San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification *Csb*), characterized by warm, completely dry summers and mild, moderately wet winters. The city is partially sheltered by the Santa Cruz Mountains, which creates a rain shadow effect, resulting in San Jose receiving significantly less rainfall—an average of about 14 inches annually—than its neighboring coastal cities.
Average summer daytime temperatures hover in the low to mid-80s (°F), while winter daytime temperatures typically range in the upper 50s to low 60s (°F). Snow is exceptionally rare on the valley floor, though it occasionally dusts the peaks of the surrounding mountains. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is vibrant. Natural disasters of primary concern include earthquakes and periodic regional droughts.
