Thinking about a Valentine’s Day plan in California? The first thing that comes up: what kind of weather should you expect? Most years, you’ll get mild temperatures, a mix of sun and clouds, and just a slight chance of rain in most spots. It’s not blazing hot, but it’s usually nice enough for a hike, a beach stroll, or even just a cozy coffee date inside.
California’s weather can really flip depending on where you are. In coastal cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, you’ll probably hang out in the 60s. San Francisco, though, often feels cooler and cloudier. Once you head inland or up into the mountains, you might wake up to brisk mornings or even see snow if you’re high enough.
These patterns can help you pick the right vibe for your Valentine’s Day. Want a picnic by the beach, a wine tour, or maybe a snowy cabin getaway? The weather sets the tone, so planning ahead just makes sense.
Typical Weather Patterns on Valentine’s Day in California
You’ll usually run into mild to cool temperatures, a chance of rain depending on where you are, and daylight lasting almost 11 hours. The coast, valleys, and mountains all have their own thing going on, so your experience will really depend on your location.
Temperature Ranges Across the State
Along the coast—think Los Angeles and San Diego—afternoon highs usually hit the low to mid-60s °F (16–18 °C). Nights drop into the upper 40s or low 50s °F (8–11 °C). A light jacket does the trick here.
San Francisco and the Bay Area stay a bit cooler. Highs hover in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (14–16 °C), and evenings dip into the mid-40s °F (7 °C).
The Central Valley, like Sacramento and Fresno, cools off more. Highs average in the upper 50s °F (14–15 °C), and nights can fall into the low 40s °F (5–6 °C).
Mountain towns such as Lake Tahoe or Mammoth? Way colder. Highs sometimes only reach the 30s °F (0–4 °C), and nights drop well below freezing. Snow is common, so you’ll want to bring winter gear.
Precipitation Trends and Rainfall Probability
February lands in California’s wet season, so rain can show up. The odds change a lot by region.
- San Francisco/Sacramento: 30–40% chance of showers, with monthly totals around 3–4 inches.
- Los Angeles/San Diego: 15–25% chance of rain, usually closer to 1–2 inches for the month.
- Mountains (Tahoe, Mammoth): Precipitation mostly falls as snow, sometimes heavy.
Most rain arrives in short bursts, not all-day downpours. If you’re hoping for outdoor fun, check the forecast and maybe have a backup plan. Coastal and valley cities might get damp and cloudy, while the mountains can see fresh snow—great for skiing or snowboarding.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
Mid-February gives you about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight, depending on how far north you are. San Francisco gets a little less sun than San Diego.
On Valentine’s Day, sunrise usually happens around 6:50–7:00 a.m., and sunset comes between 5:30–5:45 p.m.
That’s a pretty generous window for outdoor plans. Whether you want to walk the coast, taste wine, or ski, you’ll have enough daylight. Southern California hangs onto the evening light a bit longer, while northern areas lose it a few minutes sooner.
Regional Differences: Northern vs. Southern California
Weather in California around Valentine’s Day really depends on your spot. Coastal areas often feel mild and maybe a bit damp, while valleys, mountains, and deserts bring more variety—colder nights, warmer afternoons, or snow.
Coastal Areas vs. Inland Valleys
On the coast, the north is cooler and wetter than the south. In Northern California—like San Francisco—daytime highs usually stick in the upper 50s to low 60s °F, with frequent showers and fog. Nights drop into the mid to upper 40s °F.
Southern California’s coast, including Los Angeles and San Diego, runs warmer. Highs reach the upper 60s °F, and lows hover near 50 °F. Rain doesn’t show up as often, but quick winter storms can still roll in.
Inland valleys show a bigger difference. Sacramento, up north, averages highs in the low 60s °F and lows in the low 40s °F, with more rain than the south. Southern valleys, like near Riverside, are drier and warmer, sometimes climbing into the low 70s °F during the day.
Quick Comparison (Mid-February Averages):
- San Francisco: 60°F high / 49°F low
- Los Angeles: 68°F high / 50°F low
- Sacramento: 61°F high / 43°F low
- Riverside: ~70°F high / ~45°F low
Mountain and Desert Climates
Mountains bring the coldest weather. The Sierra Nevada usually has snow, with highs in the 30s to 40s °F and lows well below freezing. If you’re headed up there, expect icy roads and winter travel restrictions.
Deserts like Palm Springs or Death Valley are much warmer. Palm Springs averages highs in the low 70s °F and lows around 50 °F, with very little rainfall. Skies stay clear, so lots of people visit in winter.
You could ski in the Sierra in the morning, then drive a few hours and catch sunshine in the desert by afternoon. This variety makes packing a bit tricky, but it’s part of the fun.
Valentine’s Day Weather in Major California Cities
California’s weather shifts a lot in February. Coastal cities mostly stay mild with sun and clouds, while inland spots see bigger temperature swings and some rain. Knowing the differences helps you plan your day or night out with fewer surprises.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles in mid-February usually serves up mild days and cool nights. Average highs reach the upper 60s °F (18–20 °C), and nighttime lows drop into the upper 40s to low 50s °F (8–11 °C). Rain can happen, but storms are short and sunshine isn’t far behind.
Humidity stays low, so the air feels crisp. Skies are often partly cloudy, but February is still one of the clearer months along the coast. Sunsets arrive around 5:30 p.m., leaving plenty of daylight for outdoor plans before it cools off.
If you’re heading outside—maybe hiking in Griffith Park or grabbing dinner on a patio—bring a light jacket. You won’t need rain gear all day, but a small umbrella might come in handy if a shower pops up.
San Francisco
San Francisco feels cooler and wetter than SoCal. Afternoon highs land in the upper 50s °F (14–15 °C), and nights sink into the mid-40s °F (7 °C). February is still the rainy season here, so you’ll want to plan for a higher chance of showers.
Fog doesn’t show up as much as in summer, but low clouds and damp mornings happen a lot. Winds off the bay can make it feel colder, especially after dark.
You’ll want to dress in layers since the weather can shift fast between neighborhoods. A waterproof jacket makes sense if you’re walking along the Embarcadero or exploring Golden Gate Park.
San Diego
San Diego probably has the most reliable weather in California during February. Highs usually reach the mid to upper 60s °F (18–19 °C), and nights cool off to the upper 40s to low 50s °F (8–11 °C). Rain can happen, but showers are quick and light.
The coast keeps temperatures steady, so you don’t get big swings from day to night. Skies are often partly sunny, and it’s mild enough for outdoor dining or beach walks.
If you’re thinking about a harbor cruise, the zoo, or a stroll in Balboa Park, you’ll be comfortable—just bring a light jacket for the evening. Sunsets are colorful and come around 5:30 p.m., which is perfect for late-afternoon plans.
Notable Weather Events and Historical Extremes
Valentine’s Day weather in California has ranged from unseasonably hot desert afternoons to chilly mornings in the mountains. Some years brought heavy rain, others stayed dry and mild. These records really show how much things can swing based on where you are.
Record Highs and Lows
Temperatures on February 14 have landed at extreme ends of the scale in California. The hottest Valentine’s Day on record hit 94°F in Thermal in 2016, out in the Coachella Valley. That’s not the norm, but it proves the desert can heat up fast, even in February.
Mountains and inland valleys have dropped below freezing on Valentine’s. In higher elevations, lows can dip well under 32°F, so icy mornings aren’t out of the question. Coastal areas usually stay milder, but you’ll still feel a chill at night if you’re inland.
Here’s a quick look at temperature extremes:
| Location | Record High | Record Low |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal (Desert) | 94°F (2016) | 29°F |
| Los Angeles | 85°F | 36°F |
| Sacramento | 78°F | 30°F |
These numbers show how Valentine’s Day in California can swing from spring-like to wintry, all depending on geography.
Significant Rainfall and Storm Incidents
Rain on Valentine’s Day in California can be just as unpredictable as the temperature. Some years, storms brought heavy downpours, especially up north. San Francisco and Sacramento have both seen more than an inch of rain in a single day.
Southern California gets wet holidays less often, but it can still happen. When Pacific storms move in, Los Angeles can get steady rain that makes roads slick and causes some minor flooding. Inland valleys and foothills sometimes deal with runoff and muddy spots.
One of the wildest winter events tied to Valentine’s week was the Great Blizzard of 1899, which hit much of the country. California didn’t get buried in snow, but the Arctic air brought unusually cold, unsettled weather to the state.
These stormy memories are a good reminder: check the forecast, especially if you’re planning to be outside. February weather can flip from dry skies to rain pretty quickly.
How Weather Impacts Valentine’s Day Activities
California’s mild winters usually let you do a lot more than in colder states. Still, rain, chilly evenings, and mountain snow can nudge you to tweak your plans.
Outdoor Dining and Events
Plenty of California cities feel comfortable enough for outdoor dining in February. Highs often land in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F on the coast, and inland valleys can get a little warmer. Patio seating or wine tasting is definitely doable.
But evenings cool off fast after sunset. Temperatures often drop into the 40s °F, so you’ll probably want a jacket or maybe even an outdoor heater. Restaurants in places like San Diego, LA, and the Bay Area usually prep for this with blankets or covered patios.
Rain is less common in SoCal, but Northern California sees more wet days in February. A passing shower can put a damper on concerts, gardens, or beach walks. Checking the forecast a few days out helps you decide if you want to risk an outdoor reservation or keep a backup plan in mind.
Travel and Road Conditions
Traveling across California in mid-February really depends on the region. Coastal highways usually stay clear, but you might hit wet roads during winter storms. Sometimes, light or moderate rain slows down traffic, especially around the Bay Area or Los Angeles.
If you’re heading to the mountains, conditions can change fast. The Sierra Nevada often gets snow in February, and you may need chains on I-80 or Highway 50. Even smaller mountain roads can turn icy overnight, so it’s smart to check ahead.
Storms sometimes cause delays at Northern California airports. While you’re less likely to see major disruptions than in snowier states, it’s worth giving yourself extra time for flights or long drives. Preparing for changing conditions can help you avoid last-minute stress.
Tips for Planning Around California’s Valentine’s Day Weather
Weather in California during mid-February? It can flip on you, honestly. Coastal areas usually stay mild and sunny, but mountain regions might still have snow and colder nights. If you pack smart and stay flexible, you’ll probably enjoy your trip a lot more.
What to Pack and Wear
During the day in Southern California cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, you’ll often see highs in the upper 60s °F (around 19–21°C). Once the sun sets, it cools down to the 40s or 50s °F (8–12°C). A light jacket, sweater, or just a few layers will keep you comfortable.
Heading up to Northern California or coastal spots like San Francisco? Expect cooler highs, maybe in the low 60s °F (16–17°C), and more rain. You’ll want a water-resistant jacket and comfortable shoes for sure.
Mountain destinations like Big Bear Lake or Yosemite get downright cold at night, sometimes dropping below freezing. If snow is in the forecast, bring thermal layers, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Packing checklist:
- Layers: T-shirts, sweaters, jackets
- Rain gear: Umbrella or waterproof jacket
- Footwear: Sneakers for cities, boots for mountains
- Accessories: Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny afternoons
Making Last-Minute Adjustments
California’s February weather? It can flip on you fast, especially when storms roll in. I’d check local forecasts a few days before heading out, then again that morning.
That way, you’ll know if you need to toss in extra rain gear or rethink your outdoor plans.
If rain looks likely, maybe trade that beach walk or patio dining for something indoors—wine tastings, museums, or just a cozy restaurant sound good.
Coastal storms sometimes mess with driving too, so it’s smart to give yourself more time on the road.
If you’re heading to the mountains and snow’s in the forecast, you’ll probably need chains for your tires. Rental car companies in California usually have them, but I’d double-check before you pick up your car.
Always check road conditions through Caltrans before driving into higher elevations.
Staying flexible with your plans and your packing makes it way easier to roll with California’s mix of sun, rain, and chilly evenings.