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Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) Weather

Viewpoint • San Francisco Bay Area

Lick Observatory sits at about 4,200 feet on the summit of Mount Hamilton, in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. It was the world's first permanent mountain-top observatory when it opened in 1888 with what was then the largest refracting telescope on Earth. James Lick, whose bequest paid for it, is buried at the base of that telescope. The University of California still runs it as a research site. Visitors reach it by the narrow, curving Mount Hamilton Road, more than 20 miles from downtown San Jose.

41°
😟
Comfort Score
42(D+)
Moderate
Colder than usual · typical high 53°
Weather updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST

Plan your week

10-Day Forecast

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  1. Today
    Nov 15
    45°38°
    Comfort
    32
    79%
    Rain 0.22 in
  2. Mon
    Nov 16
    39°32°
    Comfort
    27
    95%
    Snow 0.20 in
  3. Tue
    Nov 17
    45°32°
    Comfort
    59
    27%
    Rain <0.01 in
  4. Wed
    Nov 18
    42°35°
    Comfort
    26
    96%
    Rain 3.0 in
  5. Thu
    Nov 19
    41°39°
    Comfort
    27
    91%
    Rain 0.82 in
  6. Fri
    Nov 20
    46°36°
    Comfort
    57
    27%
    Rain 0.08 in
  7. Best day
    Sat
    Nov 21
    46°35°
    Comfort
    60
    18%
    Precip 0 in
  8. Sun
    Nov 22
    46°36°
    Comfort
    54
    24%
    Precip 0 in
  9. Mon
    Nov 23
    50°37°
    Comfort
    58
    25%
    Rain 0 in
  10. Tue
    Nov 24
    51°41°
    Comfort
    52
    50%
    Rain <0.01 in
See hiking scores for every trail this week →

Hour by hour

Hourly Forecast

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  1. Today
    Now
    41°
    Comfort
    42
    0%
    0 in
  2. Today
    5 AM
    41°
    Comfort
    42
    0%
    0 in
  3. Today
    6 AM
    41°
    Comfort
    42
    1%
    0 in
  4. Sunrise6:46 AM
  5. Today
    7 AM
    41°
    Comfort
    42
    1%
    0 in
  6. Today
    8 AM
    43°
    Comfort
    48
    1%
    0 in
  7. Today
    9 AM
    43°
    Comfort
    49
    1%
    0 in
  8. Today
    10 AM
    44°
    Comfort
    53
    1%
    0 in
  9. Today
    11 AM
    44°
    Comfort
    56
    1%
    0 in
  10. Today
    12 PM
    43°
    Comfort
    52
    1%
    0 in
  11. Today
    1 PM
    45°
    Comfort
    53
    1%
    0 in
  12. Today
    2 PM
    45°
    Comfort
    60
    2%
    0 in
  13. Today
    3 PM
    45°
    Comfort
    55
    3%
    0 in
  14. Today
    4 PM
    44°
    Comfort
    48
    5%
    0 in
  15. Sunset4:55 PM
  16. Today
    5 PM
    44°
    Comfort
    49
    18%
    0 in
  17. Today
    6 PM
    44°
    Comfort
    30
    19%
    0.09 in
  18. Today
    7 PM
    40°
    Comfort
    35
    26%
    0.03 in

Current Conditions

Temperature
41°F
Feels like 34°F
Humidity
86%
Dew point 37°F
Wind
12 mph
NW • Gusts 16 mph
Cloud Cover
100%
Mid-level clouds
Precip Chance
0%

Comfort Breakdown

Less comfortableMore comfortable
Thermal29
Wind84
Moisture96
Precipitation100

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather today and through the year

It's 41°F at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now (feels like 34°F), with 12 mph wind and a comfort score of 42. Today's forecast high at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) is 45°F, 13°F below the mid November normal of 58°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 44°F with a 13 mph wind (comfort 42).

August is the warmest month at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 37°F. January is the wettest month (5.3 in.), out of about 28.1 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 9 AM to noon in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in July, and 9 AM to noon in August.

Lick Observatory's weather is set by its height. At over 4,000 feet the summit rises well above the Santa Clara Valley's inversion, a layer of warm air resting on cooler air. That lid holds summer haze, low clouds, and winter fog over San Jose. On many days the valley lies under a gray or brown layer while the observatory sits in dry, clear air above it. That is part of why the site has suited telescopes for so long.

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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) in the next few days

No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.

Best time to go

The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 44°F with a 13 mph wind (comfort 42).

Hiking conditions

No daylight hour in the next week is forecast to be dry, 45 to 80°F, and under 18 mph wind at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton).

Best day this week

Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), with a 46°F high and midday comfort near 52. Wednesday looks weakest (33).

Better weather nearby

It's 41°F with a comfort score of 42 at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now. Evergreen, 7 miles away, is 56°F with a comfort score of 76. See that forecast

Rain

Next good chance of rain: today (79%, about 0.22 in.).

Freezing nights

2 of the next 7 nights are forecast to reach freezing or colder.

Live weather map

Weather around Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now

Overcast and 41° at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now. Evergreen, 7 mi away, is 56° and more comfortable.

Live weather map
About the live weather map for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

The map centers on Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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.

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) vs nearby places

Typical summer conditions compared with Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.

Summer climate at places near Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)
PlaceDistanceSummer afternoonsMorning fogAfternoon windCompared with Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)
Evergreen7.3 mi+7°F9%9 mph3,870 ft lower and about 7°F warmer on summer afternoons
Henry W. Coe State Park12.7 mi+8°F12%11 mph2,477 ft lower and about 8°F warmer on summer afternoons
Downtown San Jose13.4 mi+6°F8%10 mph4,114 ft lower and about 47% less rain a year
Morgan Hill14.6 mi+9°F25%8 mph3,848 ft lower and about 9°F warmer on summer afternoons
Uvas Canyon County Park20.1 mi+6°F26%7 mphmore summer morning fog (26% vs 2% of morning hours) and 2,618 ft lower
Livermore24.5 mi+10°F6%8 mph3,720 ft lower and about 10°F warmer on summer afternoons

Places with a climate like Lick Observatory's

Climate Dashboard

Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline

Today's High vs Normal
45°Fforecast
12° below normal
Normal: 58°F
Rainfall Year-to-Date
14.4"
33% below average
30-yr avg: 21.6"
Sunny Days
24last 28 days
Right on track
Typical: 24
Foggy Days
0last 28 days
vs 4 typical
Clearer than usual
Avg Wind Speed
9.1 mphlast 28 days
4.1 mph windier than baseline
Typical: 5.0 mph
Comfort Score
8628-day avg
On par with typical
Recent baseline: 88
What the Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) climate comparisons mean

These cards compare recent conditions at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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.

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather by month

August is the warmest month at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 37°F. January is the wettest month (5.3 in.), out of about 28.1 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in March, when fog or low cloud covers 22% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. July has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 1% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.

By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 9 AM to noon in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in July, and 9 AM to noon in August.

Typical monthly weather at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). Highs, lows, and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Fog, cloud, and wind: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026. Comfort is the average daytime score from the Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) hourly climatology.
MonthAvg highAvg lowRainRainy daysMorning fogMidday cloudAfternoon windDaylightComfort
Jan51°F38°F5.3 in1018%27%9 mph9.9 h13
Feb51°F38°F5.1 in919%24%10 mph10.8 h10
Mar55°F39°F4.5 in922%30%10 mph11.9 h41
Apr58°F40°F2.2 in618%21%10 mph13.2 h55
May66°F46°F1.2 in413%13%10 mph14.2 h72
Jun74°F53°F0.2 in23%4%10 mph14.7 h89
Jul81°F60°F0.0 in01%1%9 mph14.5 h93
Aug81°F60°F0.0 in12%2%9 mph13.5 h93
Sep78°F57°F0.1 in25%6%9 mph12.3 h94
Oct69°F50°F1.4 in56%9%8 mph11.1 h79
Nov58°F42°F2.9 in712%18%8 mph10.1 h56
Dec51°F37°F5.1 in921%27%9 mph9.6 h11

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 Lick Observatory's weather different

Among the 10 San Francisco Bay Area viewpoints we track, Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) has the least foggy summer mornings and the sunniest summer middays.

  • #1of 10

    least foggy summer morningsamong San Francisco Bay Area viewpoints

  • #1of 10

    sunniest summer middaysamong San Francisco Bay Area viewpoints

When the fog burns off

23%of 7 AM hours foggy in March

Fog or low cloud covers Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) in 23% of 7 AM hours in March, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. July mornings are the least foggy (1%).

When the wind picks up

2 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, April–July

From April through July, wind at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) typically builds after 2 PM. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 11 mph with 12% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.

Elevation

+7°Fsummer afternoons at Evergreen, 3,870 ft down

Evergreen sits 3,870 ft lower, 7.3 miles away. Its summer highs average 7°F warmer and its winter lows 2°F milder than Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton).

Daylight

9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun

Days at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:28 PM, and in mid-December around 4:55 PM.

Seasons at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

  • Warm seasonJun 27 – Sep 25 · highs 76°F+

    The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jun 27 to Sep 25, when the average high is 76°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 81°F.

  • Cool seasonDec 3 – Feb 28 · highs 53°F or lower

    The cool season runs from Dec 3 to Feb 28, when the average high is 53°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 37°F.

  • Rainy seasonNov 1 – Apr 19 · 87% of the year's rain

    The rainy season runs from Nov 1 to Apr 19, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 87% 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 23 and half of its annual total by Jan 28.

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, Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) averaged 4 days a year at 90°F or hotter and 7 nights a year at or below freezing. It averaged 17 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 5 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 55 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.

In the same record, the hottest day was Aug 9, 2026 (96°F) and the coldest night was Feb 18, 2026 (27°F). The wettest day was Feb 14, 2025 (2.99 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 43 mph on Feb 4, 2025.

  • 4days at 90°F or hotter
  • 7nights at or below freezing
  • 17days with ½ in. of rain or more
  • 5afternoons with 20+ mph wind
  • 55mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
  • Hottest day96°FAug 9, 2026
  • Coldest night27°FFeb 18, 2026
  • Wettest day2.99 inFeb 14, 2025
  • Strongest 2 PM gust43 mphFeb 4, 2025

What shapes Lick Observatory's weather

Mount Hamilton's summit is exposed to every storm. It takes the full force of winds that the sheltered valley barely notices. On Christmas Day 2025, gusts up to 114 mph tore loose part of a dome shutter, which fell onto the roof of the Great Hall. Temperatures run well below San Jose's on most days, and conditions can change quickly, so a warm valley afternoon can be a cool, breezy one at the top.

Mount Hamilton squeezes more rain out of passing storms than the valley floor gets, and the coldest storms bring snow to the summit and the upper road. In summer and fall the surrounding hills are dry grass and brush, and the summit's wide view often shows wildfire smoke long before it reaches the valley.

Tips for visiting Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

  • Check Highway 130 before winter trips

    Mount Hamilton Road may close temporarily for snow in winter. The observatory suggests checking Caltrans highway information for Highway 130 first.

  • Fill the tank in San Jose

    There is no gas or auto service on Mount Hamilton or anywhere on the road outside San Jose, Livermore, or Patterson.

  • Bring a coat

    The observatory warns that weather at 4,209 feet can be cool and changeable, even when the valley is warm.

  • Check what's open before the drive

    Storm damage can close parts of the observatory for long repairs. Check the observatory's site for open areas before you make the long drive up.

  • Drive the curves slowly

    The road follows a grade laid out for horses and carts, with many sharp curves. Watch for cyclists, motorcycles, wildlife, rocks, and debris.

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) through the seasons

Spring (March–May)
Spring brings green hills and crisp, clear days after storms. Mudslides, rocks, and debris can still make the road hazardous after late rains.
Summer (June–August)
The summit often sits in clear air above the valley haze. The observatory runs an annual summer series of evening programs, with tickets sold in advance.
Fall (September–November)
Fall often brings calm, clear days for views. Dry hills mean high fire danger, and smoke can blow in from fires elsewhere.
Winter (December–February)
Winter brings cold, windy storms and the chance of snow on the summit, which can close the road for a time.

Activities and the weather that matters

  • Touring the telescopes: The Shane 120-inch reflector, one of the telescopes used to find early extrasolar planets, can be seen from the visitors' gallery in any weather the road is open.
  • Walking the historic grounds: The 36-inch Great Refractor, the world's largest refracting telescope when it was completed in 1888, has James Lick interred at its base. The grounds are best on calm, clear days, since the summit is raw in winter wind.
  • Driving or cycling Mount Hamilton Road: Clear, dry days in spring and fall are best. Avoid it after heavy rain or when snow is forecast for the summit.
  • Summer evening programs: Clear, calm summer nights above the valley haze suit the observatory's summer series.
  • Taking in the view: The Santa Clara Valley spreads out below the parking lot. The view is sharpest after a winter storm clears the air.

Official sources and current conditions

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

84
Avg Comfort
64.5°
Avg High
46.7°
Avg Low
74%
Perfect Days
☀️ Avg Sunshine10.7h/day
🌫️ Avg Fog0.9h/day
💧 Avg Annual Rain28.1"
🌧️ Rainy Days/yr64 (18%)
🌫️ Foggy Days/yr47
✨ Perfect Days (80+)543

🌟 Best Months to Visit

1. July98
81.3° / 60.4° · ☀️ 13.8h
0 foggy days · 0 rainy days
2. August94
81.4° / 59.9° · ☀️ 13h
0 foggy days · 1 rainy days
3. June93
74.2° / 53.3° · ☀️ 13.6h
1 foggy days · 2 rainy days

⚠️ Challenging Months

1. December30
50.7° / 37° · ☀️ 7.3h
💧 5.1" · 9 rainy days · 8 foggy days
2. January32
51.3° / 38.2° · ☀️ 7.5h
💧 5.3" · 10 rainy days · 7 foggy days
3. February34
51.2° / 37.6° · ☀️ 8.5h
💧 5.1" · 9 rainy days · 8 foggy days

Monthly Breakdown

MonthComfortHigh/Low☀️ Sun🌫️ Fog💧 RainPerfect
November 20247251.6° / 41.6°6.9h2d2.46"14
December 20246855.6° / 45.3°5.3h9d5.61"12
January 20257751.8° / 41.6°7.2h4d0.22"16
February 20256651.2° / 40.7°6.4h8d7.72"12
March 20256449.7° / 38.4°7.6h12d4.41"12
April 20258356.6° / 44.1°9.7h4d1.23"21
May 20259265.5° / 50.9°12.3h3d0.3"27
June 20259773.2° / 60.7°13h0d0"30
July 20259875.5° / 62.2°12.9h0d0"31
August 20259479.8° / 66.1°11.5h1d0"30
September 20259272.3° / 60°10h4d0.13"25
October 20258662.2° / 49.8°8.4h4d2.26"22
November 20257559° / 47.6°6.3h6d5.14"19
December 20257358.3° / 47.1°5.6h8d4.06"17
January 20267657.1° / 44.5°6.7h5d3.34"21
February 20267054.4° / 43.6°6.8h6d5.71"16
March 20269365.6° / 53.5°9.8h1d0"29
April 20267554.4° / 43.4°9.1h9d4.3"18
May 20269063.3° / 50.2°12.2h4d0.5"25
June 20269673.2° / 59.5°12.9h1d0"29
July 20269579.1° / 64.6°12.5h0d0.08"30
August 20269481.8° / 66.3°11.4h0d0.08"31
September 20269571.6° / 56.5°10.5h2d0.04"29
October 20268769.1° / 53.9°8.5h0d0.31"27
Last updated: 11/9/2026

Climate Trends

Average Temperature by Month

86°F73°F60°F47°F34°FNov '24Dec '24Jan '25Feb '25Mar '25Apr '25May '25Jun '25Jul '25Aug '25Sep '25Oct '25Nov '25Dec '25Jan '26Feb '26Mar '26Apr '26May '26Jun '26Jul '26Aug '26Sep '26Oct '26
Average High
Average Low
About the Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) climate charts

The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), the warmest typical hour is 3 PM in July (79°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (40°F).
  • Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) in 23% of 7 AM hours in March, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. July mornings are the least foggy (1%).
  • Wind: From April through July, wind at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) typically builds after 2 PM. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 11 mph with 12% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.
  • Cloud Cover: July middays are the clearest at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) (1% average cloud cover), and March middays are the cloudiest (30%).
  • Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) comes at 1 PM in July, averaging 1027 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

This heatmap shows how average temperature at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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 Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) 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.

Loading interactive climate heatmaps…

How recent months compared at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

  • October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) averaged a high of 69°F, 7°F warmer than October 2025 (62°F).
  • Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 25.5 in. of rain to Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), 91% of the 28.1 in. normal.

Location Details

📍
Coordinates
37.3414, -121.6428
⛰️
Elevation
4,209 ft
🏷️
Type
Viewpoint
✨
Amenities
🅿️ parking🚻 restrooms
🏷️
Tags
#above-fog#views#science#scenic-drive

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather questions

Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

What is the weather like at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) today?

It's 41°F at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now, with a comfort score of 42 (moderate). Today's forecast high at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) is 45°F, 13°F below the mid November normal of 58°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 44°F with a 13 mph wind (comfort 42).

What is the best month to visit Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 9 AM to noon in September, 8 AM to 11 AM in July, and 9 AM to noon in August. The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jun 27 to Sep 25, when the average high is 76°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 81°F.

What are the warmest and coldest months at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

August is the warmest month at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), with an average high of 81°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 37°F.

When does the fog burn off at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

Fog or low cloud covers Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) in 23% of 7 AM hours in March, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. July mornings are the least foggy (1%).

When is it windiest at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

From April through July, wind at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) typically builds after 2 PM. In May it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 11 mph with 12% of those hours windy, while mornings average 8 mph.

How much rain does Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) get?

January is the wettest month (5.3 in.), out of about 28.1 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 1 to Apr 19, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 87% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 25.5 in. of rain to Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), 91% of the 28.1 in. normal.

How does Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather compare with Evergreen?

Evergreen sits 3,870 ft lower, 7.3 miles away. Its summer highs average 7°F warmer and its winter lows 2°F milder than Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton).

Does it snow on Mount Hamilton, and does the road close?

Yes. The observatory says Mount Hamilton Road may close for a time after winter snowfall. It asks visitors to check the California highway information site for Highway 130 before driving up.

What kind of place is Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

Lick Observatory sits at about 4,200 feet on the summit of Mount Hamilton, in the Diablo Range east of San Jose. It was the world's first permanent mountain-top observatory when it opened in 1888 with what was then the largest refracting telescope on Earth. James Lick, whose bequest paid for it, is buried at the base of that telescope. The University of California still runs it as a research site. Visitors reach it by the narrow, curving Mount Hamilton Road, more than 20 miles from downtown San Jose.

What is Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather like in November?

November at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) averages a high of 58°F and a low of 42°F, with 2.9 in. of rain over about 7 rainy days. About 12% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 8 mph.

💡 Local Tip: San Francisco Bay Area weather can change dramatically within short distances and throughout the day. Always check current conditions before visiting Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton).

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.
  • Lick Observatory, visitor information (accessed 2026-10-27)
  • Lick Observatory, home page and storm-damage updates (accessed 2026-10-27)
  • Lick Observatory, 36-inch Lick Refractor (accessed 2026-10-27)

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