The capital of the world’s movie industry, a natural monument state, a gold mine of the U.S. economy and the mecca of the world’s tourism industry – a state of unlimited opportunities – this is California. The American dream comes true here, as people from all over the world come to California in search of a better life and unlimited experiences. Sunglasses will help you – California even knows how to meet the weather with dignity: the climate here is one of the most comfortable on the planet.
It’s not for nothing that the famous Hollywood is located here – in fact, this U.S. state even got its name thanks to a character, the heroic Amazon Califia from a 15th century book.
Climatic zones of California
Geographically, California stretches along the Pacific Ocean for 1,200 kilometers.
California is an “unplowed field” for seismologists. Dozens of movies have been made about the San Andreas Fault alone! The California territory is one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world, including volcanic activity.
In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the phenomenon of “watermelon snow” sometimes occurs. Reddish flakes, resembling ripe watermelon in odor, cover some of the highlands in the summer. For a long time, no one could explain this phenomenon, but later scientists found the answer – in the frozen drops found algae Chlamydomonasnivalis, which and color the snowflakes with their red pigment.
Since the state is surrounded by mountain ranges and the ocean, a special climate is formed here. In each of the corners of the vast territory – it is different.
The only lighthouse in the world with a green light is located in California – in Los Angeles.
The climate of the state is Mediterranean. Several climatic zones are distinguished:
Northwest – temperate climate
- Central California Valley – Mediterranean climate
- Mountains – mountain climate, with desert elements (east of the mountain range).
- Southern California – subtropical
The landscape of the state is unique – the highest and the lowest point of the USA are here: respectively Whitney (4421 meters) and Death Valley (-86 meters).
Rainy warm winters and dry hot summers are brief. But there are significant differences. For example, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean there are often fogs (due to cold currents), near Los Angeles – rain is a rare phenomenon, usually leading to catastrophic consequences (landslides and destruction of buildings), because they are strong.
As for popular tourist centers – Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, the change of seasons is almost not felt. Spring and fall – such concepts are almost not used in California, these are calendar (nominal) seasons. Summer and winter are distinguished by the length of daylight hours, the amount of precipitation and a temperature difference of 10-15 degrees.
The longest rain was recorded in California – more than a month in 1862 precipitation lasted, flooding a quarter of the territory of the state.
The weather is radically different only in the mountainous areas and the most low-lying areas – Death Valley, for example.
California tourist seasons
No change of seasons, eternal summer, greenery and bright sunshine – this is what California is like almost all year round and in almost all “inhabited” territory.
The world’s tallest sequoia Hyperion, 115 meters high, grows in California.
Despite the extremely comfortable weather and picturesque coastline, California has one significant disadvantage – the water in the Pacific Ocean is not warm enough for a full-fledged beach vacation. The water maxes out at +18°C, and you can get cold due to the constant wind. At the same time, it is a mecca for surfers – the waves here are great, but only for riders, swimming in such a constant storm is impossible. Therefore, either extreme sports and a beautiful tan, or – romance on the beach (dinner on the ocean, a walk).
The best time to travel is April-October, considered the “California summer”.
Why go to California? For the unusual beauty of beaches, high waves, selfies against the background of the inscription “Hollywood”, picturesque parks, geysers and volcanoes, ski vacations and a walk through the places of everyday glory of the “gold rush”.
What clothes to take with you
Maximum – leather jacket, minimum – bikini. California welcomes tourists with eternal summer, even in winter the temperature does not drop below +15°C. And in the rainy winter in the north of the state it is worth having an umbrella and waterproof shoes, raincoat. Going to the San Francisco area in winter time it is worth stocking up on a hat and gloves – it can be quite chilly, as well as frosty – at least 5 degrees below zero. In winter in the southern part of the state, a warm sweater will be enough. There is very little rain.
The largest number of sunny days is in Sacramento. The capital of California has left Los Angeles and San Francisco far behind.