Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge Weather
Park • San Francisco Bay Area
The Fremont headquarters of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge stands on a small rise above salt ponds, sloughs, and tidal marsh. It sits at the southeastern edge of the bay, next to Coyote Hills. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls it the nation's first urban national wildlife refuge, with about 30,000 acres around the South Bay. From here the Tidelands Trail loops through slough, pond, and marsh, and La Riviere Marsh is the refuge's best spot for the endangered Ridgway's rail.
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10-Day Forecast
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Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge weather today and through the year
It's 54°F at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge right now (feels like 51°F), with 8 mph wind and a comfort score of 78. Monday's forecast high at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 55°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 57).
September is the warmest month at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, with an average high of 75°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. January is the wettest month (3.6 in.), out of about 17.6 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in October.
Nothing stands between the refuge levees and the open South Bay. The afternoon wind that funnels down the bay from the Golden Gate crosses miles of water and flat ponds with no obstacle. On summer afternoons the levee trails are among the windiest and coolest walking in the southeast bay, even when central Fremont, a few miles inland, is hot.
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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in the next few days
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
Best time to go
The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 55°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 57).
Hiking conditions
Best hiking day this week: Monday, with 9 daylight hours that are dry, 45 to 80°F, and under 18 mph wind. 4 of the next 7 days have at least 4 such hours.
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, with a 62°F high and midday comfort near 81. Thursday looks weakest (49).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (86%, about 0.28 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge right now
Overcast and 54° at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge right now.
About the live weather map for Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
The map centers on Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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.
Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 2.1 mi | +10°F | 20% | 11 mph | about 10°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (11 vs 16 mph) |
| Coyote Hills Regional Park | 3.6 mi | same | 21% | 14 mph | a very similar climate |
| Fremont | 5.1 mi | +15°F | 17% | 9 mph | about 15°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (9 vs 16 mph) |
| Pleasanton | 15 mi | +23°F | 4% | 6 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (6 vs 16 mph) |
| Livermore | 20.3 mi | +23°F | 6% | 8 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (8 vs 16 mph) |
| Almaden Valley | 23.2 mi | +22°F | 7% | 9 mph | about 22°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (9 vs 16 mph) |
Places with a climate like Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge's
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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.
Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge weather by month
September is the warmest month at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, with an average high of 75°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. January is the wettest month (3.6 in.), out of about 17.6 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 22% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. June has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 13% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in October.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F | 43°F | 3.6 in | 8 | 14% | 32% | 8 mph | 9.9 h | 54 |
| Feb | 61°F | 45°F | 3.4 in | 8 | 13% | 24% | 10 mph | 10.8 h | 56 |
| Mar | 64°F | 47°F | 2.7 in | 7 | 10% | 28% | 11 mph | 11.9 h | 57 |
| Apr | 67°F | 49°F | 1.2 in | 5 | 8% | 22% | 14 mph | 13.2 h | 62 |
| May | 70°F | 52°F | 0.5 in | 3 | 9% | 22% | 15 mph | 14.2 h | 62 |
| Jun | 74°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 13% | 13% | 16 mph | 14.7 h | 75 |
| Jul | 75°F | 57°F | 0.0 in | 0 | 22% | 16% | 16 mph | 14.5 h | 75 |
| Aug | 75°F | 57°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 19% | 15% | 15 mph | 13.6 h | 78 |
| Sep | 75°F | 57°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 17% | 17% | 13 mph | 12.3 h | 82 |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 0.7 in | 4 | 14% | 17% | 11 mph | 11.1 h | 77 |
| Nov | 64°F | 47°F | 1.7 in | 5 | 12% | 21% | 8 mph | 10.1 h | 70 |
| Dec | 59°F | 43°F | 3.5 in | 8 | 16% | 32% | 7 mph | 9.6 h | 54 |
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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge average about 5°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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge has actually seen.
What makes Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge's weather different
Among the 58 San Francisco Bay Area parks we track, Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge has the 2nd-windiest summer afternoons.
- #2of 58
windiest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area parks
When the fog burns off
11 AMwhen July fog usually thins (31% foggy at 8 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in 31% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. April mornings are the least foggy (8%).
When the wind picks up
1 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, February–November
From February through November, wind at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 18 mph with 79% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
Microclimate
+15°FFremont, 5.1 mi away, on summer afternoons
Fremont, 5.1 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge on summer afternoons.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:29 PM, and in mid-December around 4:56 PM.
Seasons at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
- Warm seasonJul 5 – Sep 24 · highs 75°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.7 months, from Jul 5 to Sep 24, when the average high is 75°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 75°F.
- Cool seasonNov 27 – Mar 1 · highs 63°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 27 to Mar 1, when the average high is 63°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 43°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 24 – Mar 24 · 74% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 24 to Mar 24, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 74% 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 Nov 5 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, Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 8 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 13 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 76 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Jun 11, 2026 (88°F) and the coldest night was Jan 27, 2025 (36°F). The wettest day was Feb 5, 2025 (1.13 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 43 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 8days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 13afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 76mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day88°FJun 11, 2026
- Coldest night36°FJan 27, 2025
- Wettest day1.13 inFeb 5, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust43 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge's weather
There is no shade out on the levees, and the ponds throw back the glare, so a calm, sunny morning can feel warmer than the air temperature suggests. Mornings are usually the calmest part of the day, which is also when still water makes birds easiest to spot.
In winter, still nights after storms let cold, damp air pool over the marsh. Shallow fog can lie along the sloughs at sunrise while the Coyote Hills next door rise clear above it. Winter is also when shorebirds and grebes crowd the ponds, so the coldest, grayest mornings can be the most rewarding.
Tips for visiting Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
Come on a weekend for the visitor center
The vehicle gate is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and trails are open sunrise to sunset. The Fremont visitor center opens on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Walk the Tidelands loop
The loop runs about 1 to 1.4 miles over slough, salt pond, and tidal marsh. It has compacted gravel on the flats and pavement or dirt on the steep sections.
Keep dogs to four routes
Dogs on a 6-foot leash may use the Tidelands, Harrier Spur, and Quarry trails and Marshlands Road. They are prohibited everywhere else in the refuge.
Time La Riviere Marsh for low tide
Go at low tide, when the refuge rates this marsh as probably the best place to see the endangered Ridgway's rail.
Avoid federal holidays
Refuge buildings close on all federal holidays.
Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring is migration season, and the refuge says millions of birds pass through during peak migrations. The afternoon wind off the bay builds steadily through May.
- Summer (June–August)
- Forster's terns and American avocets work the Tidelands pond. Expect brisk afternoon wind on the levees.
- Fall (September–October)
- Lighter winds and warm, clear days make this the most comfortable season for longer levee walks, as migrants start returning.
- Winter (November–February)
- Shorebirds and grebes are plentiful on the pond. Mornings can be foggy and raw near the marsh.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Birdwatching: Calm mornings are best in any season, when still water makes birds easier to spot and the wind has not yet built.
- Walking the Tidelands Trail: The loop is short enough for any weather if you bring a windbreaker. Hot, still days are best early, since there is no shade.
- Walking or biking in from Coyote Hills: Apay Way crosses over the Dumbarton Bridge toll plaza to the refuge visitor center. Go before the afternoon headwind.
Official sources and current conditions
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Visit Us (hours, trails, dog rules)
- East Bay Regional Park District: Coyote Hills
- National Weather Service, San Francisco Bay Area forecast office
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 | 79 | 60.9° / 47.2° | 6.6h | 4d | 1.65" | 18 |
| December 2024 | 72 | 59° / 46.5° | 5.2h | 5d | 2.91" | 11 |
| January 2025 | 82 | 58° / 42.5° | 7h | 3d | 0.08" | 23 |
| February 2025 | 75 | 59.6° / 45.5° | 6.6h | 2d | 3.75" | 13 |
| March 2025 | 81 | 60.2° / 47.6° | 8.3h | 1d | 1.4" | 20 |
| April 2025 | 84 | 63.3° / 50.2° | 9.5h | 4d | 0.33" | 23 |
| May 2025 | 87 | 66.6° / 52.2° | 11.8h | 0d | 0.11" | 28 |
| June 2025 | 85 | 66.4° / 54.1° | 12.3h | 3d | 0" | 27 |
| July 2025 | 83 | 67.8° / 57.1° | 11.2h | 11d | 0" | 25 |
| August 2025 | 86 | 71.5° / 58.6° | 10.7h | 6d | 0" | 28 |
| September 2025 | 86 | 72.7° / 61.1° | 9.4h | 6d | 0.04" | 25 |
| October 2025 | 87 | 68.5° / 55.4° | 8.1h | 4d | 1.21" | 24 |
| November 2025 | 76 | 62.5° / 50.7° | 6.3h | 7d | 2.27" | 15 |
| December 2025 | 72 | 57.4° / 46.4° | 5.2h | 7d | 2.17" | 6 |
| January 2026 | 77 | 59.8° / 45° | 6.7h | 3d | 2.51" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 77 | 61.6° / 47.9° | 6.5h | 5d | 2.5" | 16 |
| March 2026 | 90 | 69.9° / 51.8° | 9.5h | 2d | 0" | 27 |
| April 2026 | 83 | 64.7° / 51.9° | 8.7h | 3d | 1.98" | 23 |
| May 2026 | 87 | 66.1° / 53.5° | 11.5h | 6d | 0.29" | 27 |
| June 2026 | 86 | 69.6° / 56.6° | 11.9h | 6d | 0" | 27 |
| July 2026 | 84 | 70.1° / 58.3° | 11.1h | 6d | 0" | 26 |
| August 2026 | 83 | 70.2° / 58.9° | 10.4h | 15d | 0.04" | 21 |
| September 2026 | 88 | 71.8° / 57.8° | 9.9h | 5d | 0.03" | 26 |
| October 2026 | 87 | 70.4° / 54.5° | 8h | 4d | 0.11" | 25 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, the warmest typical hour is 3 PM in September (65°F). The coldest is 7 AM in December (48°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in 31% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. April mornings are the least foggy (8%).
- Wind: From February through November, wind at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 18 mph with 79% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
- Cloud Cover: June middays are the clearest at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge (13% average cloud cover), and December middays are the cloudiest (32%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 987 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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 Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge averaged a high of 70°F, 2°F warmer than October 2025 (69°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 13.0 in. of rain to Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, 74% of the 17.6 in. normal.
Location Details
Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
What is the weather like at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge today?
It's 54°F at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge right now, with a comfort score of 78 (great). Monday's forecast high at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 55°F with a 7 mph wind (comfort 57).
What is the best month to visit Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in October. The warm season lasts about 2.7 months, from Jul 5 to Sep 24, when the average high is 75°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 75°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge?
September is the warmest month at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, with an average high of 75°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F.
When does the fog burn off at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge?
Fog or low cloud covers Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in 31% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. April mornings are the least foggy (8%).
When is it windiest at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge?
From February through November, wind at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 18 mph with 79% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
How much rain does Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge get?
January is the wettest month (3.6 in.), out of about 17.6 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 24 to Mar 24, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 74% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 13.0 in. of rain to Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, 74% of the 17.6 in. normal.
How does Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge weather compare with Fremont?
Fremont, 5.1 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge on summer afternoons.
What kind of place is Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge?
The Fremont headquarters of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge stands on a small rise above salt ponds, sloughs, and tidal marsh. It sits at the southeastern edge of the bay, next to Coyote Hills. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls it the nation's first urban national wildlife refuge, with about 30,000 acres around the South Bay. From here the Tidelands Trail loops through slough, pond, and marsh, and La Riviere Marsh is the refuge's best spot for the endangered Ridgway's rail.
What is Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge weather like in November?
November at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge averages a high of 64°F and a low of 47°F, with 1.7 in. of rain over about 5 rainy days. About 12% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 8 mph.
More about Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge 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.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (accessed 2026-10-27)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR: Visit Us (accessed 2026-10-27)
- East Bay Regional Park District, Coyote Hills Regional Park (accessed 2026-10-27)
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