California Dreamin’ on Route 66: From Desert Heat to Ocean Breezes – A Weather Guide
Hello there, fellow road trip enthusiasts, I am here to provide you with a weather overview for the final leg of the Mother Road: California! This stretch of Route 66 takes you on a journey, climatically speaking, from the scorching Mojave Desert to the cool, refreshing Pacific coast. You will experience significant changes in temperature and weather as you travel from Needles to Barstow, and finally to Santa Monica.
The Desert Charm: Needles
Let’s start in Needles, a city that embraces its desert environment. This is a place for those who appreciate the stark beauty and unique climate of the Mojave Desert. Summer temperatures are known to reach an average high of 111°F, creating a truly authentic desert experience. The sun shines bright, and the nights, while still warm, offer a slight respite, with lows in the 80s. If you’re traveling through Needles in the summer, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for the heat, and keep a cooler full of ice-cold drinks. Winters are milder, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, making it a popular destination for those seeking warmer temperatures during the colder months. Needles is also a great place for boating and fishing as it is located on the Colorado River.
The High Desert: Barstow
As you head west on Route 66, you’ll climb a bit in elevation and reach Barstow, located in the high desert. Barstow is still a desert, but it’s a bit more moderate than Needles. Summers are still hot, with highs often reaching the 100s, but the nights cool down a bit more, offering some relief from the heat. Winters are cooler than in Needles, with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, and nights can dip below freezing. It can also be windy in Barstow.
The Coast: Santa Monica
Finally, you’ll reach the end of the road, Santa Monica, where the Pacific Ocean greets you. Here, the climate is a whole different experience. We’re talking about a mild, Mediterranean climate. Think pleasant, sunny days, cool ocean breezes, and hardly any extreme temperatures. Summers are typically in the 70s, with low humidity, making it feel absolutely glorious. Winters are mild, with highs in the 60s, and it rarely gets below 50°F, even at night. You might get some rain in the winter, but nothing like the desert storms you might encounter further east.
California’s Route 66: A Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown
Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect in Needles, Barstow, and Santa Monica throughout the year:
January:
- Needles: Mild days, highs around 66°F, lows around 43°F.
- Barstow: Cool days, highs around 58°F, lows can dip to 32°F.
- Santa Monica: Mild and pleasant, highs around 65°F, lows around 49°F.
February:
- Needles: Warmer, with highs around 72°F, lows around 47°F.
- Barstow: Still cool, with highs around 63°F, lows around 36°F.
- Santa Monica: Similar to January, highs around 65°F, lows around 50°F.
March:
- Needles: Spring is in the air, highs around 79°F, lows around 52°F.
- Barstow: Warming up, with highs around 69°F, lows around 40°F.
- Santa Monica: Pleasant, with highs around 66°F, lows around 52°F.
April:
- Needles: Getting hot, with highs around 87°F, lows around 59°F.
- Barstow: Warm days, highs around 76°F, lows around 46°F.
- Santa Monica: Mild and sunny, highs around 67°F, lows around 54°F.
May:
- Needles: Very hot, with highs around 97°F, lows around 68°F.
- Barstow: Hot days, highs around 85°F, lows around 53°F.
- Santa Monica: Comfortable, with highs around 69°F, lows around 56°F.
June:
- Needles: Scorching, with highs around 106°F, lows around 77°F.
- Barstow: Very hot, with highs around 95°F, lows around 62°F.
- Santa Monica: Pleasant, with highs around 70°F, lows around 60°F.
July:
- Needles: Extremely hot, with highs around 111°F, lows around 83°F.
- Barstow: Very hot, with highs around 100°F, lows around 67°F.
- Santa Monica: Mild, with highs around 72°F, lows around 63°F.
August:
- Needles: Still extremely hot, with highs around 109°F, lows around 82°F.
- Barstow: Hot, with highs around 99°F, lows around 66°F.
- Santa Monica: Similar to July, with highs around 73°F, lows around 64°F.
September:
- Needles: Cooling down slightly, with highs around 102°F, lows around 74°F.
- Barstow: Still hot, with highs around 91°F, lows around 59°F.
- Santa Monica: Pleasant, with highs around 73°F, lows around 63°F.
October:
- Needles: Much more comfortable, with highs around 89°F, lows around 62°F.
- Barstow: Cooler, with highs around 79°F, lows around 49°F.
- Santa Monica: Mild, with highs around 71°F, lows around 60°F.
November:
- Needles: Mild, with highs around 74°F, lows around 49°F.
- Barstow: Cooler, with highs around 65°F, lows around 39°F.
- Santa Monica: Pleasant, with highs around 68°F, lows around 55°F.
December:
- Needles: Coolest month, with highs around 64°F, lows around 42°F.
- Barstow: Coldest month, with highs around 57°F, lows around 32°F.
- Santa Monica: Mild, with highs around 65°F, lows around 50°F.
Tips for Traveling Route 66 in California:
- Pack for a variety of climates: You’ll experience everything from extreme desert heat to cool coastal breezes. Layers are your friend.
- Stay hydrated: Especially important in the desert areas. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Respect the sun: The California sun is strong, even in Santa Monica. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Check the forecast: Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially if traveling during the shoulder seasons.
- Enjoy the diversity: California’s Route 66 offers a unique blend of climates and landscapes. Embrace the changes as you travel from east to west!
California’s section of the Mother Road is a journey through diverse landscapes and climates. From the arid desert to the temperate coast, each mile offers a new experience. So, pack your bags, plan appropriately for the weather, and get ready to enjoy the ride!
