Weather in Oakland, California
Fog and sun in daily rhythm. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 1:10 PM
- Moonset
- 3:47 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Fog and sun in daily rhythm
Oakland at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 3 (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 17, 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
September brings Oakland's warmest temperatures (~66°F mean) while December delivers the coldest (~52°F). Rain follows a predictable pattern, peaking in December (4.7 inches) and disappearing entirely in July (0.0 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53° | 4.3″ | 8 |
| February | 55° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| March | 57° | 3.2″ | 7 |
| April | 59° | 1.4″ | 4 |
| May | 61° | 0.8″ | 2 |
| June | 63° | 0.2″ | 1 |
| July | 64° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| August | 65° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| September | 66° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| October | 64° | 1.1″ | 2 |
| November | 58° | 2.4″ | 4 |
| December | 52° | 4.7″ | 8 |
Regional context
Oakland belongs to the hot-summer Mediterranean climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with neighboring cities throughout the area.
Similar climates: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Riverside, CA, Sacramento, CA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming period for California poppies across Oakland's hillsides, their orange petals opening with the morning sun.
By mid-May, Allen's hummingbirds have completed their northward migration, establishing territories in Oakland's gardens and parks.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Oakland?
- Oakland's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Oakland?
- December ranks as the wettest month with about 4.7 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 23 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Oakland?
- September typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 66°F.
- What is the coldest month in Oakland?
- December usually delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 52°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Oakland?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-April), while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Oakland get?
- Oakland experiences about 42 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Oakland?
- Oakland's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool provides the current zone designation when you enter the city ZIP code.
Climate
Oakland, California experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 53°F while July averages 64°F — creating a 12°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Oakland receives about 23 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 42 rainy days.
Geography shapes Oakland's weather patterns through latitude (37.8°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows here, when frost threatens, and the daily weather patterns residents experience.