Weather in Elk Grove, California
Fog and sun in daily rhythm. Day 58 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—82°54°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—77°53°
- MondayMay 18Clear—86°61°
- TuesdayMay 19Mostly Clear—90°57°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—93°57°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—95°60°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—91°57°
- PM 2.5
- 3.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 6.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 0.7 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 114.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 3.8 Moderate
Flowers blooming in late autumn, a sure sign of a bad winter coming.
- Moonrise
- 12:20 PM
- Moonset
- 2:29 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Fog and sun in daily rhythm
Elk Grove at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F above the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 6 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 16, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Elk Grove's peak warmth with average temperatures around 78°F, while December delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 49°F. January sees the heaviest rainfall at 3.9 inches, contrasting sharply with July's complete absence of precipitation at 0.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| February | 53° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| March | 57° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| April | 61° | 1.4″ | 3 |
| May | 68° | 0.9″ | 2 |
| June | 74° | 0.2″ | 1 |
| July | 78° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| August | 77° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| September | 74° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| October | 66° | 0.9″ | 2 |
| November | 55° | 1.8″ | 4 |
| December | 49° | 3.5″ | 6 |
Regional context
The city falls within a hot-summer Mediterranean climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with surrounding communities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Riverside, CA, Sacramento, CA.
Naturalist notes
Valley oaks begin their spring leaf emergence in late March as daylight hours lengthen past the vernal equinox.
Anna's hummingbirds start their peak nesting activity in February, taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate's early spring warming.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Elk Grove?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Elk Grove, while the season's first frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Elk Grove?
- January delivers the most rainfall, averaging about 3.9 inches, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 19 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Elk Grove?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Elk Grove?
- December brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 49°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Elk Grove?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks later.
- How many rainy days does Elk Grove get?
- The city experiences approximately 38 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Elk Grove?
- The USDA hardiness zone for Elk Grove depends on average minimum winter temperatures; consult the USDA's online zone finder using the city's ZIP code for current designation.
Climate
Elk Grove, California experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate zone. Temperatures hover near 49°F in January and climb to an average of 78°F in July, creating a 29°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals approximately 19 inches, distributed across roughly 38 rainy days throughout the year.
Local weather patterns emerge from the city's position at 38.4°N latitude, its distance from large water bodies, and elevation factors. These elements determine plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.