San Luis Obispo County Climate
San Luis Obispo County, California
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
59.8°F
Annual Precip
20.7"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"
Extreme Heat Days
32
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
10a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
3,742
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: San Luis Obispo County
Climate Verdict
San Luis Obispo County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 59.8°F, semi-arid conditions with only 20.7 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 32.17142857142857 per year 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 52.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 66.8°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 14°F difference between January and July. December is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.
Regional Context
San Luis Obispo County closely matches the California statewide average temperature of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.1 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 26.499496391505303 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About San Luis Obispo County Weather
San Luis Obispo's temperate coast
San Luis Obispo County averages 59.8°F, offering a mild climate slightly above the national median. It receives 20.7 inches of rain, mostly during the winter season.
Matching the California climate norm
The county's 59.8°F average is remarkably close to the California state average of 58.7°F. Its rainfall of 20.7 inches is slightly drier than the state average of 25.8 inches.
More moderate than inland neighbors
San Luis Obispo is cooler and wetter than San Benito County. While it only averages 32 heat days, San Benito experiences 54, showing the cooling influence of the Pacific.
Mild summers and no snow
The county sees just 32 extreme heat days a year, with July averaging 66.8°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average of 52.4°F and zero inches of snowfall.
Embrace the coastal mildness
Mild clothing works year-round for the 52-to-66 degree range. While 32 heat days occur, the primary concern for residents is managing the 20.7 inches of winter rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in San Luis Obispo County?
How much rain does San Luis Obispo County get?
Does it snow in San Luis Obispo County?
How hot does San Luis Obispo County get in summer?
How cold are winters in San Luis Obispo County?
Track your own weather in San Luis Obispo County
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.