The dry season generally extends from May-October. Most rain comes from large storms that last for several days. January and February are the rainiest months (45% of average totals). On average, 95% of the rainfall in the Channel Islands occurs between November and April. In the afternoon, readings on average reach around 60%. At night and in the early morning relative humidity often reaches 100%. Relative humidity in and around the Channel Islands varies diurnally. This microclimate experiences freezing temperatures most years, higher average summer temperatures, and greater diurnal temperature variation. The one exception is the central valley of Santa Cruz Island where its inland location and surrounding high mountains create a microclimate more characteristic of a warm Mediterranean climate (Csa) such as that found on the mainland away from the immediate coast. The Channel Islands are frost free for the most part. As with rainfall, fog duration, and relative humidity there are significant variations in temperature between the islands. The exception to the norm of relatively cool temperatures and high humidities occurs occasionally in the fall with Santa Ana wind conditions when temperatures dramatically increase and humidities decrease. Diurnal temperature differences are small with cool days and warm nights. Both winter and summer temperature extremes are moderated by the moist ocean air with generally high nighttime humidities and frequent fog. The average mean temperature in January ranges from 53-59 degrees F summers are a little warmer with an average mean temperature in July that ranges from 62-70 degrees F. Unfortunately data collected from these stations has been irregular so that the historic weather analysis provided below is derived from other published records of Channel Islands climate data.ĭecember-March are the coolest months and July-October the hottest months in the Channel Islands. Historic data from San Miguel Island are also located at the WRCC website. Current and historic data from these stations are available at the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) website. There are currently five Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) stations at Channel Islands National Park. In the Köppen system of climate classification this is a cool Mediterranean climate (Csb) or a Mediterranean Dry Summer Subtropical climate type, with a cool summer regime. On the Channel Islands the climate is moderated by the marine influence with the result that summers are milder, there is generally higher humidity, and there is more frequent nocturnal fog compared to the mainland. These climate regions occur in only five locations throughout the world including parts of California, along the Mediterranean Sea, central Chile, parts of southwestern Western and South Australia, and the southwestern Cape region of South Africa. This climate type is characterized by cool, wet winters with average annual rainfall of 8-40” and hot, dry summers. Channel Islands National Park has a Mediterranean-type climate.
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