city sits at approximately 33.745°N latitude and 117.867°W longitude. The elevation varies from a minimum of about -10 feet to a maximum of 2,188 feet. However, the average elevation is around 272 feet.

Santa Ana is primarily situated on flat, low-lying plains, which means there’s little variation in elevation across most of the city. This makes for easy navigation and planning within the urban environment.

To the west, the Santa Ana River runs through parts of the city. The river has been mostly channelized to control flooding, especially during heavy rain seasons. This is a significant part of Santa Ana’s landscape.

Santa Ana is also near the Santa Ana Mountains, which are located to the east of the city. While they don’t directly affect the city’s terrain, they provide a distinctive backdrop.

Here is a quick overview:

Santa Ana’s topography plays a role in its climate, influencing factors like temperature and rainfall. For further details, explore the Santa Ana topographic map.

Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California, faces a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can significantly impact daily life and safety. Understanding them helps in preparedness and mitigation.

One notable weather phenomenon in Santa Ana is the Santa Ana winds. These hot, dry winds originate inland and blow towards the coast. They can exacerbate wildfire risks due to their high speed, which often reaches up to 40 miles per hour or more.

Wildfires are a frequent hazard during the dry months. These fires can spread rapidly, especially with the strong winds that are common in the area. Wildfire season usually peaks from late summer to early autumn.

Santa Ana also experiences electrical storms, which bring lightning and thunder. These electrical storms can sometimes lead to power outages and pose a risk of igniting wildfires if lightning strikes dry vegetation.

Hail is another extreme weather event that can occur, particularly during severe thunderstorms. While not as common as other types of weather events, hail can cause property damage and pose a risk to individuals caught outside.

In addition to these weather events, other almost frequent occurrences include heatwaves. These periods of excessively high temperatures, often over 100°F, can lead to heat-related illnesses and strain on the power grid.

Santa Ana’s climate also sees flash flooding events. During heavy rainfalls, streets can flood quickly, leading to dangerous driving conditions and property damage. This is especially common during the winter months when storms are more frequent.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and ideal for outdoor activities.

What Is Santa Ana, California Like in Spring

Spring in Santa Ana, running from March to May, offers mild and comfortable weather. Temperatures range between 60°F to 75°F. This is a great time for outdoor activities as flowers bloom and days are mostly sunny. Local parks and the Bowers Museum become popular spots among tourists. Rain is minimal, making it easier to explore the city without disruptions.

What Is Santa Ana, California Like in Summer

Summer in Santa Ana lasts from June to September. The weather can get quite warm, with average high temperatures around 83°F in August. Night temperatures usually remain comfortable, averaging around 65°F. Although it’s a good time for beach-goers, the heat can be intense for some visitors. If you prefer cooler activities, visit the Discovery Cube Orange County or other indoor locations.

What Is Santa Ana, California Like in Fall

Fall, from September to November, is often considered the best time to visit Santa Ana. Temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F, making it perfect for outdoor activities and events. The Santiago Park Nature Reserve offers hiking trails that are particularly attractive during this season. Fewer tourists and milder weather make it an ideal time for a relaxed visit.

What Is Santa Ana, California Like in Winter

Winter in Santa Ana spans from December to February. Though cooler, the weather remains mild compared to many other places in the United States.

Average high temperatures stay around 68°F, while lows can drop to 48°F. Occasional rain showers bring freshness to the air.

This is a good time to visit indoor attractions like theaters and museums. Holiday events also add charm to the city during these months.