Año Nuevo Point Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
Point Año Nuevo is the low, treeless tip of the Año Nuevo peninsula, at the far end of the walk from the state park entrance. Its dunes and beaches fill with elephant seals in season. No town or road reaches it, so you arrive on foot, on a permit hike or a guided walk. About half a mile offshore lies Año Nuevo Island, which was joined to the point by a low peninsula until roughly two centuries ago. It is now a research reserve closed to the public, with the ruins of a light station that opened in 1872.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Año Nuevo Point weather today and through the year
It's 58°F at Año Nuevo Point right now (feels like 54°F), with 9 mph wind and a comfort score of 81. Monday's forecast high at Año Nuevo Point is 57°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 63°F. The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 53°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 59).
September is the warmest month at Año Nuevo Point, with an average high of 72°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. December is the wettest month (6.3 in.), out of about 31.5 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Año Nuevo Point are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August.
Nothing on this part of the coast is more exposed than the point itself. It sits barely above sea level at the outer edge of the peninsula, with no trees and only open Pacific upwind. The northwest wind arrives at full strength. On windy spring and summer afternoons the dunes behind the point are on the move, and sand streams across the route to the farthest viewing area.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Año Nuevo Point in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- Small Craft Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Best time to go
The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 53°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 59).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Año Nuevo Point, with a 60°F high and midday comfort near 68. Thursday looks weakest (38).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (85%, about 0.40 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Año Nuevo Point right now
Overcast and 58° at Año Nuevo Point right now.
About the live weather map for Año Nuevo Point
The map centers on Año Nuevo Point and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Año Nuevo Point vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Año Nuevo Point, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Año Nuevo Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Año Nuevo State Park | 0.7 mi | same | 42% | 14 mph | same 3 km weather-model cell, so our hourly data cannot tell them apart |
| Butano State Park | 6.7 mi | +9°F | 45% | 9 mph | about 9°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (9 vs 14 mph) |
| Big Basin Redwoods State Park | 7.3 mi | +14°F | 38% | 8 mph | about 14°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (8 vs 14 mph) |
| Saratoga | 20.4 mi | +26°F | 10% | 8 mph | about 26°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (10% vs 42% of morning hours) |
| Los Gatos | 22.5 mi | +26°F | 8% | 8 mph | about 26°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (8% vs 42% of morning hours) |
| Campbell | 24.7 mi | +26°F | 8% | 9 mph | about 26°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (8% vs 42% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Año Nuevo Point's
- Carmel-by-the-Sea (45 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Presidio of San Francisco (48 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Crissy Field (49 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Año Nuevo Point climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Año Nuevo Point with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Año Nuevo Point departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Año Nuevo Point weather by month
September is the warmest month at Año Nuevo Point, with an average high of 72°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. December is the wettest month (6.3 in.), out of about 31.5 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 46% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 23% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Año Nuevo Point are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F | 44°F | 6.0 in | 10 | 11% | 33% | 11 mph | 9.9 h | 31 |
| Feb | 59°F | 44°F | 6.3 in | 10 | 11% | 29% | 13 mph | 10.8 h | 19 |
| Mar | 61°F | 45°F | 4.7 in | 9 | 15% | 32% | 13 mph | 11.9 h | 43 |
| Apr | 63°F | 46°F | 2.2 in | 6 | 19% | 34% | 14 mph | 13.1 h | 40 |
| May | 65°F | 49°F | 0.8 in | 4 | 26% | 46% | 14 mph | 14.2 h | 41 |
| Jun | 68°F | 51°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 37% | 45% | 15 mph | 14.7 h | 54 |
| Jul | 70°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 46% | 53% | 14 mph | 14.4 h | 61 |
| Aug | 71°F | 54°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 42% | 48% | 14 mph | 13.5 h | 69 |
| Sep | 72°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 34% | 42% | 13 mph | 12.3 h | 74 |
| Oct | 69°F | 50°F | 1.4 in | 5 | 21% | 30% | 12 mph | 11.1 h | 71 |
| Nov | 63°F | 46°F | 3.2 in | 8 | 11% | 23% | 10 mph | 10.1 h | 63 |
| Dec | 58°F | 43°F | 6.3 in | 11 | 14% | 31% | 10 mph | 9.6 h | 36 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
In summer, recent daily NOAA readings at Año Nuevo Point average about 10°F cooler than the 1991-2020 normals. The normals average over a wider area that also covers nearby terrain. Read the monthly highs as a rough range, and use the recent months below for what Año Nuevo Point has actually seen.
What makes Año Nuevo Point's weather different
When the fog burns off
54%of 2 AM hours foggy in July
Fog or low cloud covers Año Nuevo Point in 54% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 26% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (11%).
When the wind picks up
noonwhen afternoon wind builds, January–November
From January through November, wind at Año Nuevo Point typically builds after noon. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 16 mph with 60% of those hours windy, while mornings average 10 mph.
Microclimate
+9°FButano State Park, 6.7 mi away, on summer afternoons
Butano State Park, 6.7 miles away, runs about 9°F warmer than Año Nuevo Point on summer afternoons.
Elevation
+14°Fsummer afternoons at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 1,170 ft up
Big Basin Redwoods State Park sits 1,170 ft higher, 7.3 miles away. Its summer highs average 14°F warmer and its winter lows 3°F colder than Año Nuevo Point.
Model resolution
2 placesshare one 3 km NOAA HRRR grid cell
Año Nuevo Point shares one 3 km grid cell in NOAA's HRRR model with Año Nuevo State Park. The hourly fog, wind, cloud, and temperature patterns on this site are the same for both. Real differences between them come from hills, elevation, and wind exposure that the model cannot resolve.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Año Nuevo Point range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:30 PM, and in mid-December around 4:57 PM.
Seasons at Año Nuevo Point
- Warm seasonJul 8 – Oct 2 · highs 70°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.9 months, from Jul 8 to Oct 2, when the average high is 70°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 72°F.
- Cool seasonDec 3 – Feb 26 · highs 60°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 3 to Feb 26, when the average high is 60°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 43°F.
- Rainy seasonOct 30 – Apr 18 · 89% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Oct 30 to Apr 18, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 89% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Oct 22 and half of its annual total by Jan 25.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Año Nuevo Point averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 18 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 44 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 153 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (72°F) and the coldest night was Mar 14, 2025 (44°F). The wettest day was Feb 5, 2025 (2.25 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 49 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 18days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 44afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 153mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day72°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night44°FMar 14, 2025
- Wettest day2.25 inFeb 5, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust49 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Año Nuevo Point's weather
The water around Point Año Nuevo is cold. Steady northwest winds push surface water offshore here and draw colder water up from below, and air crossing it cools into fog. The point is often the last place on the walk to clear. On thick days Año Nuevo Island can vanish from view even though it lies only about half a mile out.
The seals keep their own calendar, but the weather decides what the visit is like. Winter swells from Pacific storms run straight up the point's beaches, and the long walk out has no shelter. A dry day between storms is the time to see the breeding colony. Late summer and fall bring lighter wind and clearer views than early summer across to the island and its old light station.
Tips for visiting Año Nuevo Point
Expect a long walk out
There's no driving to the seals. The farthest viewing area is about 4 miles round trip from the entrance, partly over sand dunes.
Give the seals 25 feet
State Parks asks visitors to stay at least 25 feet from elephant seals. If seals block a trail, that viewing area stays closed.
Check the island cam on foggy days
A live camera pans across several views of Año Nuevo Island from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a good way to see whether the point is fogged in.
Watch the island from shore
Año Nuevo Island is closed to the public, and only scientific researchers may land there.
Bring a windproof layer
State Parks asks visitors to pack layers and rain, wind and sun protection. Umbrellas aren't allowed in the viewing areas.
Año Nuevo Point through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Females and juveniles crowd the beaches to molt by May, and afternoon wind and blowing sand are near their worst.
- Summer (June–August)
- Older males haul out to molt in July and August. Fog often sits on the point long after it has lifted inland.
- Fall (September–November)
- Young seals haul out from September through November, and lighter winds make this the most comfortable time to stand on the point.
- Winter (December–February)
- Winter is breeding season, when only guided walks reach the point. The viewing area is closed December 1 to 14, and storm swells pound the beaches.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Elephant seal viewing: Viewing areas open depending on seal activity. Light wind and no rain make the long, exposed stand at the point far more pleasant.
- Watching the island's wildlife: Brandt's cormorants, western gulls, rhinoceros auklets and California sea lions use the island. Bring binoculars and pick a clear day, since fog hides it.
- Photography: Calm, clear days in late summer and fall give the sharpest views of the island and the ruins of its light station.
Official sources and current conditions
- California State Parks: Año Nuevo State Park
- Año Nuevo Island live camera
- UC Natural Reserve System: Año Nuevo Island Reserve
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 73 | 56.9° / 51.5° | 6.6h | 1d | 3.58" | 14 |
| December 2024 | 67 | 56.8° / 51.8° | 5.3h | 6d | 5.18" | 6 |
| January 2025 | 78 | 55.4° / 49.5° | 6.8h | 2d | 0.19" | 16 |
| February 2025 | 69 | 55° / 49.3° | 6.3h | 7d | 8.47" | 9 |
| March 2025 | 72 | 54.5° / 49° | 7.2h | 7d | 3.29" | 12 |
| April 2025 | 76 | 54.7° / 49.7° | 8.6h | 8d | 0.51" | 12 |
| May 2025 | 73 | 55.8° / 50.5° | 10h | 12d | 0.11" | 5 |
| June 2025 | 70 | 56.1° / 52° | 10.3h | 22d | 0" | 3 |
| July 2025 | 73 | 59.8° / 54.7° | 8.9h | 24d | 0" | 6 |
| August 2025 | 74 | 60.5° / 56.5° | 9.5h | 19d | 0" | 7 |
| September 2025 | 75 | 63.3° / 59° | 7.9h | 21d | 0.08" | 7 |
| October 2025 | 78 | 60.9° / 56.7° | 7.8h | 7d | 1.42" | 16 |
| November 2025 | 72 | 59.1° / 54° | 6.3h | 7d | 4.9" | 12 |
| December 2025 | 71 | 59.2° / 53.4° | 5.4h | 5d | 3.7" | 9 |
| January 2026 | 75 | 58.8° / 53.8° | 6.8h | 3d | 5.44" | 20 |
| February 2026 | 71 | 57.9° / 53.5° | 6.4h | 2d | 5.53" | 13 |
| March 2026 | 79 | 57.9° / 52.8° | 9.3h | 7d | 0.01" | 18 |
| April 2026 | 74 | 57.7° / 53.8° | 8.9h | 2d | 3.58" | 9 |
| May 2026 | 74 | 56° / 52.8° | 9.9h | 12d | 0.71" | 10 |
| June 2026 | 74 | 58.4° / 55.1° | 9.7h | 17d | 0" | 8 |
| July 2026 | 75 | 59.8° / 56.6° | 10.2h | 14d | 0" | 8 |
| August 2026 | 72 | 60.5° / 57.5° | 8.5h | 24d | 0.05" | 1 |
| September 2026 | 80 | 62° / 58.6° | 9.3h | 8d | 0.06" | 18 |
| October 2026 | 82 | 62.9° / 58.4° | 7.9h | 5d | 0.27" | 20 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Año Nuevo Point climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Año Nuevo Point, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Año Nuevo Point. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Año Nuevo Point, the warmest typical hour is 6 PM in September (62°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (52°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Año Nuevo Point in 54% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 26% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (11%).
- Wind: From January through November, wind at Año Nuevo Point typically builds after noon. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 16 mph with 60% of those hours windy, while mornings average 10 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Año Nuevo Point (23% average cloud cover), and July middays are the cloudiest (53%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Año Nuevo Point comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 854 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Año Nuevo Point
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Año Nuevo Point changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Año Nuevo Point. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Año Nuevo Point through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Año Nuevo Point for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Año Nuevo Point by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Año Nuevo Point
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Año Nuevo Point averaged a high of 63°F, 2°F warmer than October 2025 (61°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 25.4 in. of rain to Año Nuevo Point, 81% of the 31.5 in. normal.
Location Details
Año Nuevo Point weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Año Nuevo Point
What is the weather like at Año Nuevo Point today?
It's 58°F at Año Nuevo Point right now, with a comfort score of 81 (great). Monday's forecast high at Año Nuevo Point is 57°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 63°F. The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 53°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 59).
What is the best month to visit Año Nuevo Point?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Año Nuevo Point are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August. The warm season lasts about 2.9 months, from Jul 8 to Oct 2, when the average high is 70°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 72°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Año Nuevo Point?
September is the warmest month at Año Nuevo Point, with an average high of 72°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F.
When does the fog burn off at Año Nuevo Point?
Fog or low cloud covers Año Nuevo Point in 54% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 26% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (11%).
When is it windiest at Año Nuevo Point?
From January through November, wind at Año Nuevo Point typically builds after noon. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 16 mph with 60% of those hours windy, while mornings average 10 mph.
How much rain does Año Nuevo Point get?
December is the wettest month (6.3 in.), out of about 31.5 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Oct 30 to Apr 18, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 89% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 25.4 in. of rain to Año Nuevo Point, 81% of the 31.5 in. normal.
How does Año Nuevo Point weather compare with Butano State Park?
Butano State Park, 6.7 miles away, runs about 9°F warmer than Año Nuevo Point on summer afternoons.
What kind of place is Año Nuevo Point?
Point Año Nuevo is the low, treeless tip of the Año Nuevo peninsula, at the far end of the walk from the state park entrance. Its dunes and beaches fill with elephant seals in season. No town or road reaches it, so you arrive on foot, on a permit hike or a guided walk. About half a mile offshore lies Año Nuevo Island, which was joined to the point by a low peninsula until roughly two centuries ago. It is now a research reserve closed to the public, with the ruins of a light station that opened in 1872.
What is Año Nuevo Point weather like in November?
November at Año Nuevo Point averages a high of 63°F and a low of 46°F, with 3.2 in. of rain over about 8 rainy days. About 11% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 10 mph.
More about Año Nuevo Point weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- California State Parks, Año Nuevo State Park (accessed 2026-10-27)
- California State Parks, Año Nuevo Island live stream (accessed 2026-10-27)
- UC Natural Reserve System, Año Nuevo Island Reserve (accessed 2026-10-27)
Rendered 2026-11-15T12:04:20.082Z.