National has warm winters and cool summers, with very little rain
A typical July afternoon reaches 75°, a January night drops to 48°, and snow is almost unheard of.
A year in National at a glance
Each month’s typical high and low, and what it brings.
What stands out about National’s climate
Read from where National sits among California’s towns. The page puts what stands out first.
What a year in National feels like
Typical highs and lows by season and by month, from NOAA’s 30-year normals.
National and its neighbors
Bonita has the coldest January nights next door (45°) and Bonita the hottest July afternoons (81°). Tap a town to see its climate.
Temperatures and rain come from NOAA’s 5 km grid, so each town gets its own value. Snow and frost-free days come from the nearest weather station, so neighbors often share them.
Warmer than it used to be
The last 30 years in National averaged 2.2° warmer than the 1900s. The biggest change is in January (+3.1°).
A bigger shift than in 97% of U.S. towns.
Change by month
Rain and snow in National
February is the wettest month and July the driest. Rain or snow falls on about 33 days a year.
Rain + melted snow by month
Inches of water
Snowfall by month
No measurable snow in a normal year.
A year-round growing season
Freezing nights are uncommon in National.
90° days by month
Average days at 90° or more
Living with National’s climate
What the numbers mean for a garden, a driveway, a furnace and a free afternoon.
Only 7% of years see a freezing night, so tender plants can stay out most winters.
About 0.0" in a normal winter.
About 5 days a year reach 90°, and July afternoons average 75°.
The nicest months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. 4.1 miles of trails are waiting.
Parks & trails →Normals are averages. Ice storms, nor’easters, floods and heat waves are on the natural hazards page.
Natural hazards →How National compares
Against every U.S. town on TownTapestry, each counted once, with its place in California.
National weather by month
Average highs, lows, rain and snow for every month, from NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals.
| Month | High | Low | Rain + melt | Snow | Wet days | Snow on ground | 30-yr range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66° | 48° | 1.8" | 0 | 5 | 0 | 54° – 62° |
| February | 65° | 49° | 2.0" | 0 | 7 | 0 | 54° – 63° |
| March | 67° | 52° | 1.5" | 0 | 5 | 0 | 55° – 65° |
| April | 68° | 54° | 0.7" | 0 | 3 | 0 | 57° – 65° |
| May | 69° | 58° | 0.2" | 0 | 1 | 0 | 60° – 68° |
| June | 71° | 61° | 0.1" | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63° – 70° |
| July | 75° | 65° | 0.0" | 0 | 0 | 0 | 66° – 75° |
| August | 77° | 66° | 0.0" | 0 | 0 | 0 | 68° – 76° |
| September | 76° | 64° | 0.1" | 0 | 1 | 0 | 66° – 75° |
| October | 74° | 59° | 0.4" | 0 | 1 | 0 | 63° – 72° |
| November | 70° | 52° | 0.8" | 0 | 3 | 0 | 55° – 65° |
| December | 66° | 48° | 1.6" | 0 | 5 | 0 | 54° – 59° |
| Year | 70° | 56° | 9.1" | 0.0" | 33 | 0 |
Heating and cooling a home in National
65% of the work is heating.
Degree days add up how far each day’s average falls below (heating) or rises above (cooling) 65° over a year. Source: NOAA station normals.
How much a month can swing
A normal is an average. March swings the most: from 1991 to 2020 its average ranged from 55° to 65°. December is the most reliable, staying within 5°.
Common questions about National’s climate
What is the coldest month in National?
December, with a typical high of 66° and a low of 48°.
What is the hottest month in National?
August, with a typical high of 77° and a low of 66°. About 5 days a year reach 90°.
How much snow does National get?
Almost none. A normal year brings 0.0 inches.
When is the first frost in National?
Frost is uncommon. Only 7% of years see a night at 32° or below.
What is the rainiest month in National?
February, with 2.0 inches of rain and melted snow. The year totals 9 inches.
Neighbors talk weather
Gardens, snow, and the best days of the year in National.
Your answer becomes a post in Town Square.
Temperatures and rainfall come from NOAA’s gridded climate normals for National itself (about a 3-mile square). Snow, frost dates and day counts come from NOAA’s weather station at Chula Vista, CA (2 mi) away. Normals are 30-year averages, not a forecast. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020 and 1901–2000. Today’s forecast: National Weather Service.