San Luis Obispo Weather

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San Luis Obispo Weather Overview

The climate in the city of San Luis Obispo is very favorable. Due to its proximity to the ocean (approximately 15 miles) it enjoys the tempering benefit of the Pacific Ocean. Yet it is inland enough to avoid much of the fog which hangs along the Pacific Coast during the summer months.

Winters are cool with daytime highs in the low 60's and lows in the 30's and 40's with occasional frosts in the high 20's. The rainy season is typically November through April with 15 to 20 inches of rain.

Summers are typically dry like most of California. Daytime highs are typically in the 70's and 80's with an occasional heat wave pushing temperatures into the 90's. Nights are cool with temperatures in the 50's.

North and west of San Luis Obispo (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Los Osos) along the coast, the Marine influence is dominant. Winter frosts are rare and summers are cool. There are periods of off and on fog between April and November. In the summer hot days are rare.

In what is called North County (Santa Margarita, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Templeton) the influence of the ocean is greatly diminished. Here you'll find cool winters with daytime highs in the 50's and 60's and nights in the 20's and 30's. Frosts are common. Summers are warm to hot with daytime highs in the 80's to 100's. Nights are cool with lows often in the 50's. Summer evenings are glorious with temperatures typically in the 70 degree range.

South County (Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo) is warmer than the northern coast, with summer weather much like the city of San Luis Obispo. Winters are very mild, much like the North Coast but slightly warmer, more like the city of Santa Barbara to the south. Frosts only occur somewhat inland from the coast.

The air quality throughout the county is very good. When not overcast, visibility can often range from 50 to 100 miles or more.