Redwood National Park experiences a mild, year-round climate with coastal daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s in winter to the 60s in summer, and occasional days in the 70s. The Humboldt Bay area averages 38 inches of rain, mostly falling from November through March. However, warm, sunny days can occur in any month, and summer days can be foggy, but a short drive inland will find sunshine and typical California heat.
Redwood National Park Weather Statistics by Month
The following table provides detailed weather statistics for Redwood National Park, including average high and low temperatures, record high and low temperatures, and average precipitation for each month. These statistics are taken from Crescent City, located along the Pacific Coast, and are representative of the popular redwood and coastal areas of the park.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Record High | Record Low | Avg Precip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54 | 40 | 75 | 22 | 10.82 |
| February | 54 | 41 | 78 | 24 | 9.25 |
| March | 55 | 42 | 76 | 28 | 9.11 |
| April | 57 | 43 | 90 | 30 | 6.34 |
| May | 60 | 46 | 92 | 32 | 3.54 |
| June | 63 | 48 | 93 | 37 | 2.01 |
| July | 65 | 50 | 83 | 40 | 0.35 |
| August | 66 | 51 | 91 | 41 | 0.57 |
| September | 66 | 49 | 93 | 36 | 1.19 |
| October | 63 | 45 | 93 | 29 | 4.51 |
| November | 57 | 42 | 79 | 25 | 10.18 |
| December | 54 | 39 | 80 | 19 | 13.70 |
All temperatures are reported in Fahrenheit, and all precipitation is reported in inches.
Coastal Influences on Redwood National Park Weather
Visitors to Redwood National and State Parks should be prepared for many types of weather, as oceanic influences ensure fairly constant year-round temperatures along California’s redwood coast, ranging from mid-40s to low-60s°F. Winters are cool with considerable precipitation, while summers are generally warmer and sunnier, with a narrow band of fog seeping up deeply eroded river canyons, shrouding coast redwoods in life-sustaining moisture during the drier summer.
Seasonal Variations in Redwood National Park Weather
Winter (December – February)
Winters in Redwood National Park are cool and wet, with average high temperatures in the mid-50s°F and average lows in the low 40s°F. Precipitation is highest during this time, with over 10 inches of rain per month on average. Visitors should pack warm, waterproof layers to stay comfortable during hikes and outdoor activities.
Spring (March – May)
As spring arrives, temperatures begin to warm, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 50s°F and lows in the low-to-mid 40s°F. Precipitation decreases, with around 6-9 inches of rain per month on average. This is a great time to visit, as the park’s lush vegetation comes alive and crowds are smaller than in the summer.
Summer (June – August)
Summers in Redwood National Park are generally mild and sunny, with average highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F and lows in the upper 40s°F. However, the coastal areas can be shrouded in fog, which helps maintain the moisture needed by the towering redwood trees. Inland areas tend to be warmer and drier during this time.
Fall (September – November)
Autumn brings a mix of weather to Redwood National Park. Temperatures remain mild, with average highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F and lows in the low-to-mid 40s°F. Precipitation starts to increase, with around 4-10 inches of rain per month on average. This is a beautiful time to visit, as the park’s foliage begins to change color.
Conclusion
Redwood National Park’s coastal location and proximity to the Pacific Ocean create a unique and diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for a variety of temperatures and precipitation levels, and be ready to adapt their plans as needed to make the most of their time in this stunning natural wonder.
References:
- Redwood Coast Climate. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/redwood-coast-climate/662/
- Redwood National Park Weather Stats & Forecast. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nationalparked.com/redwood/weather
- Weather – Redwood National and State Parks (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/weather.htm