Riverside, CA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Riverside
Located in California, United States, Riverside experiences a semi-arid climate with big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 96°F (35°C) in August and dip to about 65°F (18°C) in January, with around 14.7 inches (374 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 96°F (35°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 65°F (18°C)
- Record high: 116°F (47°C) · Record low: 28°F (-2°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (6 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (13.7 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 August. Highs average 96°F (35°C) and overnight lows stay near 67°F (19°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows around 44°F (7°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 116°F (47°C) and dropped as low as 28°F (-2°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain over 6 days, while June is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.7 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65° | 44° | 6 | 3.4 in | 8.3 h/day | 63% |
| February | 68° | 45° | 6 | 2.6 in | 9.0 h/day | 58% |
| March | 70° | 47° | 8 | 2.7 in | 10.2 h/day | 64% |
| April | 77° | 52° | 3 | 0.8 in | 11.3 h/day | 57% |
| May | 79° | 54° | 3 | 0.5 in | 12.0 h/day | 62% |
| June | 89° | 60° | 0 | 0.0 in | 13.3 h/day | 55% |
| July | 95° | 65° | 0 | 0.2 in | 13.7 h/day | 52% |
| August | 96° | 67° | 1 | 0.2 in | 12.7 h/day | 51% |
| September | 92° | 64° | 2 | 0.4 in | 11.3 h/day | 53% |
| October | 84° | 58° | 2 | 0.6 in | 10.3 h/day | 49% |
| November | 74° | 49° | 3 | 1.0 in | 9.4 h/day | 46% |
| December | 66° | 44° | 5 | 2.4 in | 8.2 h/day | 56% |
Riverside month by month
Riverside weather in January
January brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 6 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Riverside.
Riverside weather in February
February brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 6 wet days.
Riverside weather in March
March brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 47°F (9°C), about 8 wet days.
Riverside weather in April
April brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 3 wet days.
Riverside weather in May
May brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 3 wet days.
Riverside weather in June
June brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Riverside.
Riverside weather in July
July brings highs around 95°F (35°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 0 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Riverside.
Riverside weather in August
August brings highs around 96°F (35°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 1 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Riverside.
Riverside weather in September
September brings highs around 92°F (33°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 2 wet days.
Riverside weather in October
October brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 2 wet days.
Riverside weather in November
November brings highs around 74°F (24°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 3 wet days.
Riverside weather in December
December brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 5 wet days.
Seasons in Riverside
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Riverside is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Riverside turns very hot, with daytime highs averaging 93°F (34°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Riverside is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (29°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Riverside is mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 44°F (7°C); rain falls on about 17 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Riverside?
Is Riverside hot in summer?
Is Riverside cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Riverside get in a year?
Best time to visit Riverside
The best time to visit Riverside is generally January to May and November, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 72°F (22°C).
Pack for Riverside with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 67°F (19°C).
Riverside temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.