Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) Weather

ViewpointSan Francisco Bay Area

Historic observatory with amazing views

66°
😊
Comfort Score
91(A-)
Excellent
Weather updated September 12, 2026 at 4:36 PM PDT

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) weather at a glance

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) is a viewpoint at 4,209 feet in San Francisco Bay Area. Historic observatory with amazing views. Notable features include above-fog, views, science, and scenic-drive.

Current conditions are 66°F, feeling like 60°F, with 45% humidity, winds near 13 mph, 0% cloud cover, and a 0% chance of precipitation. Mild and breezy with clear skies.

The location-specific climate baseline shows an average daily high of 64°F and an average low of 47°F, with about 10.7 hours of sunshine per day and 0.9 hours of morning fog per day. Expected annual precipitation is approximately 27.1 inches.

Plan your week

10-Day Forecast

Drag or swipe to browse
  1. Best day
    Today
    Sep 12
    71°48°
    Comfort
    93
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  2. Sun
    Sep 13
    59°42°
    Comfort
    84
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  3. Mon
    Sep 14
    76°48°
    Comfort
    93
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  4. Tue
    Sep 15
    79°47°
    Comfort
    90
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  5. Wed
    Sep 16
    80°50°
    Comfort
    90
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  6. Thu
    Sep 17
    82°53°
    Comfort
    89
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  7. Fri
    Sep 18
    81°52°
    Comfort
    89
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  8. Sat
    Sep 19
    79°49°
    Comfort
    91
    0%
    Precip 0 in
  9. Sun
    Sep 20
    78°51°
    Comfort
    86
    4%
    Precip 0 in
  10. Mon
    Sep 21
    73°44°
    Comfort
    84
    4%
    Precip 0 in

Hour by hour

Hourly Forecast

Drag or swipe to browse
  1. Today
    Now
    68°
    Comfort
    94
    0%
    0 in
  2. Today
    5 PM
    65°
    Comfort
    89
    0%
    0 in
  3. Today
    6 PM
    61°
    Comfort
    83
    0%
    0 in
  4. Today
    7 PM
    54°
    Comfort
    75
    0%
    0 in
  5. Sunset7:18 PM
  6. Today
    8 PM
    51°
    Comfort
    70
    0%
    0 in
  7. Today
    9 PM
    50°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  8. Today
    10 PM
    49°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  9. Today
    11 PM
    48°
    Comfort
    70
    0%
    0 in
  10. Sun
    12 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  11. Sun
    1 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  12. Sun
    2 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  13. Sun
    3 AM
    47°
    Comfort
    70
    0%
    0 in
  14. Sun
    4 AM
    45°
    Comfort
    69
    0%
    0 in
  15. Sun
    5 AM
    44°
    Comfort
    68
    0%
    0 in
  16. Sun
    6 AM
    43°
    Comfort
    66
    0%
    0 in
  17. Sunrise6:47 AM
  18. Sun
    7 AM
    42°
    Comfort
    65
    0%
    0 in
  19. Sun
    8 AM
    44°
    Comfort
    66
    0%
    0 in
  20. Sun
    9 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    69
    0%
    0 in
  21. Sun
    10 AM
    51°
    Comfort
    73
    0%
    0 in
  22. Sun
    11 AM
    54°
    Comfort
    78
    0%
    0 in
  23. Sun
    12 PM
    57°
    Comfort
    83
    0%
    0 in
  24. Sun
    1 PM
    58°
    Comfort
    84
    0%
    0 in
  25. Sun
    2 PM
    59°
    Comfort
    85
    0%
    0 in
  26. Sun
    3 PM
    59°
    Comfort
    85
    0%
    0 in
  27. Sun
    4 PM
    59°
    Comfort
    84
    0%
    0 in
  28. Sun
    5 PM
    57°
    Comfort
    81
    0%
    0 in
  29. Sun
    6 PM
    54°
    Comfort
    77
    0%
    0 in
  30. Sun
    7 PM
    52°
    Comfort
    75
    0%
    0 in
  31. Sunset7:16 PM
  32. Sun
    8 PM
    49°
    Comfort
    74
    0%
    0 in
  33. Sun
    9 PM
    48°
    Comfort
    75
    0%
    0 in
  34. Sun
    10 PM
    48°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  35. Sun
    11 PM
    48°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  36. Mon
    12 AM
    49°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  37. Mon
    1 AM
    49°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  38. Mon
    2 AM
    50°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  39. Mon
    3 AM
    49°
    Comfort
    71
    0%
    0 in
  40. Mon
    4 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    69
    0%
    0 in
  41. Mon
    5 AM
    48°
    Comfort
    68
    0%
    0 in
  42. Mon
    6 AM
    49°
    Comfort
    70
    0%
    0 in
  43. Sunrise6:47 AM
  44. Mon
    7 AM
    49°
    Comfort
    70
    0%
    0 in
  45. Mon
    8 AM
    50°
    Comfort
    72
    0%
    0 in
  46. Mon
    9 AM
    59°
    Comfort
    81
    0%
    0 in
  47. Mon
    10 AM
    64°
    Comfort
    87
    0%
    0 in
  48. Mon
    11 AM
    69°
    Comfort
    93
    0%
    0 in
  49. Mon
    12 PM
    73°
    Comfort
    98
    0%
    0 in
  50. Mon
    1 PM
    75°
    Comfort
    98
    0%
    0 in
  51. Mon
    2 PM
    76°
    Comfort
    98
    0%
    0 in
  52. Mon
    3 PM
    76°
    Comfort
    97
    0%
    0 in

Current Conditions

Temperature
66°F
Feels like 60°F
Humidity
45%
Dew point 44°F
Wind
13 mph
NW • Gusts 17 mph
Cloud Cover
0%
bright
Precip Chance
0%

Comfort Breakdown

Less comfortableMore comfortable
Thermal84
Wind89
Sky Comfort97
Moisture100
Precipitation100

Weather Maps

About the weather maps for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

Each preview is centered on Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton), with the red pin marking its approximate location. Satellite imagery provides cloud context, radar shows nearby precipitation, and the fog view shows the marine-layer or low-cloud field when that regional layer is available.

These images cover a wider area than the point forecast, so a nearby cloud or rain band may not be directly over Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). Open a preview for the interactive map and its latest timestamp before making a weather-sensitive decision.

Nearby Temperature Comparison

Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations

Tip: Bay Area temps can vary 20-30°F within a short distance due to microclimates.

Climate Dashboard

Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline

Today's High vs Normal
71°Fforecast
7° below normal
Normal: 78°F
Rainfall Year-to-Date
12.1"
35% below average
30-yr avg: 18.6"
Sunny Days
24last 28 days
4 fewer than baseline
Typical: 28
Foggy Days
6last 28 days
vs 0 typical
Foggier than usual
Avg Wind Speed
5.5 mphlast 28 days
Typical conditions
Typical: 5.0 mph
Comfort Score
8328-day avg
6 pts below typical
Recent baseline: 89
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.

Historical Climate Data

Long-term weather patterns and climate data

Data sources: NOAA URMA for recent temperature history, NOAA Stage IV for recent precipitation, NOAA HRRR for fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine signals, and NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for long-term baselines.

Climate Overview

Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline

82
Avg Comfort
64.5°
Avg High
46.7°
Avg Low
75%
Perfect Days
☀️ Avg Sunshine10.7h/day
🌫️ Avg Fog0.9h/day
💧 Avg Annual Rain27.1"
🌧️ Rainy Days/yr71 (19%)
🌫️ Foggy Days/yr47
✨ Perfect Days (80+)485

🌟 Best Months to Visit

1. July96
81.3° / 60.4° · ☀️ 13.8h
0 foggy days · 1 rainy days
2. June95
74.2° / 53.3° · ☀️ 13.6h
1 foggy days · 1 rainy days
3. August94
81.4° / 59.9° · ☀️ 13h
0 foggy days · 1 rainy days

⚠️ Challenging Months

1. December28
50.7° / 37° · ☀️ 7.3h
💧 6.2" · 11 rainy days · 8 foggy days
2. February32
51.2° / 37.6° · ☀️ 8.5h
💧 5.6" · 10 rainy days · 8 foggy days
3. January32
51.3° / 38.2° · ☀️ 7.5h
💧 6.2" · 10 rainy days · 7 foggy days

Monthly Breakdown

MonthComfortHigh/Low☀️ Sun🌫️ Fog💧 RainPerfect
August 20249079.9° / 58.4°12.3h0d0.04"26
September 20249178.5° / 56.4°11.2h1d0.12"29
October 20249071.8° / 52.1°10.1h0d0.19"30
November 20247050.8° / 36.7°7.3h5d2.4"14
December 20246853.9° / 38.8°6.6h12d5.44"15
January 20257650.7° / 33.2°8.1h3d0.73"20
February 20256449.9° / 35°7.1h8d7.02"12
March 20256749° / 33.7°9.1h11d3.69"14
April 20258658.9° / 39.5°11.2h4d0.86"23
May 20259268.3° / 46°12.9h2d0.2"29
June 20259277.2° / 53.7°13.7h0d0"30
July 20259379.6° / 56.9°13.5h0d0"31
August 20258982.9° / 61.1°12.5h0d0"31
September 20259174.8° / 55.5°10.8h1d0.68"29
October 20258663.2° / 44.8°8.9h5d1.98"22
November 20257658.9° / 42.5°7.5h6d4.12"20
December 20257457.3° / 41.5°7.1h7d3.62"19
January 20267656.3° / 39°7.8h6d3.06"21
February 20267253.1° / 37.2°8h7d5.32"15
March 20269166.6° / 46.7°10.9h1d0.4"29
April 20267856.2° / 38.4°11.3h8d3.05"18
May 20268966.1° / 44.2°11.5h2d0.31"8
Last updated: 5/10/2026

Climate Trends

Average Temperature by Month

86°F73°F60°F47°F34°FOct '24Nov '24Dec '24Jan '25Feb '25Mar '25Apr '25May '25Jun '25Jul '25Aug '25Sep '25Oct '25Nov '25Dec '25Jan '26Feb '26Mar '26Apr '26May '26Jun '26Jul '26Aug '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

How to read the temperature heatmap 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 identify the usual afternoon peaks and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.

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 to read the fog heatmap for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). Darker cells mark month-and-hour combinations with a stronger historical fog signal, which helps separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.

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 to read the wind heatmap for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

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.

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 to read the cloud cover heatmap for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

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.

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 to read the solar radiation heatmap for Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)

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…

Location Details

📍
Coordinates
37.3414, -121.6428
⛰️
Elevation
4209 ft
🏷️
Type
Viewpoint
Amenities
🅿️ parking🚻 restrooms
🏷️
Tags
#above-fog#views#science#scenic-drive
Map
Loading map...
Get Directions →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the weather at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) right now?

Current conditions at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) are 66°F, feeling like 60°F, with 45% humidity, winds near 13 mph, 0% cloud cover, and a 0% chance of precipitation. Mild and breezy with clear skies

What temperatures are typical at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton)?

The location-specific record for 1991-01-01 through 2020-12-31 shows an average daily high of 64°F and an average low of 47°F at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). These are averages across the year; the monthly climate table on this page shows the warmer and cooler seasons separately.

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

The location-specific climate baseline estimates about 27.1 inches of precipitation and 71 days with measurable rain in a typical year at Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton). The monthly breakdown shows when that rain is most likely.

How often is Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) foggy?

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) averages about 0.9 hours of morning fog per day across the location-specific climate baseline, with approximately 47 foggy days in a typical year. Fog varies considerably by season, so check the monthly breakdown and current forecast for visit planning.

What are the best months to visit Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) for comfortable weather?

Based on the destination's recorded comfort, temperature, sunshine, rain, and fog data, the strongest months are July 2025 (80°F/57°F average high/low and a 93 comfort score), May 2025 (68°F/46°F average high/low and a 92 comfort score), and June 2025 (77°F/54°F average high/low and a 92 comfort score). “Best” depends on the activity, so use the monthly table for the exact tradeoffs.

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

Lick Observatory (Mt. Hamilton) is a viewpoint at 4,209 feet. Historic observatory with amazing views. Notable features include above-fog, views, science, and scenic-drive.

💡 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).