Pescadero Creek County Park Weather
Park • San Francisco Bay Area
East of Loma Mar, Pescadero Creek runs year-round through an 8,020-acre San Mateo County park complex that takes in Pescadero Creek, Memorial and Sam McDonald county parks. Much of the land is logged-over timber country the county bought from the Santa Cruz Lumber Company, and it has grown back as second-growth redwood and Douglas-fir. Steelhead swim in the creek, and a grove of endangered Santa Cruz cypress grows up on Butano Ridge. About 26 miles of trails and two hike-in camps make it a place for long days on foot or horseback, not a quick stroll.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Pescadero Creek County Park weather today and through the year
It's 56°F at Pescadero Creek County Park right now (feels like 53°F), with 6 mph wind and a comfort score of 80. Monday's forecast high at Pescadero Creek County Park is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 52°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 57).
August is the warmest month at Pescadero Creek County Park, with an average high of 78°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F. December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 31.2 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pescadero Creek County Park are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in July.
Butano Ridge walls off the park's south side. Unlike Butano State Park on the far side of that ridge, this valley has no canyon opening straight onto the ocean. Marine air arrives only by following Pescadero Creek upstream from the coast. On summer mornings the fog usually reaches Loma Mar and the western trailheads first and thins toward the eastern end of the park near Portola Redwoods.
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 Pescadero Creek County Park in the next few days
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
Best time to go
The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 52°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 57).
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 Pescadero Creek County Park, with a 59°F high and midday comfort near 71. Thursday looks weakest (45).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (84%, about 0.51 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Pescadero Creek County Park right now
Overcast and 56° at Pescadero Creek County Park right now.
About the live weather map for Pescadero Creek County Park
The map centers on Pescadero Creek County Park 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.
Pescadero Creek County Park vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Pescadero Creek County Park, 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 Pescadero Creek County Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pescadero | 3.5 mi | -5°F | 55% | 10 mph | more summer morning fog (55% vs 42% of morning hours) and about 5°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Butano State Park | 3.7 mi | -2°F | 45% | 9 mph | about 26% more rain a year |
| La Honda | 4.9 mi | +1°F | 44% | 8 mph | a very similar climate |
| Saratoga | 16.2 mi | +15°F | 10% | 8 mph | about 15°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (10% vs 42% of morning hours) |
| Los Gatos | 19.6 mi | +16°F | 8% | 8 mph | about 16°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (8% vs 42% of morning hours) |
| Campbell | 20.3 mi | +15°F | 8% | 9 mph | about 15°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (8% vs 42% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Pescadero Creek County Park's
- Occidental (87 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Scotts Valley (22 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Olompali State Historic Park (63 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Pescadero Creek County Park climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park 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.
Pescadero Creek County Park weather by month
August is the warmest month at Pescadero Creek County Park, with an average high of 78°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F. December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 31.2 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 47% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. October has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 22% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pescadero Creek County Park are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in July.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F | 40°F | 6.2 in | 10 | 14% | 34% | 7 mph | 9.9 h | 39 |
| Feb | 61°F | 41°F | 6.1 in | 10 | 13% | 30% | 8 mph | 10.8 h | 41 |
| Mar | 63°F | 42°F | 4.7 in | 9 | 17% | 36% | 8 mph | 11.9 h | 58 |
| Apr | 65°F | 43°F | 2.2 in | 6 | 23% | 35% | 8 mph | 13.1 h | 59 |
| May | 69°F | 47°F | 0.9 in | 4 | 34% | 39% | 8 mph | 14.2 h | 66 |
| Jun | 74°F | 49°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 37% | 32% | 8 mph | 14.7 h | 79 |
| Jul | 77°F | 52°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 47% | 31% | 8 mph | 14.5 h | 84 |
| Aug | 78°F | 52°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 42% | 27% | 8 mph | 13.5 h | 87 |
| Sep | 78°F | 51°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 31% | 27% | 7 mph | 12.3 h | 90 |
| Oct | 73°F | 47°F | 1.3 in | 5 | 16% | 22% | 7 mph | 11.1 h | 83 |
| Nov | 64°F | 42°F | 3.1 in | 8 | 12% | 24% | 6 mph | 10.1 h | 69 |
| Dec | 59°F | 40°F | 6.2 in | 10 | 18% | 33% | 6 mph | 9.6 h | 39 |
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 Pescadero Creek County Park average about 9°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 Pescadero Creek County Park has actually seen.
What makes Pescadero Creek County Park's weather different
When the fog burns off
noonwhen July fog usually thins (59% foggy at 8 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Pescadero Creek County Park in 59% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by noon. November mornings are the least foggy (12%).
When the wind picks up
noonwhen afternoon wind builds, March–September
From March through September, wind at Pescadero Creek County Park typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 3% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
Microclimate
−5°FPescadero, 3.5 mi away, on summer afternoons
Pescadero, 3.5 miles away, runs about 5°F cooler than Pescadero Creek County Park on summer afternoons. It also has more summer morning fog, 55% of morning hours compared with 42%.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park
- Warm seasonJun 29 – Oct 1 · highs 75°F+
The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jun 29 to Oct 1, when the average high is 75°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 78°F.
- Cool seasonNov 30 – Mar 1 · highs 62°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 30 to Mar 1, when the average high is 62°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 40°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 1 – Apr 18 · 89% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 1 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 24 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, Pescadero Creek County Park averaged 1 day a year at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 17 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 134 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (94°F) and the coldest night was Jan 18, 2025 (36°F). The wettest day was Feb 5, 2025 (2.63 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 54 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 1day at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 17days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 1afternoon with 20+ mph wind
- 134mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day94°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night36°FJan 18, 2025
- Wettest day2.63 inFeb 5, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust54 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Pescadero Creek County Park's weather
Pescadero Creek Park's trail network spans a wide range of elevation, and the weather spreads out with it. Paths drop to redwood flats along the creek and climb onto Butano Ridge, where chaparral, madrone and knobcone pine take over. On summer afternoons the ridge can be hot and dry while the creek bottom stays cool and damp. On clear nights, cold air drains down side canyons such as Tarwater and Jones Gulch and pools along the creek.
Rain shapes a visit here more than heat does. Winter storms soak these west-facing mountains, and the county closes all single-track trails for the season after the first significant rains. Storm runoff is also hard on the park's dirt roads and bridges, so closures can last long after the weather clears.
Tips for visiting Pescadero Creek County Park
Plan winter hikes on fire roads
All single-track trails close for the winter after the first significant rains. Fire roads stay open to horses as weather allows.
Check closures before driving out
Storm damage can close trailhead roads, fire roads and bridges here for long stretches. The county keeps a closures page for the park, so look at it before you drive the long, winding roads out.
Carry all your water
The county advises visitors to bring drinking water. The trail camps have vault toilets but no water.
Plan meals without a campfire
Gas backpacking stoves are allowed only during non-hazardous fire conditions. Call (650) 879-0238 to check before your trip.
Leave the dog at home
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the park.
Pescadero Creek County Park through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- The creek runs high and clear as the trails dry out. Rangers ask riders to check trail conditions before heading out.
- Summer (June–August)
- The creek bottoms stay cool while Butano Ridge bakes. Whether you can use a stove at the trail camps depends on fire conditions.
- Fall (September–November)
- Fall starts warm, dry and quiet, until the first significant rains close the single-track trails for winter.
- Winter (December–February)
- In winter, hikers are mostly limited to fire roads, with muddy footing and a full creek. Pescadero Creek is a major steelhead spawning stream.
Activities and the weather that matters
- All-day ridge hikes: The Butano Ridge Loop and Pomponio Trail are all-day outings. Start early in summer, when the exposed ridge heats up by afternoon.
- Horseback riding: Riders often start from Jack Brook Horsecamp. Fire roads are open to horses as weather allows, so check with rangers after rain.
- Backpacking: Shaw Flat and Tarwater are first-come hike-in camps, and the permit comes from the Memorial Park Ranger Station. Dry-season trips are easiest, but fire conditions can rule out stoves.
- Mountain biking: Bikes are allowed on Old Haul Road, Baker Fire Road and Camp Pomponio Road. Dry weather keeps the roads rideable.
Official sources and current conditions
- San Mateo County Parks: Pescadero Creek Park
- Pescadero Creek Park trail closures
- Pescadero Creek Park trails
- San Mateo County Parks: Memorial Park
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 | 78 | 59.7° / 46.6° | 6.6h | 2d | 4.04" | 18 |
| December 2024 | 73 | 60.8° / 49° | 5.2h | 8d | 5.88" | 14 |
| January 2025 | 82 | 57.7° / 44.4° | 6.8h | 4d | 0.17" | 20 |
| February 2025 | 73 | 57.6° / 44.1° | 6.2h | 5d | 9.58" | 12 |
| March 2025 | 73 | 55.7° / 43.7° | 7.4h | 7d | 3.86" | 14 |
| April 2025 | 80 | 57.9° / 44.1° | 8.9h | 9d | 0.64" | 18 |
| May 2025 | 82 | 61.1° / 46.7° | 9.5h | 11d | 0.13" | 18 |
| June 2025 | 84 | 63° / 48.1° | 10.9h | 14d | 0" | 18 |
| July 2025 | 84 | 65.3° / 51.3° | 9.7h | 18d | 0" | 19 |
| August 2025 | 88 | 70.1° / 52.7° | 9.5h | 12d | 0" | 24 |
| September 2025 | 87 | 70.3° / 56.2° | 8.4h | 8d | 0.32" | 24 |
| October 2025 | 85 | 65.7° / 51.9° | 7.6h | 5d | 1.42" | 21 |
| November 2025 | 78 | 63.3° / 50.6° | 6.2h | 5d | 5.01" | 18 |
| December 2025 | 76 | 61.7° / 49.4° | 5.4h | 7d | 4.67" | 18 |
| January 2026 | 80 | 62.4° / 50.2° | 6.5h | 3d | 6.02" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 75 | 61.4° / 48.3° | 6.5h | 5d | 5.47" | 15 |
| March 2026 | 90 | 68.5° / 50.2° | 9.2h | 4d | 0.01" | 25 |
| April 2026 | 80 | 60.1° / 47.7° | 8.5h | 5d | 3.69" | 16 |
| May 2026 | 82 | 60.5° / 48.4° | 9.9h | 11d | 0.56" | 19 |
| June 2026 | 86 | 65.6° / 51° | 10.7h | 15d | 0" | 24 |
| July 2026 | 85 | 66.9° / 53.1° | 10.1h | 17d | 0" | 21 |
| August 2026 | 88 | 68.7° / 51.9° | 10.1h | 14d | 0.01" | 30 |
| September 2026 | 90 | 68.9° / 53.3° | 9.4h | 9d | 0.05" | 25 |
| October 2026 | 90 | 70.7° / 52.5° | 8h | 2d | 0.17" | 28 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Pescadero Creek County Park climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Pescadero Creek County Park, 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 Pescadero Creek County Park. 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 Pescadero Creek County Park, the warmest typical hour is 3 PM in September (72°F). The coldest is 7 AM in February (46°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Pescadero Creek County Park in 59% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by noon. November mornings are the least foggy (12%).
- Wind: From March through September, wind at Pescadero Creek County Park typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 3% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
- Cloud Cover: October middays are the clearest at Pescadero Creek County Park (22% average cloud cover), and May middays are the cloudiest (39%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Pescadero Creek County Park comes at 1 PM in July, averaging 903 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Pescadero Creek County Park
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park. 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 Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park 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 Pescadero Creek County Park
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Pescadero Creek County Park averaged a high of 71°F, 5°F warmer than October 2025 (66°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.9 in. of rain to Pescadero Creek County Park, 86% of the 31.2 in. normal.
Location Details
Pescadero Creek County Park weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Pescadero Creek County Park
What is the weather like at Pescadero Creek County Park today?
It's 56°F at Pescadero Creek County Park right now, with a comfort score of 80 (great). Monday's forecast high at Pescadero Creek County Park is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 1 PM to 4 PM, at about 52°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 57).
What is the best month to visit Pescadero Creek County Park?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pescadero Creek County Park are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in August, and noon to 3 PM in July. The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jun 29 to Oct 1, when the average high is 75°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 78°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Pescadero Creek County Park?
August is the warmest month at Pescadero Creek County Park, with an average high of 78°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F.
When does the fog burn off at Pescadero Creek County Park?
Fog or low cloud covers Pescadero Creek County Park in 59% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by noon. November mornings are the least foggy (12%).
When is it windiest at Pescadero Creek County Park?
From March through September, wind at Pescadero Creek County Park typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 9 mph with 3% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
How much rain does Pescadero Creek County Park get?
December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 31.2 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 1 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 26.9 in. of rain to Pescadero Creek County Park, 86% of the 31.2 in. normal.
How does Pescadero Creek County Park weather compare with Pescadero?
Pescadero, 3.5 miles away, runs about 5°F cooler than Pescadero Creek County Park on summer afternoons. It also has more summer morning fog, 55% of morning hours compared with 42%.
Why has so much of this forest been logged?
By 1971 the park covered 5,700 acres, mostly logged-over timberland. The county bought it from the Santa Cruz Lumber Company, which had just closed its mill. A later county plan for selective timber harvest was dropped. An Army Corps of Engineers plan to dam Pescadero Creek into a lake was canceled after public hearings.
What kind of place is Pescadero Creek County Park?
East of Loma Mar, Pescadero Creek runs year-round through an 8,020-acre San Mateo County park complex that takes in Pescadero Creek, Memorial and Sam McDonald county parks. Much of the land is logged-over timber country the county bought from the Santa Cruz Lumber Company, and it has grown back as second-growth redwood and Douglas-fir. Steelhead swim in the creek, and a grove of endangered Santa Cruz cypress grows up on Butano Ridge. About 26 miles of trails and two hike-in camps make it a place for long days on foot or horseback, not a quick stroll.
What is Pescadero Creek County Park weather like in November?
November at Pescadero Creek County Park averages a high of 64°F and a low of 42°F, with 3.1 in. of rain over about 8 rainy days. About 12% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Pescadero Creek County Park 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.
- San Mateo County Parks, Pescadero Creek Park (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, Pescadero Creek Park activities (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, Pescadero Creek Park regulations (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, Pescadero Creek Park closures (updated Oct 19, 2026) (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, Pescadero Creek Park history (accessed 2026-10-27)
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