Kern County Climate
Kern County, California
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
63.0°F
Annual Precip
8.6"
Annual Snowfall
1.3"
Extreme Heat Days
106
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
9b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
5,252
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Kern County
Climate Verdict
Kern County has a warm, averaging 63.0°F year-round, arid conditions receiving just 8.6 inches of precipitation annually, significant summer heat with 105.7153846153846 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 1.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 46.6°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 81.9°F. The 35°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change. December is typically the coldest month and July the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat.
Regional Context
Kern County is 4.3°F warmer than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 17.1 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 47.04445965245072 more extreme heat days than the state average.
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
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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.