Weather in Richmond, California
Fog and sun in daily rhythm. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Clear—75°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—74°51°
- MondayMay 18Mostly Clear—85°56°
- TuesdayMay 19Partly Cloudy—88°60°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—84°59°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—78°57°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—73°55°
- PM 2.5
- 7.5 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 80.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 2.3 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 1:10 PM
- Moonset
- 3:48 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Fog and sun in daily rhythm
Richmond at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 4 (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
Richmond's warmest month is September (~71°F mean) and its coldest is January (~50°F). Rainfall peaks in December (4.5 inches) and bottoms out in July (0.0 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50° | 4.5″ | 15 |
| February | 54° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| March | 57° | 3.2″ | 11 |
| April | 60° | 1.4″ | 5 |
| May | 65° | 0.8″ | 3 |
| June | 69° | 0.2″ | 1 |
| July | 71° | 0.0″ | 1 |
| August | 71° | 0.0″ | 1 |
| September | 71° | 0.1″ | 1 |
| October | 66° | 1.0″ | 3 |
| November | 56° | 2.2″ | 7 |
| December | 50° | 4.5″ | 15 |
Regional context
Richmond occupies a hot-summer Mediterranean climate region, placing it among a group of nearby cities that share comparable temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Riverside, CA, Sacramento, CA.
Naturalist notes
By late May, fledgling Anna's hummingbirds begin visiting backyard feeders around Richmond's hill neighborhoods as the first brood of the season leaves the nest, timed to the late-spring pulse of blooming coastal sage.
Barn swallows returning to the bayshore in May start collecting mud for their cup-shaped nests under docks and bridges, a signal that insect activity over the water is finally peaking for the season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Richmond?
- Richmond's final spring frost typically strikes around mid-April; the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Richmond?
- December is the wettest month, bringing about 4.5 inches of rain on average. The city receives roughly 21 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Richmond?
- September is typically the warmest month, with an average temperature of about 71°F.
- What is the coldest month in Richmond?
- January is typically the coldest month, averaging about 50°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Richmond?
- Cool-season crops such as peas and lettuce can be sown around the date of the last spring frost (mid-April). Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after that.
- How many rainy days does Richmond get?
- Richmond averages about 75 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Richmond?
- Richmond's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. Use the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code to check the current zone designation.
Climate
Richmond, California falls within a hot-summer Mediterranean climate zone. Average January temperatures stay near 50°F while July averages 71°F — a 21°F seasonal swing.
Over the course of a year, Richmond collects about 21 inches of precipitation across roughly 75 rainy days.
The city's yearly rhythm is shaped by latitude (37.9°N), nearby water bodies, and local elevation. Together these factors influence what can grow, when frost is likely to appear, and how daily weather patterns unfold.