Kern County Climate
Kern County, California
Avg Annual Temp
63.0°F
Annual Precip
8.6"
Annual Snowfall
1.3"
Extreme Heat Days
105.7153846153846
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Kern County Weather
Arid and Warm Southern Valley
Kern County’s 63.0°F annual average makes it warmer than the national median, typical of a southern interior valley. It is an arid region, receiving just 8.6 inches of rain compared to the 25.8-inch state average.
A Southern Valley Heat Trap
Averaging 63.0°F, Kern is warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It sits at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley where heat trapped by surrounding mountains drives up annual figures.
Drier Than Its Neighbors
Kern is drier than neighboring Tulare County and experiences more extreme heat than coastal San Luis Obispo. It features a unique mix of valley floor heat and slightly cooler mountain foothills.
Hot Summers and Rare Snowfall
The county endures 106 extreme heat days annually, with summer averages reaching 79.5°F. Winters are mild at 47.4°F, and snowfall is rare at only 1.3 inches, mostly occurring at higher elevations.
Equip for the Heat
A powerful air conditioning system is vital to handle the 106 days over 90°F. Because the county receives only 8.6 inches of rain, residents should focus on water-efficient appliances and xeriscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Kern County?
How much rain does Kern County get?
Does it snow in Kern County?
How hot does Kern County get in summer?
How cold are winters in Kern County?
Track your own weather in Kern County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.