Due to its topographical extremes California’s weather depends on where you are. Along the coast, the climate is mostly mild. Los Angeles is high desert, and the low humidity keeps the city comfortable year-round. About 45km south of LA, Anaheim can go up into the high 20’s or low 30’s in the summer, with cool evenings. Anaheim winters are mild with little rain. San Francisco is foggy with cool winds. Summer temperatures occasionally go above 21 degrees Celsius; autumn tends to have clear skies and temperatures in the mid-20’s. Winter rarely goes below freezing. Sacramento’s summer days can reach 37 degrees Celsius, but then drop as much as 4degrees at night. The rainy season runs from late fall into spring, and winters are cold and foggy.
Driving is the best way to cover short distances in California, or if you enjoy long drives, for covering the entire state. If you’re booking flights to California and then planning on driving the state, make sure to carry a map as not all road signs indicate a direction, just town or city names. If you’re headed into the mountains, make sure to get antifreeze and tire chains.
Many freeways have carpool lanes called “diamond” lanes or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding the use of these lanes as some of them are monitored even during non-rush hour and fines are over $270.
California has over 15 airports, and given the number of small and large commercial carriers, flights in California are fairly easy.
For a scenic trip along the coast, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight has double-decker Superliners, gourmet dining car, accommodation from first class to coach, and entertainment and games.