Jenner Headlands Weather
Viewpoint • San Francisco Bay Area
Rising from Highway 1 just north of the Russian River estuary, the Jenner Headlands Preserve covers 5,630 acres. Coastal prairie, oak woodland, and redwood and Douglas-fir forest climb to the 2,204-foot summit of Pole Mountain. The Wildlands Conservancy manages it and opens it from 8 a.m. to sunset. Its trails let you hike from the coast near Jenner up through the fog and out above it.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Jenner Headlands weather today and through the year
It's 54°F at Jenner Headlands right now (feels like 53°F), with 6 mph wind and a comfort score of 63. Today's forecast high at Jenner Headlands is 55°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 61°F. Fog is forecast today until about 8 AM at Jenner Headlands. In November, fog here usually thins by 2 PM. The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 47°F with a 2 mph wind (comfort 58).
September is the warmest month at Jenner Headlands, with an average high of 72°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 42°F. December is the wettest month (11.9 in.), out of about 56.5 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Jenner Headlands are August, July, and September. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in August, 11 AM to 2 PM in July, and 10 AM to 1 PM in September.
The preserve climbs more than 2,000 feet within a few miles of the ocean. On many summer days that climb crosses the top of the marine layer, the low sheet of fog and cloud that forms over the cold ocean. The trailhead and lower switchbacks can sit in cold gray fog while the upper slopes toward Pole Mountain are in sunshine. From there you look down on a white sea of cloud over Jenner and the river mouth.
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 Jenner Headlands in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
Fog is forecast today until about 8 AM at Jenner Headlands. In November, fog here usually thins by 2 PM.
Best time to go
The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 47°F with a 2 mph wind (comfort 58).
Hiking conditions
Best hiking day this week: Friday, with 9 daylight hours that are dry, 45 to 80°F, and under 18 mph wind. 3 of the next 7 days have at least 4 such hours.
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Jenner Headlands, with a 55°F high and midday comfort near 66. Today looks weakest (50).
Better weather nearby
It's 54°F with a comfort score of 63 at Jenner Headlands right now. Bodega Bay, 11 miles away, is 59°F with a comfort score of 79. See that forecast
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (93%, about 1.20 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Jenner Headlands right now
Light rain and 54° at Jenner Headlands right now. Bodega Bay, 11 mi away, is 59° and more comfortable.
About the live weather map for Jenner Headlands
The map centers on Jenner Headlands 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.
Jenner Headlands vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Jenner Headlands, 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 Jenner Headlands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenner | 1.9 mi | -8°F | 34% | 11 mph | about 8°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Goat Rock State Beach | 2.6 mi | -8°F | 34% | 11 mph | about 8°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Shell Beach | 4.1 mi | -11°F | 37% | 11 mph | about 11°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Schoolhouse Beach | 7.1 mi | -18°F | 51% | 9 mph | about 18°F cooler on summer afternoons and more summer morning fog (51% vs 33% of morning hours) |
| Salmon Creek Beach | 9.2 mi | -18°F | 49% | 11 mph | about 18°F cooler on summer afternoons and more summer morning fog (49% vs 33% of morning hours) |
| Cloverdale | 23.2 mi | +18°F | 18% | 9 mph | about 18°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (18% vs 33% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Jenner Headlands'
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park (38 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Pacific Heights (60 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Russian Hill (60 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Jenner Headlands climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Jenner Headlands 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 Jenner Headlands 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.
Jenner Headlands weather by month
September is the warmest month at Jenner Headlands, with an average high of 72°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 42°F. December is the wettest month (11.9 in.), out of about 56.5 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in December, when fog or low cloud covers 43% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. June has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 14% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Jenner Headlands are August, July, and September. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in August, 11 AM to 2 PM in July, and 10 AM to 1 PM in September.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 42°F | 10.8 in | 14 | 41% | 40% | 6 mph | 9.8 h | 28 |
| Feb | 58°F | 43°F | 10.8 in | 14 | 25% | 31% | 7 mph | 10.7 h | 31 |
| Mar | 59°F | 43°F | 7.7 in | 12 | 30% | 34% | 8 mph | 11.9 h | 38 |
| Apr | 61°F | 44°F | 4.1 in | 8 | 28% | 27% | 8 mph | 13.2 h | 63 |
| May | 65°F | 47°F | 1.7 in | 6 | 33% | 25% | 9 mph | 14.3 h | 75 |
| Jun | 69°F | 49°F | 0.5 in | 3 | 24% | 14% | 9 mph | 14.8 h | 87 |
| Jul | 71°F | 52°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 34% | 15% | 8 mph | 14.6 h | 91 |
| Aug | 72°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 40% | 17% | 8 mph | 13.6 h | 92 |
| Sep | 72°F | 52°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 33% | 16% | 8 mph | 12.3 h | 89 |
| Oct | 69°F | 49°F | 2.4 in | 7 | 31% | 22% | 7 mph | 11.1 h | 76 |
| Nov | 61°F | 45°F | 6.2 in | 11 | 31% | 26% | 6 mph | 10.0 h | 48 |
| Dec | 56°F | 42°F | 11.9 in | 14 | 43% | 41% | 6 mph | 9.5 h | 27 |
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.
What makes Jenner Headlands' weather different
Among the 10 San Francisco Bay Area viewpoints we track, Jenner Headlands has the 3rd-calmest summer afternoons.
- #3of 10
calmest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area viewpoints
When the fog burns off
48%of 5 AM hours foggy in December
Fog or low cloud covers Jenner Headlands in 48% of 5 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 21% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. June mornings are the least foggy (24%).
When the wind picks up
1 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, May–September
From May through September, wind at Jenner Headlands typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 1% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
Microclimate
−18°FSalmon Creek Beach, 9.2 mi away, on summer afternoons
Salmon Creek Beach, 9.2 miles away, runs about 18°F cooler than Jenner Headlands on summer afternoons. It also has more summer morning fog, 49% of morning hours compared with 33%.
Daylight
9.5–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Jenner Headlands range from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:36 PM, and in mid-December around 4:57 PM.
Seasons at Jenner Headlands
- Warm seasonJul 4 – Oct 2 · highs 70°F+
The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 4 to Oct 2, when the average high is 70°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 72°F.
- Cool seasonDec 1 – Mar 6 · highs 59°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 1 to Mar 6, when the average high is 59°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 42°F.
- Rainy seasonOct 25 – Apr 24 · 91% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Oct 25 to Apr 24, when a day has at least a 25% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 91% 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 14 and half of its annual total by Jan 23.
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, Jenner Headlands averaged 2 days a year at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 25 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 1 afternoon with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 129 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Aug 1, 2026 (92°F) and the coldest night was Feb 18, 2026 (35°F). The wettest day was Nov 21, 2024 (7.61 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 44 mph on Feb 13, 2025.
- 2days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 25days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 1afternoon with 20+ mph wind
- 129mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day92°FAug 1, 2026
- Coldest night35°FFeb 18, 2026
- Wettest day7.61 inNov 21, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust44 mphFeb 13, 2025
What shapes Jenner Headlands' weather
In the federal rule that created the West Sonoma Coast wine region, regulators describe the high coastal ridges around Jenner as rising above the fog layer. They describe the area around Fort Ross and Seaview, just up the coast, as sitting largely above the fog line. The upper Jenner Headlands Preserve shares that ridgetop setting, so it is sunnier and warmer by day than the beaches below.
Height brings exposure on the Jenner Headlands. The open prairie catches the northwest wind in spring and summer, though afternoons up here are calmer than on the beaches below. On clear, hot days the upper trails get far warmer than the coast. In fall, dry offshore winds blowing from inland toward the sea bring the sharpest views of the year but also raise fire danger on the cured grass.
Tips for visiting Jenner Headlands
Start early for Pole Mountain
The Sea to Sky Trail climbs 7.5 miles to the summit, and the preserve is open only from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Carry all the water you need
There is no drinking water in the preserve.
Check trail status after rain
Trails get muddy and slippery in the rainy season, and some may close temporarily.
Keep dogs off the final mile
Leashed dogs are allowed, except on the last mile of the Sea to Sky Trail.
Short on time? Walk to the overlook
An ocean overlook is half a mile and a modest climb from the trailhead.
Arrive early for parking
The trailhead lot is small, with about 30 spaces.
Jenner Headlands through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring is wildflower season. The Raptor Ridge trail leads to a short Wildflower Loop that is open in spring.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer often brings fog on the lower trails and sun higher up. Start early and carry extra water for the exposed climb.
- Fall (September–November)
- Fall brings some of the clearest views of the year and the migration of hawks and other birds of prey.
- Winter (December–February)
- Winter is the rainy season, and mud and small slides can affect the trails.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Summit hike to Pole Mountain: The trail runs a steep 7.5 miles each way. A cool, clear day is best, since summer fog can hide the views below about midway up.
- Overlook walk: This short outing is most rewarding when the fog sits below the overlook or has just cleared off the water.
- Birdwatching and whale watching: The Wildlands Conservancy lists both. Clear, calm days give the longest views over the ocean.
Official sources and current conditions
- The Wildlands Conservancy: Jenner Headlands Preserve
- Sonoma Land Trust: Jenner Headlands
- Caltrans QuickMap: Highway 1 road conditions
- NWS forecast for Jenner Headlands
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 | 56.7° / 47.9° | 6h | 8d | 17.53" | 15 |
| December 2024 | 65 | 56.7° / 48.2° | 4.8h | 14d | 11.58" | 9 |
| January 2025 | 78 | 56.2° / 46.4° | 7h | 10d | 0.57" | 20 |
| February 2025 | 68 | 54.8° / 44.5° | 5.8h | 9d | 13.76" | 10 |
| March 2025 | 71 | 54.7° / 43.9° | 7.2h | 12d | 5.18" | 16 |
| April 2025 | 81 | 58.8° / 45.8° | 9.6h | 11d | 0.71" | 20 |
| May 2025 | 94 | 69° / 51.3° | 12.5h | 1d | 0.16" | 28 |
| June 2025 | 93 | 68.4° / 51.5° | 12.8h | 3d | 0" | 27 |
| July 2025 | 90 | 66° / 52.2° | 12h | 4d | 0" | 25 |
| August 2025 | 94 | 75.3° / 57.4° | 11.6h | 4d | 0" | 31 |
| September 2025 | 90 | 70.7° / 57.4° | 9.5h | 9d | 0.12" | 25 |
| October 2025 | 82 | 64.1° / 53.2° | 6.9h | 15d | 1.39" | 19 |
| November 2025 | 72 | 59.5° / 50.9° | 5.9h | 16d | 5.95" | 11 |
| December 2025 | 64 | 55.7° / 47.9° | 4.9h | 23d | 8.65" | 3 |
| January 2026 | 76 | 58.5° / 49.2° | 6.4h | 9d | 7.56" | 19 |
| February 2026 | 70 | 57.8° / 48.3° | 6.3h | 10d | 6.65" | 11 |
| March 2026 | 94 | 70.1° / 55.6° | 9.8h | 2d | 0.05" | 28 |
| April 2026 | 81 | 59.1° / 47.8° | 9.4h | 9d | 4.72" | 19 |
| May 2026 | 89 | 65.1° / 51.1° | 11.6h | 10d | 0.55" | 24 |
| June 2026 | 91 | 68.3° / 53.3° | 12.4h | 4d | 0.02" | 27 |
| July 2026 | 93 | 73.5° / 55.4° | 12h | 4d | 0" | 29 |
| August 2026 | 91 | 70.5° / 54.8° | 11.3h | 12d | 0" | 30 |
| September 2026 | 92 | 70.9° / 55.9° | 10.1h | 8d | 0.32" | 27 |
| October 2026 | 91 | 69.3° / 55.7° | 8.5h | 3d | 0.13" | 30 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Jenner Headlands climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Jenner Headlands, 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 Jenner Headlands. 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 Jenner Headlands, the warmest typical hour is 4 PM in August (75°F). The coldest is 7 AM in January (46°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Jenner Headlands in 48% of 5 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 21% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. June mornings are the least foggy (24%).
- Wind: From May through September, wind at Jenner Headlands typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 1% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
- Cloud Cover: June middays are the clearest at Jenner Headlands (14% average cloud cover), and December middays are the cloudiest (41%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Jenner Headlands comes at 1 PM in July, averaging 962 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Jenner Headlands
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Jenner Headlands 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 Jenner Headlands. 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 Jenner Headlands 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 Jenner Headlands 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 Jenner Headlands 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 Jenner Headlands
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Jenner Headlands averaged a high of 69°F, 5°F warmer than October 2025 (64°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 35.9 in. of rain to Jenner Headlands, 63% of the 56.5 in. normal.
Location Details
Jenner Headlands weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Jenner Headlands
What is the weather like at Jenner Headlands today?
It's 54°F at Jenner Headlands right now, with a comfort score of 63 (good). Today's forecast high at Jenner Headlands is 55°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 61°F. The best window today is 2 PM to 5 PM, at about 47°F with a 2 mph wind (comfort 58).
What is the best month to visit Jenner Headlands?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Jenner Headlands are August, July, and September. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in August, 11 AM to 2 PM in July, and 10 AM to 1 PM in September. The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 4 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 Jenner Headlands?
September is the warmest month at Jenner Headlands, with an average high of 72°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 42°F.
When does the fog burn off at Jenner Headlands?
Fog or low cloud covers Jenner Headlands in 48% of 5 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 21% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. June mornings are the least foggy (24%).
When is it windiest at Jenner Headlands?
From May through September, wind at Jenner Headlands typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 1% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
How much rain does Jenner Headlands get?
December is the wettest month (11.9 in.), out of about 56.5 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Oct 25 to Apr 24, when a day has at least a 25% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 91% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 35.9 in. of rain to Jenner Headlands, 63% of the 56.5 in. normal.
How does Jenner Headlands weather compare with Salmon Creek Beach?
Salmon Creek Beach, 9.2 miles away, runs about 18°F cooler than Jenner Headlands on summer afternoons. It also has more summer morning fog, 49% of morning hours compared with 33%.
What kind of place is Jenner Headlands?
Rising from Highway 1 just north of the Russian River estuary, the Jenner Headlands Preserve covers 5,630 acres. Coastal prairie, oak woodland, and redwood and Douglas-fir forest climb to the 2,204-foot summit of Pole Mountain. The Wildlands Conservancy manages it and opens it from 8 a.m. to sunset. Its trails let you hike from the coast near Jenner up through the fog and out above it.
What is Jenner Headlands weather like in November?
November at Jenner Headlands averages a high of 61°F and a low of 45°F, with 6.2 in. of rain over about 11 rainy days. About 31% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Jenner Headlands 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.
- Sonoma County Tourism, Hiking the Jenner Headlands Preserve (accessed 2026-10-27)
- The Wildlands Conservancy, Jenner Headlands Preserve (accessed 2026-10-27)
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