Ring Mountain Preserve Weather
Park • San Francisco Bay Area
Ring Mountain is a boulder-strewn hilltop on the Tiburon Peninsula, rising to about 603 feet from the Corte Madera shoreline. It stands about two miles south of the western end of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Marin County manages Ring Mountain Preserve, the open space on its slopes, which looks out over San Francisco Bay from the southeast edge of Corte Madera. The canyons of Mill Valley and Larkspur across the freeway are wooded and shaded. Ring Mountain's slopes are mostly open grassland and rock, so hikers here meet the sun and the bay wind head-on.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Ring Mountain Preserve weather today and through the year
It's 53°F at Ring Mountain Preserve right now (feels like 50°F), with 6 mph wind and a comfort score of 77. Monday's forecast high at Ring Mountain Preserve is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Ring Mountain Preserve. In November, 25% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 53°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 56).
September is the warmest month at Ring Mountain Preserve, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (6.0 in.), out of about 28.5 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Ring Mountain Preserve are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 5 PM to 8 PM in July, and 11 AM to 2 PM in August.
Ring Mountain stands well east of Mount Tamalpais, out on the peninsula between Richardson Bay and San Rafael Bay. Summer fog that pours through the Golden Gate often fills Richardson Bay and Sausalito to the south, but it frequently thins before it reaches this ridge. On many summer days the summit sits in sun while the water below is gray, and on deeper fog days the cloud's upper edge drifts across the top.
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 Ring Mountain Preserve in the next few days
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Ring Mountain Preserve. In November, 25% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 53°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 56).
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 Ring Mountain Preserve, with a 59°F high and midday comfort near 76. Today looks weakest (46).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (77%, about 0.54 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Ring Mountain Preserve right now
Overcast and 53° at Ring Mountain Preserve right now.
About the live weather map for Ring Mountain Preserve
The map centers on Ring Mountain Preserve 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.
Ring Mountain Preserve vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Ring Mountain Preserve, 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 Ring Mountain Preserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corte Madera | 1.8 mi | +3°F | 14% | 6 mph | a very similar climate |
| Tiburon | 2.9 mi | -15°F | 27% | 15 mph | about 15°F cooler on summer afternoons and windier summer afternoons (15 vs 9 mph) |
| Mill Valley | 3.3 mi | same | 19% | 8 mph | about 26% more rain a year |
| Rodeo Beach | 6 mi | -20°F | 48% | 13 mph | about 20°F cooler on summer afternoons and more summer morning fog (48% vs 19% of morning hours) |
| Ocean Beach | 10.4 mi | -20°F | 49% | 11 mph | about 20°F cooler on summer afternoons and more summer morning fog (49% vs 19% of morning hours) |
| Pacifica | 20.4 mi | -21°F | 56% | 9 mph | about 21°F cooler on summer afternoons and more summer morning fog (56% vs 19% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Ring Mountain Preserve's
- Visitacion Valley (14 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Bernal Heights (12 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Bayview-Hunters Point (13 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Ring Mountain Preserve climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Ring Mountain Preserve 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 Ring Mountain Preserve 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.
Ring Mountain Preserve weather by month
September is the warmest month at Ring Mountain Preserve, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (6.0 in.), out of about 28.5 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in December, when fog or low cloud covers 38% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. July 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 Ring Mountain Preserve are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 5 PM to 8 PM in July, and 11 AM to 2 PM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56°F | 44°F | 5.5 in | 10 | 35% | 37% | 6 mph | 9.8 h | 36 |
| Feb | 59°F | 46°F | 5.5 in | 10 | 18% | 27% | 7 mph | 10.7 h | 45 |
| Mar | 62°F | 47°F | 4.0 in | 8 | 18% | 30% | 7 mph | 11.9 h | 64 |
| Apr | 64°F | 48°F | 1.9 in | 6 | 12% | 25% | 8 mph | 13.2 h | 75 |
| May | 66°F | 51°F | 0.8 in | 4 | 13% | 24% | 9 mph | 14.2 h | 79 |
| Jun | 70°F | 53°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 13% | 14% | 9 mph | 14.8 h | 86 |
| Jul | 71°F | 54°F | 0.0 in | 0 | 20% | 13% | 9 mph | 14.5 h | 87 |
| Aug | 72°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 23% | 15% | 9 mph | 13.6 h | 87 |
| Sep | 73°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 18% | 17% | 7 mph | 12.3 h | 90 |
| Oct | 70°F | 52°F | 1.3 in | 5 | 19% | 19% | 6 mph | 11.1 h | 83 |
| Nov | 62°F | 48°F | 3.1 in | 7 | 25% | 24% | 5 mph | 10.0 h | 67 |
| Dec | 57°F | 44°F | 6.0 in | 10 | 38% | 41% | 6 mph | 9.5 h | 35 |
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 Ring Mountain Preserve's weather different
When the fog burns off
3 PMwhen December fog usually thins (42% foggy at 7 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Ring Mountain Preserve in 42% of 7 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM. April mornings are the least foggy (12%).
When the wind picks up
noonwhen afternoon wind builds, March–September
From March through September, wind at Ring Mountain Preserve typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 10 mph with 11% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
Microclimate
−20°FRodeo Beach, 6 mi away, on summer afternoons
Rodeo Beach, 6 miles away, runs about 20°F cooler than Ring Mountain Preserve on summer afternoons. It also has far more summer morning fog, 48% of morning hours compared with 19%.
Daylight
9.5–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Ring Mountain Preserve range from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:34 PM, and in mid-December around 4:55 PM.
Seasons at Ring Mountain Preserve
- Warm seasonJul 27 – Oct 1 · highs 71°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.2 months, from Jul 27 to Oct 1, when the average high is 71°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 73°F.
- Cool seasonNov 30 – Feb 25 · highs 60°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 30 to Feb 25, when the average high is 60°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 44°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 3 – Apr 12 · 86% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 3 to Apr 12, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 86% 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 22.
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, Ring Mountain Preserve averaged 1 day a year at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 20 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 2 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 105 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (90°F) and the coldest night was Feb 10, 2025 (42°F). The wettest day was Feb 16, 2026 (2.27 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 47 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 1day at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 20days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 2afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 105mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day90°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night42°FFeb 10, 2025
- Wettest day2.27 inFeb 16, 2026
- Strongest 2 PM gust47 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Ring Mountain Preserve's weather
Ring Mountain's hilltop has almost no shade, so it warms quickly on clear days. It is also fully exposed to the afternoon sea breeze that blows up the bay from the Golden Gate. Expect more sun and more wind than in Corte Madera's flat streets below, and a wide difference between the sheltered side of a boulder and the open crest.
Ring Mountain's open slopes follow the bay's rainfall rhythm. Winter rains turn the grassland green, spring brings the wildflower season, and by summer the grass has dried to gold. In late summer and fall that dry grass is the main fire concern on hot, windy days.
Tips for visiting Ring Mountain Preserve
Expect a steady climb from the bay
The summit stands about 603 feet above sea level, and the approach from the Corte Madera side starts close to bay level.
Bring sun protection and water
There is very little shade on the grassy slopes, so a hat and plenty of water matter even on mild days.
Hike early on hot days
The exposed ridge heats up fast by midday, and the bay breeze usually strengthens through the afternoon.
Stay on trails in spring
Spring is wildflower season on the open grassland. Keeping to the trail protects rare plants such as the Tiburon mariposa lily, which grows near the summit and nowhere else in the world.
Ring Mountain Preserve through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring brings green grass and wildflowers to the open slopes. Temperatures are mild, but the afternoon breeze builds as inland valleys warm.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is often sunny on top while fog fills Richardson Bay below. Dry grass and little shade make midday hikes hot when the wind is light.
- Fall (September–October)
- Fall often brings the clearest views across the bay. Dry, windy days raise grass-fire danger.
- Winter (November–February)
- Rain greens the hills again. Clear days between storms give the sharpest views, but trails turn muddy and slick after heavy rain.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Hiking to the summit: The summit hike is best on clear, mild mornings. Midday summer sun and afternoon wind make the open crest harder going.
- Wildflower walks: The best blooms come in spring after a wet winter. A dry winter means a thin bloom.
- Bay views and photography: Photos need clear air. Fall and the days after winter storms give the longest views, while summer fog can hide the water entirely.
Official sources and current conditions
- Visit Marin: Corte Madera and Ring Mountain Preserve
- NOAA NGS survey mark RING (summit location and elevation)
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 | 76 | 59.2° / 51° | 6.1h | 7d | 5.8" | 16 |
| December 2024 | 66 | 56.4° / 49.7° | 4.6h | 16d | 8.97" | 10 |
| January 2025 | 80 | 56.9° / 47° | 6.9h | 8d | 0.23" | 18 |
| February 2025 | 72 | 57.7° / 47.8° | 6.6h | 7d | 8.8" | 13 |
| March 2025 | 78 | 58° / 48.7° | 7.7h | 6d | 2.54" | 17 |
| April 2025 | 89 | 61.2° / 50.2° | 10.2h | 3d | 0.31" | 25 |
| May 2025 | 95 | 66.8° / 52° | 12.3h | 0d | 0.13" | 31 |
| June 2025 | 94 | 65.4° / 52.4° | 12.4h | 2d | 0" | 29 |
| July 2025 | 92 | 65.3° / 54.8° | 12h | 4d | 0" | 30 |
| August 2025 | 97 | 72.3° / 56.9° | 11.4h | 1d | 0" | 31 |
| September 2025 | 92 | 71° / 59.4° | 9.6h | 3d | 0.04" | 26 |
| October 2025 | 87 | 66.9° / 56.7° | 7.9h | 8d | 0.83" | 25 |
| November 2025 | 75 | 60.6° / 53.3° | 6.1h | 13d | 3.46" | 12 |
| December 2025 | 61 | 53.6° / 48° | 4.5h | 20d | 5.44" | 3 |
| January 2026 | 75 | 58.2° / 49.8° | 6.5h | 10d | 5.39" | 19 |
| February 2026 | 74 | 60° / 50.7° | 6.3h | 5d | 6.74" | 14 |
| March 2026 | 95 | 69.6° / 54.1° | 9.6h | 0d | 0.04" | 30 |
| April 2026 | 86 | 63.4° / 52.4° | 9.4h | 3d | 3.24" | 24 |
| May 2026 | 91 | 64.9° / 53.5° | 11.5h | 6d | 0.66" | 28 |
| June 2026 | 93 | 67.6° / 55° | 12.1h | 1d | 0" | 28 |
| July 2026 | 95 | 70.1° / 56.2° | 11.7h | 4d | 0" | 31 |
| August 2026 | 92 | 68° / 56.4° | 10.8h | 6d | 0" | 30 |
| September 2026 | 94 | 70.9° / 57.8° | 10h | 2d | 0.25" | 29 |
| October 2026 | 92 | 70.3° / 55.7° | 8.5h | 2d | 0.27" | 29 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Ring Mountain Preserve climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Ring Mountain Preserve, 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 Ring Mountain Preserve. 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 Ring Mountain Preserve, the warmest typical hour is 4 PM in August (79°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (46°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Ring Mountain Preserve in 42% of 7 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM. April mornings are the least foggy (12%).
- Wind: From March through September, wind at Ring Mountain Preserve typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 10 mph with 11% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
- Cloud Cover: July middays are the clearest at Ring Mountain Preserve (13% average cloud cover), and December middays are the cloudiest (41%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Ring Mountain Preserve comes at 1 PM in July, averaging 977 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Ring Mountain Preserve
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Ring Mountain Preserve 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 Ring Mountain Preserve. 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 Ring Mountain Preserve 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 Ring Mountain Preserve 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 Ring Mountain Preserve 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 Ring Mountain Preserve
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Ring Mountain Preserve averaged a high of 70°F, close to the 1991-2020 normal of 70°F. It brought 0.27 in. of rain, compared with a normal of 1.31 in.
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.1 in. of rain to Ring Mountain Preserve, 91% of the 28.5 in. normal.
Location Details
Ring Mountain Preserve weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Ring Mountain Preserve
What is the weather like at Ring Mountain Preserve today?
It's 53°F at Ring Mountain Preserve right now, with a comfort score of 77 (great). Monday's forecast high at Ring Mountain Preserve is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 53°F with a 3 mph wind (comfort 56).
What is the best month to visit Ring Mountain Preserve?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Ring Mountain Preserve are September, July, and August. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, 5 PM to 8 PM in July, and 11 AM to 2 PM in August. The warm season lasts about 2.2 months, from Jul 27 to Oct 1, when the average high is 71°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 73°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Ring Mountain Preserve?
September is the warmest month at Ring Mountain Preserve, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F.
When does the fog burn off at Ring Mountain Preserve?
Fog or low cloud covers Ring Mountain Preserve in 42% of 7 AM hours in December, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM. April mornings are the least foggy (12%).
When is it windiest at Ring Mountain Preserve?
From March through September, wind at Ring Mountain Preserve typically builds after noon. In May it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 10 mph with 11% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
How much rain does Ring Mountain Preserve get?
December is the wettest month (6.0 in.), out of about 28.5 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 3 to Apr 12, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 86% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.1 in. of rain to Ring Mountain Preserve, 91% of the 28.5 in. normal.
How does Ring Mountain Preserve weather compare with Rodeo Beach?
Rodeo Beach, 6 miles away, runs about 20°F cooler than Ring Mountain Preserve on summer afternoons. It also has far more summer morning fog, 48% of morning hours compared with 19%.
What kind of place is Ring Mountain Preserve?
Ring Mountain is a boulder-strewn hilltop on the Tiburon Peninsula, rising to about 603 feet from the Corte Madera shoreline. It stands about two miles south of the western end of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Marin County manages Ring Mountain Preserve, the open space on its slopes, which looks out over San Francisco Bay from the southeast edge of Corte Madera. The canyons of Mill Valley and Larkspur across the freeway are wooded and shaded. Ring Mountain's slopes are mostly open grassland and rock, so hikers here meet the sun and the bay wind head-on.
What is Ring Mountain Preserve weather like in November?
November at Ring Mountain Preserve averages a high of 62°F and a low of 48°F, with 3.1 in. of rain over about 7 rainy days. About 25% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 5 mph.
More about Ring Mountain Preserve 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.
- NOAA National Geodetic Survey datasheet, station RING (HT3167) (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Visit Marin, Corte Madera (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Wikipedia, Ring Mountain (California) (accessed 2026-11-10)
Rendered 2026-11-15T12:16:27.533Z.