San Luis Obispo climate and temperatures

Climate type
Mediterranean
Best time to visit
September – November
Avg. temperature
14°C – 30°C
Annual rainfall
600 mm
Warmest month
August (35°C)
Coldest month
January (11°C)
Driest month
July (22 mm)
Wettest month
October (84 mm)

The climate of San Luis Obispo is Mediterranean (Köppen: Csa), with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C in winter (December–February) to a maximum of 28°C in summer (June–August). The average annual temperature is around 24°C.

During the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of 7°C, while summer nights average around 14°C.

Climate table of San Luis Obispo

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in San Luis Obispo by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp. max (°C) 14 16 17 19 23 27 30 30 27 23 18 16
Temp. min (°C) 6 7 9 11 15 19 22 22 19 15 10 7
Rainfall
Droplet
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Rainfall (mm) 46 34 46 64 43 23 22 75 77 84 61 25
UV index 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 6 5 4 4

Best time to visit San Luis Obispo

The best time to visit San Luis Obispo is April, May, June, July, August en September. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between April and September, average high temperatures range roughly from 22°C to 28°C, while rainfall remains limited. For a sun or beach holiday, June, July, August, September en October are the most suitable months. It is often warm to hot and relatively dry during this time. For a city trip, round trip, or active holiday, April, May, June, July, August, September, October en November are often more comfortable, as it is warm without the heat becoming too intense. The warmest month is September, with an average daytime temperature of around 28°C. The driest month is June, with about 0 mm of rainfall, while December is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 154 mm. Snow plays virtually no role in the climate here.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in San Luis Obispo. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in San Luis Obispo. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in San Luis Obispo. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in San Luis Obispo based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in San Luis Obispo over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in San Luis Obispo

The weather in San Luis Obispo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to San Luis Obispo? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in San Luis Obispo is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.