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Contra Costa County Climate

Contra Costa County, California

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec60.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

60.4°F

Annual Precip

19.4"

Annual Snowfall

0.1"

Extreme Heat Days

40

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.9"
3.8"
2.7"
1.3"
0.7"
0.2"
0.0"
0.0"
0.1"
0.9"
2.0"
3.8"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

9b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,076

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 01/12
First fall frost (32°F): 12/19

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring55°63°4.7"Summer68°71°0.2"Fall55°70°2.9"Winter49°52°11.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 73% of US counties
Wetter than 13% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 2% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Contra Costa County

Climate Verdict

Contra Costa County has a warm, averaging 60.4°F year-round, semi-arid conditions with only 19.4 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 40.11666666666667 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 48.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.3°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 23°F difference between January and July. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Contra Costa County closely matches the California statewide average temperature of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 6.4 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 18.554258296267207 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Contra Costa County Weather

A Warm and Steady Bay Climate

Contra Costa County averages 60.4°F, putting it comfortably above the median temperature for the United States. Its weather is characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers.

Warmer and Drier Than State Averages

The county is warmer than the California average of 58.7°F. Its 19.4 inches of annual precipitation is about 6 inches lower than the state's 25.8-inch average.

Warmer and Drier than Alameda

Contra Costa is slightly warmer and drier than its neighbor Alameda County. While Alameda receives 18.1 inches of rain, Contra Costa receives 19.4 but has 14 more extreme heat days.

Forty Days of Heat and Zero Snow

July averages 71.3°F, contributing to 40 extreme heat days each year. Winter is very mild at 49.6°F with virtually no snow recorded annually.

Invest in Cooling for 40 Heatwaves

Air conditioning is essential for the 40 days of temperatures over 90°F. Because snow is non-existent, residents should prioritize summer gear and water-efficient landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Contra Costa County?
The average annual temperature in Contra Costa County, CA is 60.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Contra Costa County get?
Contra Costa County receives an average of 19.4 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Contra Costa County?
Yes, Contra Costa County receives an average of 0.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Contra Costa County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Contra Costa County is 70.3°F. The county experiences an average of 40 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Contra Costa County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Contra Costa County is 49.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 48.6°F.

Track your own weather in Contra Costa County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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