Bakersfield, CA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Bakersfield
Located in California, United States, Bakersfield experiences a semi-arid climate with big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 104°F (40°C) in July and dip to about 60°F (16°C) in December, with around 10.2 inches (259 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 104°F (40°C)
- Coldest month: December - highs near 60°F (16°C)
- Record high: 119°F (48°C) · Record low: 27°F (-3°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: December (6 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (13.9 h sun/day)
- Climate type: semi-arid - big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 104°F (40°C) and overnight lows stay near 77°F (25°C). The coolest month is December, with typical highs of 60°F (16°C) and lows around 41°F (5°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 119°F (48°C) and dropped as low as 27°F (-3°C).
Rain, sun and snow
December is usually the wettest month. It brings about 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain over 6 days, while July is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.9 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61° | 42° | 7 | 1.7 in | 8.0 h/day | 71% |
| February | 65° | 43° | 6 | 1.7 in | 9.4 h/day | 61% |
| March | 70° | 48° | 7 | 1.9 in | 10.4 h/day | 58% |
| April | 79° | 55° | 3 | 0.7 in | 11.8 h/day | 42% |
| May | 86° | 61° | 2 | 0.4 in | 13.2 h/day | 34% |
| June | 98° | 71° | 0 | 0.0 in | 13.8 h/day | 26% |
| July | 104° | 77° | 0 | 0.0 in | 13.9 h/day | 22% |
| August | 102° | 75° | 0 | 0.2 in | 12.9 h/day | 26% |
| September | 95° | 68° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.8 h/day | 30% |
| October | 83° | 58° | 1 | 0.2 in | 10.6 h/day | 38% |
| November | 69° | 46° | 4 | 1.1 in | 9.2 h/day | 55% |
| December | 60° | 41° | 6 | 2.2 in | 8.0 h/day | 69% |
Bakersfield month by month
Bakersfield weather in January
January brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 7 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in February
February brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 6 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in March
March brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 7 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in April
April brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 3 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in May
May brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 2 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in June
June brings highs around 98°F (36°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 0 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in July
July brings highs around 104°F (40°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 0 wet days - typically the hottest month and the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield weather in August
August brings highs around 102°F (39°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 0 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in September
September brings highs around 95°F (35°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 0 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in October
October brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 1 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in November
November brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 4 wet days.
Bakersfield weather in December
December brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 6 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Bakersfield.
Seasons in Bakersfield
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Bakersfield is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); rain falls on about 12 days over the three months.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Bakersfield brings serious heat, with daytime highs averaging 101°F (38°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Bakersfield runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Bakersfield stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 42°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 19 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Bakersfield?
Is Bakersfield hot in summer?
Is Bakersfield cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Bakersfield get in a year?
Best time to visit Bakersfield
The best time to visit Bakersfield is generally January to April and October to November, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Bakersfield with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 77°F (25°C).
Bakersfield temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.