Coldest Cities in California

Top 100 cities ranked by coldest cities

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All Countries · United States · California

Coldest Cities — California

1 Mammoth Lakes 44°F

2 Truckee 44°F

3 South Lake Tahoe 44°F

4 Lucerne Valley 48°F

5 Big Bear Lake 48°F

6 Big Bear City 48°F

7 Phelan 50°F

8 Piñon Hills 50°F

9 Susanville 50°F

10 Running Springs 51°F

11 Crestline 51°F

12 Muscoy 51°F

13 Lake Arrowhead 51°F

14 Fort Bragg 52°F

15 McKinleyville 53°F

16 Arcata 53°F

17 Fortuna 53°F

18 Myrtletown 53°F

19 Eureka 53°F

20 Crescent City 53°F

21 Pollock Pines 53°F

22 Yreka 54°F

23 Tehachapi 55°F

24 Golden Hills 55°F

25 Bear Valley Springs 55°F

26 Daly City 55°F

27 Half Moon Bay 55°F

28 Salinas 55°F

29 San Leandro 56°F

30 Alta Sierra CDP (Nevada County) 56°F

31 Hayward 56°F

32 Grass Valley 56°F

33 Lake of the Pines 56°F

34 Richmond 56°F

35 Oakland 56°F

36 Gonzales 57°F

37 San Ramon 57°F

38 San Mateo 57°F

39 Napa 57°F

40 Berkeley 57°F

41 Monterey 57°F

42 Pacific Grove 57°F

43 Redwood City 57°F

44 Clearlake 57°F

45 Hidden Valley Lake 57°F

46 Livermore 57°F

47 Saratoga 57°F

48 Vallejo 57°F

49 Los Altos Hills 57°F

50 Rio del Mar 57°F

51 Seaside 57°F

52 Magalia 57°F

53 San Bruno 57°F

54 Pacifica 57°F

55 El Granada 57°F

56 Santa Rosa 58°F

57 Prunedale 58°F

58 Watsonville 58°F

59 Interlaken 58°F

60 Pleasanton 58°F

61 American Canyon 58°F

62 Sausalito 58°F

63 Marina 58°F

64 Castroville 58°F

65 Fremont 58°F

66 Sebastopol 58°F

67 Lucas Valley-Marinwood 58°F

68 Novato 58°F

69 Cotati 58°F

70 Petaluma 58°F

71 Mountain View 58°F

72 Alameda 58°F

73 Larkfield-Wikiup 58°F

74 Windsor 58°F

75 Santa Maria 58°F

76 Concord 58°F

77 Blackhawk 58°F

78 Camino Tassajara 58°F

79 Clayton 58°F

80 Acton 58°F

81 Isla Vista 58°F

82 Danville 58°F

83 Sierra Madre 58°F

84 Orinda 59°F

85 San Francisco 59°F

86 Moraga 59°F

87 Menlo Park 59°F

88 El Cerrito 59°F

89 Stanford 59°F

90 Emeryville 59°F

91 Palo Alto 59°F

92 Yosemite Lakes 59°F

93 East Palo Alto 59°F

94 Kensington 59°F

95 Albany 59°F

96 Guadalupe 59°F

97 Orcutt 59°F

98 Hollister 59°F

99 Fairfield 59°F

100 Nipomo 59°F

The coldest cities in California experience low average annual temperatures, with long winters and significant snowfall. Mammoth Lakes has an average annual temperature of just 44°F.

Cold-climate cities often feature distinct four-season lifestyles with winter sports, fall foliage, and summer outdoor recreation. Many residents value the seasonal changes and outdoor activities that come with colder climates, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Living in cold-climate cities typically means higher heating costs, the need for winter-ready vehicles and clothing, and seasonal challenges like snow removal. However, these cities often compensate with lower costs of living, less crowding, and strong community bonds forged through shared seasonal experiences.

Did You Know?

1. At 44°F average, Mammoth Lakes experiences temperatures well below freezing for months each year.
2. Cold-climate cities often have underground walkway systems, enclosed skyways, or heated bus shelters to help residents navigate harsh winters.
3. Despite the cold, many of these cities rank high in quality of life due to strong economies, good schools, and vibrant cultural scenes.

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