Merced County Climate
Merced County, California
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
62.8°F
Annual Precip
10.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"
Extreme Heat Days
98
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
9a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
5,011
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Merced County
Climate Verdict
Merced County has a warm, averaging 62.8°F year-round, arid conditions receiving just 10.4 inches of precipitation annually, significant summer heat with 97.9142857142857 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 47.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 78.7°F. The 32°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
Merced County is 4.1°F warmer than the California statewide average of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 15.4 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 39.24336075135182 more extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Merced County Weather
A warm and sun-drenched county
Merced County averages 62.8°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. It is characterized by long periods of sunshine and very little annual rainfall.
Warmer than the average Californian
At 62.8°F, Merced is four degrees warmer than the state average of 58.7°F. This inland warmth is typical for the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
Extremely dry compared to neighbors
Merced receives only 10.4 inches of precipitation, far below the California average of 25.8 inches. It is one of the drier populated regions in the state, with zero annual snowfall.
Nearly 100 days of extreme heat
Summer is dominated by 98 days over 90°F and a July average of 78.7°F. Winters are cool and dry, with a January average of 47.1°F and no snow to speak of.
Focus on cooling and hydration
The 98 days of extreme heat make high-performance air conditioning a non-negotiable for residents. Because the county only receives 10.4 inches of rain, water conservation and irrigation are critical year-round.
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.