Watsonville Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
Watsonville sits at the mouth of the Pajaro Valley, a few miles inland from Monterey Bay, just south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey. The Pajaro River forms its southern edge, and farm fields surround it. An 800-acre freshwater wetland of sloughs threads right through town, reached by more than seven miles of city trails. It is the agricultural working town of the Monterey Bay, with Sunset State Beach and its dunes a short drive west.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Watsonville weather today and through the year
It's 50°F at Watsonville right now (feels like 47°F), with 2 mph wind and a comfort score of 73. Monday's forecast high at Watsonville is 56°F, 11°F below the mid November normal of 67°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 9 mph wind (comfort 78).
September is the warmest month at Watsonville, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F. January is the wettest month (4.4 in.), out of about 21.4 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Watsonville are September, August, and June. The best hours are usually noon to 3 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 2 PM to 5 PM in June.
Watsonville lives under the Monterey Bay marine layer. The bay is open to the Pacific, and in summer the cold water off the coast builds a layer of low cloud. It drifts onshore overnight and spreads up the flat Pajaro Valley. That is why summer mornings here are often gray and cool while Gilroy, on the other side of the hills, is already sunny and heating up.
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 Watsonville in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Best time to go
The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 9 mph wind (comfort 78).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Watsonville, with a 59°F high and midday comfort near 74. Thursday looks weakest (46).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (51%, about 0.04 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Watsonville right now
Overcast and 50° at Watsonville right now.
About the live weather map for Watsonville
The map centers on Watsonville 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.
Watsonville vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Watsonville, 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 Watsonville |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uvas Canyon County Park | 11.5 mi | +14°F | 26% | 7 mph | about 14°F warmer on summer afternoons and 1,559 ft higher |
| Capitola | 11.7 mi | +1°F | 36% | 8 mph | about 28% more rain a year |
| Gilroy | 12.3 mi | +16°F | 15% | 6 mph | about 16°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (15% vs 34% of morning hours) |
| Morgan Hill | 16.2 mi | +17°F | 25% | 8 mph | about 17°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| Almaden Quicksilver County Park | 18.8 mi | +17°F | 7% | 9 mph | about 17°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (7% vs 34% of morning hours) |
| Almaden Valley | 21.9 mi | +17°F | 7% | 9 mph | about 17°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (7% vs 34% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Watsonville's
- Santa Cruz Main Beach (15 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Santa Cruz Westside (17 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Marina District (72 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Watsonville climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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.
Watsonville weather by month
September is the warmest month at Watsonville, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F. January is the wettest month (4.4 in.), out of about 21.4 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 40% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. October has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 15% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Watsonville are September, August, and June. The best hours are usually noon to 3 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 2 PM to 5 PM in June.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4 in | 9 | 10% | 26% | 5 mph | 9.9 h | 65 |
| Feb | 63°F | 43°F | 4.3 in | 9 | 9% | 23% | 7 mph | 10.8 h | 64 |
| Mar | 65°F | 44°F | 3.2 in | 7 | 13% | 26% | 8 mph | 11.9 h | 66 |
| Apr | 66°F | 46°F | 1.4 in | 5 | 18% | 27% | 9 mph | 13.1 h | 72 |
| May | 68°F | 49°F | 0.6 in | 3 | 16% | 30% | 10 mph | 14.2 h | 73 |
| Jun | 71°F | 52°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 25% | 24% | 9 mph | 14.7 h | 85 |
| Jul | 71°F | 54°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 40% | 24% | 9 mph | 14.4 h | 83 |
| Aug | 72°F | 54°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 37% | 24% | 9 mph | 13.5 h | 87 |
| Sep | 74°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 26% | 22% | 9 mph | 12.3 h | 89 |
| Oct | 73°F | 49°F | 0.9 in | 4 | 15% | 15% | 8 mph | 11.1 h | 82 |
| Nov | 67°F | 44°F | 2.1 in | 6 | 10% | 16% | 6 mph | 10.1 h | 78 |
| Dec | 61°F | 40°F | 4.2 in | 9 | 13% | 26% | 5 mph | 9.6 h | 64 |
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 Watsonville's weather different
When the fog burns off
11 AMwhen July fog usually thins (47% foggy at 6 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Watsonville in 47% of 6 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. February mornings are the least foggy (9%).
When the wind picks up
1 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, February–November
From February through November, wind at Watsonville typically builds after 1 PM. In May it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 4% of those hours windy, while mornings average 4 mph.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Watsonville 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 Watsonville
- Warm seasonJul 28 – Oct 27 · highs 71°F+
The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 28 to Oct 27, when the average high is 71°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 74°F.
- Cool seasonNov 30 – Mar 2 · highs 64°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 30 to Mar 2, when the average high is 64°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 40°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 16 – Mar 31 · 80% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 16 to Mar 31, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 80% 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 Nov 1 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, Watsonville averaged 4 days a year at 90°F or hotter and 2 nights a year at or below freezing. It averaged 12 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 0 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 97 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 27, 2025 (31°F). The wettest day was Feb 14, 2025 (2.18 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 29 mph on Feb 13, 2025.
- 4days at 90°F or hotter
- 2nights at or below freezing
- 12days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 0afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 97mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day94°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night31°FJan 27, 2025
- Wettest day2.18 inFeb 14, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust29 mphFeb 13, 2025
What shapes Watsonville's weather
The Pajaro Valley, which lets the summer fog in, also channels the afternoon sea breeze. Air flows from the bay up the Pajaro River gap toward Gilroy, so Watsonville gets a steady wind off the bay on most summer afternoons. Highs stay mild, closer to Santa Cruz than to the Santa Clara Valley.
Fall is the warm season. When the summer sea breeze fades in September and October, and especially when offshore wind blows from the interior, Watsonville gets its sunniest, warmest days of the year.
In winter, storms off the Pacific fill the creeks and sloughs that drain the surrounding hills into the Pajaro River. The low valley floor is prone to flooding, and the city tells residents to stay away from creeks and the river during heavy rain.
Tips for visiting Watsonville
Walk the slough trails
The city has 29 trail entrances to more than seven miles of wetland trails, open every day, and dogs are allowed on leash.
Start at Harkins Slough Road
The Watsonville Slough Trail begins at 30 Harkins Slough Road, a good starting point for a first visit.
Leave the dog home for Sunset State Beach
Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Sunset, only in the campground on a six-foot leash. State Parks points dog owners to nearby Manresa State Beach.
Don't swim at Sunset State Beach
State Parks warns of dangerous rip currents, frigid water, and deep offshore drop-offs that make swimming hazardous.
Stay off flooded streets
During heavy rain, avoid creeks and the Pajaro River and never drive through flooded streets. Sign up for Cruz Aware county alerts.
Watsonville through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring brings clear, breezy days, with the sloughs still full from winter. Gray mornings grow more common toward the end of the season.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer brings gray, cool mornings and mild, breezy afternoons. Watsonville makes a good escape from inland heat, but bring a layer.
- Fall (September–October)
- Fall is the warmest and clearest stretch of the year, when the fog backs off and afternoons get properly warm.
- Winter (November–February)
- Winter is the rainy season. City crews clear flood channels and storm drains ahead of storms, and free sandbags are available to residents at Joyce McKenzie Park and Fire Station 1.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Wetland and slough walks: The trails are pleasant on almost any dry day. Calm mornings are best for birding before the afternoon sea breeze picks up.
- Beach walks and camping at Sunset State Beach: Fall brings the clearest beach days. Summer is often foggy and windy on the dunes.
- Exploring downtown and the farm country: Mild weather most of the year makes this an easy day trip. Fall is the warmest and sunniest time.
Official sources and current conditions
- City of Watsonville: Discover Watsonville
- City of Watsonville: Watsonville City Trails
- City of Watsonville: Emergency preparedness and stormy weather
- California State Parks: Sunset State Beach
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 | 85 | 64.4° / 43.4° | 7.2h | 2d | 2.96" | 23 |
| December 2024 | 78 | 63.2° / 44.6° | 5.6h | 6d | 3.74" | 16 |
| January 2025 | 86 | 61.9° / 38.9° | 7.2h | 1d | 0.17" | 26 |
| February 2025 | 80 | 62.3° / 43.6° | 6.9h | 3d | 5.82" | 16 |
| March 2025 | 82 | 61.8° / 44.2° | 8.1h | 7d | 2.95" | 18 |
| April 2025 | 86 | 61.7° / 47° | 9.5h | 5d | 0.71" | 23 |
| May 2025 | 93 | 66.3° / 49.3° | 11.4h | 0d | 0.05" | 31 |
| June 2025 | 89 | 65.2° / 51.5° | 10.9h | 8d | 0" | 26 |
| July 2025 | 88 | 65.7° / 55.3° | 10.4h | 13d | 0" | 28 |
| August 2025 | 89 | 70.6° / 55.7° | 9.9h | 12d | 0" | 28 |
| September 2025 | 89 | 72.6° / 58.1° | 9h | 5d | 0.1" | 27 |
| October 2025 | 89 | 70.3° / 51.7° | 8.1h | 6d | 1.45" | 27 |
| November 2025 | 81 | 65.9° / 48.3° | 6.6h | 5d | 4.67" | 18 |
| December 2025 | 82 | 64.4° / 46° | 5.8h | 2d | 2.58" | 22 |
| January 2026 | 85 | 66.5° / 44.3° | 7h | 4d | 3.8" | 23 |
| February 2026 | 81 | 65.8° / 46° | 6.9h | 2d | 5.14" | 18 |
| March 2026 | 95 | 74.1° / 48.6° | 9.8h | 1d | 0.02" | 30 |
| April 2026 | 88 | 67° / 48.9° | 9.5h | 4d | 2.84" | 26 |
| May 2026 | 90 | 66.4° / 51.7° | 10.9h | 6d | 0.78" | 28 |
| June 2026 | 91 | 67.2° / 55.2° | 10.5h | 5d | 0" | 28 |
| July 2026 | 91 | 70.8° / 55.7° | 10.7h | 8d | 0" | 31 |
| August 2026 | 88 | 69.2° / 57.2° | 9.4h | 13d | 0" | 31 |
| September 2026 | 94 | 71.5° / 54.3° | 9.6h | 4d | 0.02" | 29 |
| October 2026 | 91 | 73.6° / 51.3° | 8.3h | 3d | 0.44" | 29 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Watsonville climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Watsonville, 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 Watsonville. 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 Watsonville, the warmest typical hour is 2 PM in September (71°F). The coldest is 7 AM in December (43°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Watsonville in 47% of 6 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. February mornings are the least foggy (9%).
- Wind: From February through November, wind at Watsonville typically builds after 1 PM. In May it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 4% of those hours windy, while mornings average 4 mph.
- Cloud Cover: October middays are the clearest at Watsonville (15% average cloud cover), and May middays are the cloudiest (30%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Watsonville comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 895 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Watsonville
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Watsonville 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 Watsonville. 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Watsonville averaged a high of 74°F, 1°F warmer than the 1991-2020 normal of 73°F. It brought 0.44 in. of rain, compared with a normal of 0.95 in.
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.3 in. of rain to Watsonville, 100% of the 21.4 in. normal.
Location Details
Watsonville weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Watsonville
What is the weather like at Watsonville today?
It's 50°F at Watsonville right now, with a comfort score of 73 (very good). Monday's forecast high at Watsonville is 56°F, 11°F below the mid November normal of 67°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 9 mph wind (comfort 78).
What is the best month to visit Watsonville?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Watsonville are September, August, and June. The best hours are usually noon to 3 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 2 PM to 5 PM in June. The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 28 to Oct 27, when the average high is 71°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 74°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Watsonville?
September is the warmest month at Watsonville, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 40°F.
When does the fog burn off at Watsonville?
Fog or low cloud covers Watsonville in 47% of 6 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 11 AM. February mornings are the least foggy (9%).
When is it windiest at Watsonville?
From February through November, wind at Watsonville typically builds after 1 PM. In May it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 4% of those hours windy, while mornings average 4 mph.
How much rain does Watsonville get?
January is the wettest month (4.4 in.), out of about 21.4 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 16 to Mar 31, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 80% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.3 in. of rain to Watsonville, 100% of the 21.4 in. normal.
What kind of place is Watsonville?
Watsonville sits at the mouth of the Pajaro Valley, a few miles inland from Monterey Bay, just south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey. The Pajaro River forms its southern edge, and farm fields surround it. An 800-acre freshwater wetland of sloughs threads right through town, reached by more than seven miles of city trails. It is the agricultural working town of the Monterey Bay, with Sunset State Beach and its dunes a short drive west.
What is Watsonville weather like in November?
November at Watsonville averages a high of 67°F and a low of 44°F, with 2.1 in. of rain over about 6 rainy days. About 10% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Watsonville weather
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.
- City of Watsonville, Discover Watsonville (accessed 2026-10-27)
- City of Watsonville, Watsonville City Trails (accessed 2026-10-27)
- City of Watsonville, Preparing for Stormy Weather (accessed 2026-10-27)
- California State Parks, Sunset State Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
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