Weather in Mission Viejo, California
Fog and sun in daily rhythm. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—71°57°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—71°56°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—70°53°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—74°58°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—73°58°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—72°57°
- FridayMay 22Clear—73°57°
- PM 2.5
- 10.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 17.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 0.9 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 92.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 1.6 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 1:05 PM
- Moonset
- 3:14 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Fog and sun in daily rhythm
Mission Viejo at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 13°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 9 (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
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Mission Viejo's highest temperatures at around 71°F mean, while December delivers the coolest readings at 56°F. February sees peak rainfall with 3.4 inches, contrasting sharply with August's bone-dry 0.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56° | 2.8″ | 5 |
| February | 56° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| March | 59° | 1.6″ | 3 |
| April | 61° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| May | 65° | 0.2″ | 1 |
| June | 67° | 0.1″ | 1 |
| July | 70° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| August | 71° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| September | 70° | 0.2″ | 0 |
| October | 66° | 0.5″ | 1 |
| November | 60° | 1.1″ | 1 |
| December | 56° | 1.9″ | 3 |
Regional context
Located within a hot-summer Mediterranean climate region, Mission Viejo shares temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate cohort.
Similar climates: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Riverside, CA, Sacramento, CA.
Naturalist notes
California poppies typically begin their peak bloom in late April, painting hillsides orange across Mission Viejo's Mediterranean landscape.
Allen's hummingbirds start their northward migration through the area in late February, often arriving just as the first wildflowers open.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Mission Viejo?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-March in Mission Viejo, while the season's first frost returns around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Mission Viejo?
- February brings the heaviest rainfall, averaging about 3.4 inches, while the city receives roughly 13 inches total each year.
- What is the warmest month in Mission Viejo?
- August typically records the highest temperatures, averaging about 71°F.
- What is the coldest month in Mission Viejo?
- December usually brings the coolest weather, averaging about 56°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Mission Viejo?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can go in the ground around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Mission Viejo get?
- Mission Viejo sees about 23 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Mission Viejo?
- Mission Viejo's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code for current zone designation.
Climate
Mission Viejo, California experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate zone. Temperatures hover near 56°F in January and reach an average of 70°F in July, creating a 14°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 13 inches, falling across roughly 23 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude at 33.6°N, along with its proximity to large water bodies and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.