Thanksgiving in California hits differently than in most other parts of the country. While folks elsewhere brace for cold snaps and maybe even snow, you’re more likely to get mild afternoons, cool nights, and mostly dry skies here. On average, daytime highs land in the 60s to 70s in a lot of places, but the evenings can dip into the 40s or 50s.
California’s size and wild geography mean the holiday weather never feels one-size-fits-all. Coastal cities like San Diego or Los Angeles usually stay warm and pleasant. Inland valleys wake up chilly and sometimes get foggy after a storm.
If you’re heading to the mountains, including the Sierra Nevada, you might run into early snow. That changes the whole vibe if you’re planning to travel or hang out outside.
Knowing what to expect really helps with planning—whether you’re packing for a trip, prepping for outdoor activities, or figuring out travel routes. Getting a handle on the typical Thanksgiving weather across California gives you a better idea of what you’re in for.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in California
You’ll usually get mild daytime warmth, cool evenings, and mostly dry skies in late November. Conditions shift by region, though. Coastal areas tend to be cooler, inland valleys warmer, and mountain spots get the sharpest drops at night.
Temperature Ranges and Patterns
Daytime temps often hang out in the 60s along the coast and climb into the 70s in the Central Valley. Down in Southern California, especially places like Riverside or San Bernardino, highs can hit the mid to upper 70s.
At night, temperatures drop fast. Coastal lows usually stay in the 50s, but inland valleys and foothills might fall into the 30s and 40s. Frost pops up now and then in rural valleys north of LA and in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The National Weather Service points out these big swings, saying inland areas can end up 7–10 degrees warmer than average during the day but much colder after dark. If you’re planning any outdoor gatherings, you’ll want to bring layers since things change quickly.
Precipitation and Rainfall Chances
Late November kicks off California’s wet season, but Thanksgiving usually brings dry weather most years. The National Weather Service often calls for little or no rain on the holiday itself, even if storms roll through earlier in the week.
Rain chances go up in Northern California, especially near the coast and around the mountains. Southern California mostly stays drier, and showers aren’t as common during this stretch.
When storms do show up, they usually bring light to moderate rain, not heavy downpours. In the mountains, colder systems can drop early-season snow, especially above 5,000 feet. This can mess with travel through passes like Donner Summit or Tejon Pass, so check the forecast before you drive.
Wind and Breezy Conditions
Winds really shape how Thanksgiving feels. Along the coast, sea breezes often cool things off in the afternoon, dropping temps a few degrees after 2 p.m. Inland, winds stay lighter but can still make evenings feel colder.
In Southern California, you might run into Santa Ana winds—they’re warm, dry, and gusty. These winds usually bump up temps east of LA and San Diego and drop the humidity.
Travelers should remember that strong winds can raise fire danger in drier spots. The National Weather Service puts out advisories when gusts could create hazardous driving or outdoor situations. Even without warnings, breezy afternoons are pretty common, so keep that in mind.
Regional Weather Variations Across California
Thanksgiving weather in California really depends on where you go. Coastal regions, inland valleys, deserts, and mountain areas all bring their own flavor—and that affects travel, outdoor plans, and safety.
Northern California Conditions
Northern California usually feels cooler and wetter than most of the state. Coastal cities like San Francisco tend to see highs in the upper 50s to low 60s °F, with fog or light rain possible. Inland valleys such as Sacramento can be a bit warmer, but chilly mornings are the norm.
Storms from the Pacific hit this part of the state more often in late November. Rain showers can slick up the roads, so you might need to allow extra travel time. The National Weather Service often puts out travel advisories when storms line up with the holiday.
If you’re heading for higher ground, like the Sierra Nevada, snow becomes a real factor. Even a little snow can trigger chain controls on highways like Interstate 80. It’s a good idea to check the latest forecast before driving through mountain passes.
Central California Overview
Central California includes the Central Valley and some of the coastal range. The valley usually gets mild afternoons in the 60s °F, but mornings and evenings can be cold, sometimes dropping into the 30s. Fog—especially tule fog—can make driving tough by cutting visibility.
Rain doesn’t show up as often here as in the north, but storms do reach the valley now and then. When they do, you might see steady rain that slows down travel and causes minor flooding in low spots. Agricultural areas can get muddy, making rural roads tricky.
Along the coast, places like Monterey or San Luis Obispo stay a bit milder, with highs in the low to mid-60s °F. Winds sometimes pick up near the shoreline, but conditions usually work out well for outdoor gatherings. The National Weather Service often points out that this region feels more stable than northern zones during the holiday.
Southern California Climate
Southern California usually stands out as the warmest part of the state for Thanksgiving. Coastal cities like Los Angeles often see highs in the low to mid-70s °F, while inland valleys can reach the upper 70s or even 80s. Nights cool off but rarely get cold.
Wind is the main weather issue here. Santa Ana winds often pop up in late fall, bringing dry air and gusty conditions. These winds can boost fire danger in foothill and canyon areas, even if there’s been some rain. The National Weather Service watches these events closely and sometimes issues Red Flag Warnings.
Rain is rare this time of year in the south, but when storms do come, they can cause localized flooding in cities. If you’re planning outdoor activities, you’ll probably get sunny skies, but always check for wind advisories.
Mountain and Desert Areas
California’s mountains and deserts show off the biggest range of Thanksgiving weather. In the Sierra Nevada, snow is common, and higher elevations usually stay below freezing. Ski resorts might open early if November brings storms. Travel through mountain passes can get rough, and you might need chains.
Desert regions like Palm Springs or Death Valley stay warm and dry. Daytime highs often reach the 70s or low 80s °F, with nights cooling down into the 40s or 50s. Rain almost never shows up during Thanksgiving, which makes these spots popular for outdoor fun.
Elevation and geography create sharp differences over short distances. You can drive from snowy mountain roads to sunny desert trails in just a few hours. Always check the latest forecast before heading out, since things can change fast.
Weather Trends for Popular Destinations
Thanksgiving weather in California shifts by region, with cooler, breezy air along the coast and warmer, drier conditions inland. Temps swing a lot between day and night, so what feels comfy at noon can get chilly after sunset.
San Francisco Bay Area
Expect mild afternoons and cool evenings around Thanksgiving in the Bay Area. Daytime highs usually land in the low to mid-60s °F, though warm spells can push things closer to the upper 60s. A light sea breeze often keeps the air crisp, especially near the Golden Gate and out by the coast.
Fog doesn’t show up as much in late November compared to summer, but you might still see low clouds in the morning. These usually clear out by midday, leaving a mix of sunshine and cool winds.
By late afternoon, temperatures drop fast. Evening lows often settle in the upper 40s to lower 50s, and inland valleys can dip into the 40s. If you’re planning a walk along the waterfront or hitting up outdoor markets, bring a jacket or sweater.
Los Angeles and Southern Coast
Southern California runs warmer and drier during Thanksgiving week. Highs often reach the low to mid-70s °F, with some inland spots like Riverside or San Bernardino climbing into the upper 70s. Sunshine is the norm, and offshore winds like the Santa Anas can make the air feel warmer than usual.
Coastal cities like Santa Monica and San Diego usually stay a few degrees cooler, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Breezes off the Pacific can bring a little chill by late afternoon.
At night, temps drop into the upper 40s to mid-50s, depending on how close you are to the water. If you’re out in the evening, light layers are the way to go.
Sacramento and Central Valley
The Central Valley gets some of the biggest temperature swings in California during Thanksgiving. Afternoon highs typically range from the upper 60s to mid-70s °F, which is warmer than the coast. Clear skies and dry air make the days great for travel or outdoor gatherings.
Once the sun sets, the air cools off quickly. Overnight lows often fall into the upper 30s and low 40s, especially in rural spots. Light frost isn’t unusual in the northern and central parts of the valley.
If you’re visiting Sacramento, Fresno, or Bakersfield, expect warm afternoons but get ready for chilly nights. A layered wardrobe handles those sharp day-to-night changes best.
Thanksgiving Week Travel and Outdoor Planning
Travel and outdoor plans during Thanksgiving week in California really hinge on where you’re headed. Conditions can swing from dry and sunny along the coast to snow and wind in the Sierra, so planning ahead saves you a lot of hassle.
Weather Impacts on Holiday Travel
You’ll usually get mild and dry weather in most of California during Thanksgiving week, but it varies by region. The Central Valley often has cool mornings and sunny afternoons, while the Bay Area sticks to the low 60s with light breezes.
If you’re heading to the Sierra, expect colder temps and maybe some snow by late November. Even light storms can make mountain passes slick. The National Weather Service often puts out travel advisories when snow showers are in the forecast, so check updates before you drive.
Air travel in California usually escapes the worst delays, but storms in the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast can still ripple through major airports.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Cool mornings and mild afternoons make midday the sweet spot for outdoor gatherings. In the Sacramento Valley, highs often reach the upper 60s to low 70s, while coastal areas stick to the 60s. These conditions work well for outdoor meals, short hikes, or family time outside.
If you’re heading to the mountains, early afternoons are best before temps drop off in the evening. Skiers usually get packed snow and calm winds early in the holiday week, though things can shift if a front moves in.
For the coast, light onshore breezes usually pick up later in the day. If you want calmer weather for beach walks or picnics, mornings are often a better bet.
Safety Tips for Changing Conditions
Weather can flip quickly, especially up north and in the higher elevations. Carrying warm layers—even if the day starts mild—keeps you ready for cooler evenings or sudden wind.
If you’re driving through mountain passes, keep chains in your car. Snow showers can show up with little warning, and road restrictions pop up often when things get dicey.
Stay tuned to National Weather Service alerts for the latest on rain, wind, or snow. Even if the forecast looks dry, clouds and light showers can sneak in late in the weekend, so leave a little wiggle room in your plans.
How to Stay Updated With Thanksgiving Weather
California’s weather can flip fast, especially when the holidays roll around. If you keep up with accurate updates, you’ll plan smarter, dodge delays, and stay ready for sudden changes in temperature or rain.
Using National Weather Service Resources
The National Weather Service (NWS) gives you the most reliable and detailed forecasts for California. Head to their website for real-time updates, radar maps, advisories, and alerts.
With these resources, you can track rain systems, wind advisories, or even mountain snow that could mess with your travel plans.
NWS forecasts come out several times a day, so you’ll always catch the latest on storm tracks or temperature swings. If you want, you can sign up for email or text alerts to get warnings about hazardous conditions right where you are.
Travelers can use the NWS site’s point-and-click forecasts. Just enter your destination to see expected highs, lows, and the chance of rain.
This makes life easier whether you’re driving through the Central Valley, heading up to the Sierra Nevada, or sticking to the coast.
Reliable Forecast Tools and Apps
Besides NWS, you’ve got other trusted forecast tools and apps to help you plan. Try out Weather Underground, AccuWeather, and The Weather Channel—they all offer hourly breakdowns, radar imagery, and push notifications.
These features come in handy when you’re on the move and need a quick update. Look for apps that let you save multiple locations.
That way, you can keep tabs on both your starting point and where you’re headed. If you’re traveling from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, for example, you’ll notice if the weather shifts a lot along the way.
A lot of these apps also have interactive radar maps. You’ll see rain bands, snow levels, and wind speeds in real time.
That’s a big deal in California, since the weather can change a lot from one region to another. When you pair these tools with NWS forecasts, you’ll get the clearest idea of what’s coming.
What to Pack and Wear for Thanksgiving in California
Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. Conditions really depend on whether you’re near the coast, inland, or in the mountains.
It’s smart to pack clothing that adapts to changing temperatures and maybe a little rain.
Layering for Variable Temperatures
Thanksgiving in California usually means daytime highs somewhere in the 60s to low 80s in lower elevations. Mornings and evenings, though, can get pretty chilly, especially inland or near the water.
Layering is the best way to stay comfortable without stuffing your suitcase. Start with a light base layer—think cotton or a breathable long-sleeve shirt.
Add a medium layer like a sweater, fleece, or light hoodie. For colder nights, toss in a lightweight insulated jacket or a packable puffer.
If you’re in Southern California, you might get by with just short sleeves and a light jacket. Up north, you’ll probably want warmer layers once the sun goes down.
Planning a trip to the mountains? Pack heavier outerwear, since it gets much colder at higher elevations.
Jeans or casual pants work for most places, but you might want a pair of shorts if you’ll be somewhere warm.
For shoes, go with comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for city days, and bring sturdy shoes if you’ll be outdoors.
Rain Gear and Accessories
Rain doesn’t show up much in Southern California in late November. Northern and Central California, though, might get some showers. I’d toss in a packable rain jacket or a water-resistant shell just in case. Umbrellas work well in cities, but honestly, they’re a pain if you’re hiking or wandering outdoors.
Accessories really help. A scarf or light beanie can make those chilly mornings and evenings a lot more comfortable. You’ll want sunglasses too, since afternoons can get surprisingly bright. If you’re heading up to the mountains, don’t forget gloves and some heavier cold-weather gear.
I always bring a small daypack for layers, snacks, and water when I’m out exploring. It makes it easy to swap things out if the weather changes or if you get caught in a random shower.