California Climate Zones 01-16

The Pacific Energy Centers Guide to:
California Climate Zones
http://www.energy.ca.gov/maps/climate_zones.html
and Bioclimatic Design

October 2006
PECs Guide to California Climate Zones

This document of climate data was made for designers to inform energy-conscious design decisions. The information for 16 California Climate Zones is summarized and suggestions are given for passive design strategies appropriate to each climate. Weather data is given for a reference city typical of each zone. Each zone contains a summary of the following types of data: Basic Climate Conditions: Summer Temperature Range, Record High and Low Temperature Design Day Data: Percentage of time dry bulb temperature in given season is above the stated value. Mean Coincident Wet-bulb Temperatures, and Relative Humidity also given for the summer. Climate Design Priorities: Suggestions of design strategies to use in this zone for winter and summer seasons for a more energy passive design. Title 24 Requirements: Californias residential building energy code requires minimum ceiling and wall insulation values specific to different zones. Window U-values and maximum total area is also given. The complete document of requirements can be found on the California Energy Commissions website www.energy.ca.gov. Climate Description: An overview of the general characteristics of the climate zone, such as geographical influence, typical patterns of weather and seasons, and precipitation. HDD (Heating Degree Days) and CDD (Cooling Degree Days): Given for four cities in each zone. HDD value is the summation of degrees of the average temperature per day below 65F for the year. CDD is the summation of degrees of the average temperature per day above 80F for the year. Charts and Graphs Bioclimatic Chart: Defines dry bulb temperature and humidity levels for occupant thermal comfort and passive design strategies. The average minimum relative humidity and maximum temperature is plotted with the maximum relative humidity and minimum temperature for each month on the Bioclimatic chart. The chart is broken up into zones corresponding to design strategies for thermal comfort appropriate for that particular combination of temperature and humidity ranges. The best passive design strategies for each location are identifiable from the plotted data. Zones and Strategies for the Bioclimatic Chart: Comfort Zone: Humans are comfortable within a relatively small range of temperature and humidity conditions, roughly between 68-80 F (20-26.7 C) and 20-80% relative humidity (RH). Passive Solar Heating: If 1700 BTU-day/sf from the sun comes into a given space, then occupants will feel comfortable inside if it is between 45-68 outside. This range can be lowered with better the insulation and more effective solar heat collected in thermal mass. Natural Ventilation: Passive cooling strategies for natural ventilation are effective for temperatures in the range 68F to 90F. Cooling effectiveness decreases with higher humidity. In conditions below 20% RH natural ventilation may seem too dry. Evaporative Cooling: Below 80% RH, evaporative cooling can be an effective passive cooling strategy. Adding moisture to the air can effectively cool temperatures up to 105F. High Thermal Mass: Thermal Mass dampens and delays temperature swings to make it cool during the warm day, and warm during cool nights. It is most effective for places with large diurnal temperature changes. Thermal Mass is effective for temperatures up to 95F, with decreasing effectiveness in higher humidity. High Thermal Mass with Night Ventilation: Thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and releases heat at night. By opening the building at night, cool air flushes out the hot air and cools down the thermal mass. This strategy is effective for average high temperatures up to 110F. This strategy requires occupant intervention.
Shading: Though not part of the Bioclimatic Chart, shading is an important part of passive cooling. All of the temperature ranges for cooling can be increased with proper shading and mitigation of solar heat into the space. Heating: Temperatures below 45F is often too cold for passive methods of heating. In these conditions heating using any variety of fuels and methods of delivery are necessary to keep the space warm. Some methods of heating include mechanical heating through forced air vents, radiant heating systems, electrical heating systems, and wood fire stoves. The energy and pollution impacts are important to consider in selecting an efficient active heating system. Air Conditioning: When temperatures exceed the temperature range of passive cooling strategies air conditioning is required for comfort. The amount of energy needed to cool something is more than to heat it. Humidification and Dehumidification: Humidity can be added or removed using mechanical systems and energy. Temperature: Monthly average, maximum, and minimum temperatures are shown on this graph. Degree-Days: The monthly averages of degrees above or below a base temperature are graphed for an average year. The base temperature of 65F is used for heating degree-days; 80F is used for cooling degree-days. Relative Humidity: Monthly average, maximum, and minimum relative humidity levels are shown on this graph. Terrestrial Radiation: Terrestrial radiation is solar radiation filtered through the atmosphere as well as reflected from terrestrial (earth-bound) objects. Also known as global radiation, the value provided is the sum of direct and diffuse radiation striking a horizontal surface at ground level. Wind Speed and Direction: Average monthly wind speed in mph, and prevailing wind direction are plotted on this graph. Arrows indicate the direction that the wind generally comes from during that month north is up. Natural ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater. Alignment with the wind direction is necessary to achieve the wind speed indicated. Bibliography American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Golden Gate and Southern California Chapters. Climatic Data for Region X: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada. ASHRAE, 1982. California Energy Commission. California Climate Zone Descriptions for New Buildings. July 1995. California Energy Commission. Climate Zone Weather Data Analysis and Revision Project. Augustyn and Company, March 22, 1991. California Energy Commission Web Site: www.energy.ca.gov Departments of the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy. Department of the Air Force Manual: Engineering Weather Data. 1978. Editors of Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine, New Western Garden Book. Menlo Park: Lane Publishing Co, 1986 Engineering Computer Applications. Solar Radiation in Pacific Gas and Electrics Service Area. 1976. Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1991. Western Regional Climate Center Web Site: www.wrcc.dri.edu
California Climate Zone 1

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Design Day Data
Winter 99% Winter 97.5% Summer 1% Summer 2.5%
Eureka 41.3 N 124.28 W 43 ft

RH Arcata (F) 31 33 68 65 63 71 RH
Eureka (F) 35 38
Basic Climate Conditions

Summer Temperature Range (F) Record High Temperature (1979) Record Low Temperature (1972) 15 85 21
Degree Days
Eureka Scotia Klamath HDD 4496 3828 4554 CDD 0 47 5 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days (base 80F) Fort Bragg 4301 6
Climate
The northern coastal region is situated west of the Northern Coastal Range and has a moist, cool climate influenced greatly by the conditions of the Pacific Ocean. The cool, wet winters, and cool summers with frequent fog and strong winds make it a climate that requires a lot of heat for comfort. Fog comes in high and fast, interposing a cooling and humidifying blanket between the sun and the earth, reducing the intensity of the light and sunshine. In winter the temperatures are cool and rain is common.
D R38 R21 0.57 20%
Climatic Design Priorities

Winter: Summer: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Shade Allow natural ventilation
Title 24 Requirements
Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area C R49 R29 0.42 14%
The annual precipitation for Climate Zone 1 is about 25 inches annually, most of it occurring in the winter months. The summers are drier and sunnier, but only warm enough to call for a few CDD. Though Climate Zone 1 is the coolest climate in California with the most HDD, it rarely freezes and seldom frosts.
Zone 1: Eureka 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
(Typical Comfort Zone: 68-80F)
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
(Typical Comfort Zone: 20-80%)
Extra-Terrestrial Radiation
Daily Mean ETR: 2493
Wind Speed
Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: N Winter: SE
Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Design Day Data
Napa (F)
Napa 38.28 N 122.27 W 60 ft

RH Mare Island (F) 30 32 89 84
MCWB 68 MCWB 66
RH
31 34

Summer Temperature Range (F) Record High Temperature (1961) Record Low Temperature (1990) 29 113 14
Degree Days
Napa Ukiah Willits HDD 2844 2954 4195 CDD 456 894 202 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days (base 80F) San Rafael 2581 449
Climate
Climate Zone 2 includes the hilly Coastal range to the edge of the Northern Central Valley. The zone has a coastal climate, influenced by the ocean approximately 85% of the time and by inland air 15% of the time. HDD dominates the climate design, although some cooling is necessary in the summer. There are many microclimates in this varied geography that are affected by proximity to the ocean and elevation. Marine air influence lessens with distance from the san Francisco Bay Area.
D R30 R13 0.57 20%

Winter: Summer: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Shade Allow natural ventilation Distribute Thermal Mass
Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area C R49 R29 0.38 16%
Cold air flows downhill to the valley floors, canyons, and land-troughs. Winters are cool and mild, slightly warmer in comparison to Zone 1. The summers are very comfortable and often windy in the afternoon. Diurnal temperature fluctuates over 20F over the day all year.
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
TO BE REPLACED Daily Mean ETR: 2493
Wind Speed
Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: ESE / NE Winter: NE

Reference City:
Latitude: Longitude: Elevation:
Oakland San Francisco

37.75 N 122.2 W 10 ft
Design Day Data

Oakland (F)
RH
San Francisco
RH
34 35 85 80
MCWB 64 MCWB 64
(F) 35 38 82 77
MCWB 64 MCWB 63

Summer Temperature Range (F) Record High Temperature Record Low Temperature OAK 29 113
(1960)
SFO 23 106
(1961)
14
(1930)
20
(1932)
Degree Days
OAK HDD CDD 2909 128 SFO 3042 108
Half Moon Bay Redwood City
3770 11
2563 486
Climate
The climate of Zone 3 varies greatly with elevation and the amount of coastal influence. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate temperatures year round with precipitation in the winter and fog likely from June through mid-August. Inland from the beaches and sea cliffs, local geography may reduce the fog cover, lessen the winds, and boost summer heat.
HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days (base 80F)

Winter: Summer: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Shade Allow natural ventilation
Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area C R38 R25 0.42 14% D R30 R13 0.67 20%
Winters are moderately cold with most of the annual rain falling between October and March. Winter sunshine nevertheless is plentiful. Summers are warm and dry, but the nights are cool. Rain is rare during the summer months. A need for heating is the dominant design concern, but the climate is mild enough that energy consumption is relatively low.
Zone 3: Oakland 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart (Oakland)
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
TO BE REPLACED Daily Mean ETR: 2493
Wind Speed
Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: WNW Winter: E / W

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: San Jose 37.35 N 121.9 W 70 ft (F) 23 109 19 Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (2000) Record Low Temperature (1990) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 85 81 MCWB MCWB 66 65 34 36
Climate The Central Coastal Range is inland of the coast but has some ocean influence which keeps temperatures from hitting more extreme highs and lows. This zone covers many microclimates from northern to southern parts of the state. The reference city is in the northern-most part of the zone.
San Jose 2335 574 Gilroy 2278 913 Sunnyvale 2643 220 Paso Robles 2934 956
Climatic Design Priorities Winter: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Summer: Shade Allow natural ventilation Distribute Thermal Mass Use Evaporative Cooling Title 24 Requirements Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area
HDD CDD
HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Seasons are sharply defined. Summers are hot and dry with a large daily temperature swing. Summers are hot enough that cooling is necessary. Winters are cool but not severe. Heating is necessary on many days in the winter. Days are typically clear with the coastal range blocking much of the fog and high winds.
C R38 R25 0.38 14%
D R30 R13 0.67 20%
Zone 4: San Jose 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature (Typical Comfort Zone: 68-80F)
Degree Day (Base 65)
Relative Humidity (Typical Comfort Zone: 20-80%)
Wind Speed
Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: NNW Winter: SE

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Santa Maria 34.93 N 120.42 W 230 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1987) Record Low Temperature (1976) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 89 76 MCWB MCWB 68 63 31 33 22 108 20
Climate Climate Zone 5 is situated along the coast where ocean temperatures are warmer due to the southern latitude. Summers are warm with afternoon winds blowing until sunset, which naturally cools the region. The air is usually moist. Fog and cloud cover commonly blocks the sun in the morning and evenings. Winters are cold but not severe enough to frost. The coolest parts of this region are the valley floors, canyons, and land troughs.
Santa San Luis Lompoc Maria Obispo HDD 2844 2954 2266 CDD 456 894 332 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Pismo Beach 2552 173
Climatic Design Priorities Winter: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Summer: Shade Allow natural ventilation Distribute Thermal Mass Title 24 Requirements Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area
C R38 R25 0.42 16%
D R30 R13 0.67 20%
The further inland the location, the fewer HDD and more CDD can be expected. Climate Zone 5 comes close to comfort standards, meaning little cooling is needed and heat is only necessary for part of the day, even in the winter. The mildness of the weather in Zone 5 is reflected in the fact that it is one of the lowest energy consuming climates.
Zone 5: Santa Maria 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed
Prevailing Wind Direction

Summer: WNW Winter: E

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Los Angeles (LAX) 33.93 N 118.4 W 110 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1963) Record Low Temperature (1949) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer Mare Island 1%: 83 2.5%: 80 41 43 MCWB MCWB 68 66 15 110 27 Climate Climate Zone 6 includes the beaches at the foot of the southern California hills, as well as several miles of inland area where hills are low or nonexistent. The Pacific Ocean is relatively warm in these longitudes and keeps the climate very mild. Most of the rain falls during the warm, mild winters.
Santa Long Barbara LAX Beach Torrance HDD 1902 1458 1430 742 CDD 470 727 1201 568 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days
C R38 R21 0.42 14%
D R30 R13 0.67 20%
Summers are pleasantly cooled by winds from the ocean. Although these offshore winds bring high humidity, comfort is maintained because of the low temperatures. Occasionally the wind reverses and brings hot, dry desert air. There is a sharp increase in temperature and decrease in humidity as one leaves the coast. Sunshine is plentiful all year, so solar heating, especially for hot water, is very advantageous. Climate Zone 6 is a very comfortable place to live and therefore requires the least energy of any region in California to achieve thermal comfort levels.
Zone 6: LAX 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Zone 6: LAX 2 of 4
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Zone 6: LAX 3 of 4
Wind Speed

Summer: WSW Winter: E
Zone 6: LAX 4 of 4

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: San Diego 32.73 N 117.17 W 10 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1963) Record Low Temperature (1949) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 83 80 MCWB MCWB 69 69 42 44 14 111 29 Climate Climate Zone 7 is the southernmost coastal region of California. The warm ocean water and latitude make this climate very mild. The temperature of the ocean water affects the air temperature over it, and this in turn moderates temperatures over the coastal strip. The ocean influences the weather most of the time, however the wind changes sometimes, bringing in the hot and extremely drying Santa Ana winds. The weather in the summer is warm and comfortable, and hot enough that cooling is necessary on some days.
Chula San Vista Diego HDD 2009 1321 1256 CDD 505 862 984 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Oceanside La Mesa 1400 1110
C R38 R21 0.38 14%
D R30 R13 0.67 20%
However, daily high fogs naturally cool the area at night. The winters are cool and heating is necessary sometimes. The weather and comfort standards in this region are in concurrence as shown by the low consumption of energy use.
Zone 7: San Diego 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: WNW Winter: NE

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Long Beach 33.82 N 118.15 W 30 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1961) Record Low Temperature (1963) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer Mare Island 1%: 83 2.5%: 80 41 43 MCWB MCWB 68 68 15 111 25 Climate Though inland from the coast, Zone 8 is still influenced by marine air. The ocean influence controls temperature keeping it from being more extreme. Since this zone is not directly on the coast the temperatures in the summer are warmer, and in the winter, cooler. Cooling and heating are necessary in this climate to achieve comfort standards. Long Beach 1430 1201 Anaheim 1286 1294 Tustin 1794 1102 El Toro 1413 691
HDD CDD
HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days
C
R38 R21 0.38 14%
D
R30 R13 0.67 20%
Most of the rain falls in the winter and frosts are not a threat. Coldest temperatures are experienced in the canyons and near canyon mouths. This are is ideal for growing subtropical plants, such as the avocado. Winters are not cold enough to grow apples, peaches or pears. Sunshine is plentiful in this region since it is far from coastal daily fog.
Zone 8: Long Beach 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: WSW Winter: E

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Los Angeles (Civic Center) 34.05 N 118.23 W 270 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1955) Record Low Temperature (1949) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 93 89 MCWB MCWB 70 70 37 40 19 110 28 Climate Both coastal and interior weather influences the Southern Californian inland valley climate zone. The inland winds bring hot and dry air, and marine air brings cool and moist air. This area is famous for growing citrus because the summers are hot and winters never frost. This area has as many HDD as CDD.
LA Civic PasaCenter dena Burbank Pomona HDD 1154 1398 1575 1713 CDD 1537 1558 1455 1273 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days
Climatic Design Priorities Winter: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Summer: Shade Use Evaporative Cooling Distribute Thermal Mass Title 24 Requirements Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area
C R38 R21 0.38 14%
D R30 R13 0.67 20%
Compared to the coast, summers are warmer and winters are cooler. Rain falls in the winter averaging around 2" per month between November and April. More than 50% of the time skies are clear or partly cloudy.
Bioclimatic Chart
Zone 9: Los Angeles 1 of 4
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: NW Winter: NW

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Riverside 33.95 N 117.38 W 840 ft
(F)
Climate The Southern California interior valleys are hilly and effected by thermal belts. Hilltops and valleys get more cold in the winter (with the possibility of frost) and warmer in the summer than the slopes and hillsides from which cold air drains. This climate is little influenced by the ocean. The days are quite sunny with most of the rain falling in the winter.
San Bernadino HDD 1904 1560 1678 1599 CDD 1714 1371 1456 1937 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Redlands El Cajon Riverside
C R49 R25 0.38 16%
D R30 R13 0.57 20%
The temperature swing over the year is more extreme, with hotter summers and colder winters than the coastal climates to its west. Cooling and heating is necessary to maintain thermal comfort.
Zone 10: Riverside 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: SE Winter: E

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Red Bluff 40.09 N 122.15 W 342 ft
(F)

Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1978) Record Low Temperature (1975) 32 119 20
Climate
Climate Zone 11 is the northern California valley, south of the mountainous Shasta Region, east of the Coastal Range, and west of the Sierra Cascades. Seasons are sharply defined. Summer daytime temperatures are high, sunshine is almost constant, and the air dry. Winters are very cold with piercing north winds, possibility of snow and thick Tule fog. Cold air rolls off the hillsides on winter nights and pools in the colder flatlands. Quite a bit of rain falls between October and March, as much as 4.75" per month.
Red Auburn Grass MarysBluff Valley ville HDD 2688 3095 4287 2524 CDD 1904 1292 612 1607 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days
Design Day Data

Winter Summer 1%: 2.5%: Winter: Summer: 105 102 MCWB MCWB 68 67 99% 97.5% 29 31

Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Shade Use Evaporative Cooling Use High Thermal Mass with Night Ventilation
Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area C R49 R29 0.38 16% D R38 R19 0.57 20%
Because there is extreme weather, cooling and heating is necessary. Climate Zone 11 consumes a lot of energy consumption to meet comfort standards.
Zone 11: Red Bluff 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: SSE Winter: NW

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Stockton 37.54 N 121.15 W 22 ft
(F)
Climate This part of the Northern California Central Valley is situated just inland of the Bay Area. Parts of Contra Costa County east of the Caldecott Tunnel are also part of Zone 12. This climate zone experiences cooler winters and hotter summers than Climate Zone 3 (Bay Area). Winter rains fall from November to April. Tule fog is common in the winter east of Mount Diablo. Some lower areas receive frost on winter nights.
Stockto n Merced Concord
Lafayette
Climatic Design Priorities Winter: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Summer: Shade Use Evaporative Cooling Use High Thermal Mass with Night ventilation Title 24 Requirements Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area
HDD CDD
2702 1470
2430 995
2751 860
2602 1578
C R49 R29 0.38 16%
D R38 R19 0.57 20%
There are more HDD to design for than CDD. High temperatures are usually over 100F. While the marine air may influence temperatures in the areas closest to the Bay Area, the ocean influence is negligible on the hottest days when blinds blow off shore.
Zone 12: Stockton 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: NW Winter: WNW

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Fresno 36.46 N 119.43 W 328 ft
(F)
Climate California's Central Valley in this southern location is an ideal place to farm citrus trees. Summer daytime temperatures are high, sunshine is almost constant during growing season, and growing season is long. Summer humidity is higher here, than in other parts of the Central Valley, making cooling energy consumption higher in comparison. Winter rains fall between November and April on average 1.5"(+) per month. The winter cold can be quite intense, and piercing north winds can blow for several days at a time in the winter. Tule fog (extremely thick low fog) blankets the region for days in the winter.
Bakers Visalia -field HDD 2702 2430 2588 CDD 1470 995 1685 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Fresno Porterville 2053 2246
C R49 R29 0.38 16%
D R38 R19 0.57 20%
There are almost as many CDD as HDD in this high energy consuming Climate Zone 13.
Zone 13: Fresno 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: WNW Winter: E

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Barstow 35 N 116.47 W 1927 ft
(F)
Climate The climate of this medium to high desert is similar to neighboring cold winter zone 16 and subtropical low desert zone 15. Here, the continental mass influences this interior climate more than the ocean. Zone 14 Climate is characterized by wide swings in temperature, both between summer and winter and between day and night. Hot summer days are followed by cool nights; freezing nights are often followed by 60F days.
Barstow Trona Palmdale
Twentynine Palms
Climatic Design Priorities Winter: Insulate Reduce Infiltration Passive Solar Summer: Shade Use Evaporative Cooling Use High Thermal Mass with Night ventilation Title 24 Requirements Package Ceiling Insulation Wood Frame Walls Glazing U-Value Maximum Total Area C R49 R29 0.38 14% D R38 R21 0.57 20%
HDD CDD
2581 4239
2492 2922
2704 1998
1910 3064
There are almost as many CDD as HDD. The hazards of this climate to plants are late spring frosts and desert winds. Summers are hot and dry. Does not rain (or snow) more than 1" per month. Winters are cold, especially on the slopes and hillsides where cold air drains off on winter nights. Zone 14 is a high energy-consuming climate, where cooling and heating is needed to maintain comfort.
Zone 14: Barstow 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Daily Mean ETR:2626
Wind Speed

Summer: W Winter: WNW

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Brawley 32.95 N 115.55 W 0 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1950 Record Low Temperature (2000) Design Day Data El Centro Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 112 110 MCWB MCWB 74 74 18 122 2
Climate Zone 15 is the low desert and is characterized by extremely hot and dry summers and moderately cold winters. The average temperature in Climate Zone 15 is much higher than any other zone in California, especially in the summer. The humidity is below the comfort range much of the year, which results in a large diurnal temperature range and very cool nights. The skies are clear most of the year with an annual sunshine of about 85%. Summer storms bring most of the annual precipitation. August is the wettest month, with 1 inch of rain The winters are short and mild, and can bring short frosts. While some heating is required during the winter, cooling is the overwhelming concern for designing within Zone 15.
Brawley Blythe El Centro
Needles
35 38
C R49 R29 0.38 16%
D R38 R21 0.55 20%
HDD CDD
1106 6565
1295 3977
1080 3952
1227 4545
Zone 15: Brawley 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Wind Speed

Summer: N Winter: SE

Reference City: Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: Bishop 37.22 N 118.22 W 4108 ft
(F)
Basic Climate Conditions Summer Temperature Range Record High Temperature (1972) Record Low Temperature (1974) Design Day Data Winter 99% 97.5% Summer 1%: 2.5%: 102 100 MCWB MCWB 61 61 11 15 34 109 -7
Climate Climate Zone 16 is a high, mountainous and semiarid region above 5,000 feet in elevation. It covers a large area from the Oregon Border to San Bernadino county. The climate is mostly cold, but seasonal changes are well defined and summer temperatures can be mild. Temperature varies tremendously with the slope orientation and elevation, but cool temperatures and snow cover predominate for more than half of the year. Fortunately, summer temperatures are modest, although the nights are cool. The annual precipitation can between 30-60 inches a year in this large geographic region, 90% of which falls in the winter.
Sierra Mount City Shasta HDD 4313 5183 5991 CDD 1037 492 235 HDD = Heating Degree Days (base 65F) CDD = Cooling Degree Days Bishop Hetch Hetchy 4740 619
C R49 R29 0.42 14%
D R38 R21 0.55 20%
Since this zone experiences the most extreme range of temperatures, the energy consumption, especially for heating, is the highest in the state.
Zone 16: Bishop 1 of 4
Bioclimatic Chart
Temperature
Degree Day
(Base 65)
Relative Humidity
Extra-Terrestrial Radiation Daily Mean ETR: 2484
Wind Speed

Summer: S Winter: NW

California Climate Zones 01-16

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What climate factors influence design priorities in different zones?

What climate factors influence design priorities in different zones?

How do heating and cooling needs vary between different zones?

How do heating and cooling needs vary between different zones?

The Pacific Energy Centers Guide to:

California Climate Zones

and Bioclimatic Design

PECs Guide to California Climate Zones

California Climate Zone 1

Eureka 41.3 N 124.28 W 43 ft

Basic Climate Conditions

Climatic Design Priorities

Daily Mean ETR: 2493

Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: N Winter: SE

Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

California Climate Zone 2

Napa 38.28 N 122.27 W 60 ft

Basic Climate Conditions

Climatic Design Priorities

TO BE REPLACED Daily Mean ETR: 2493

Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: ESE / NE Winter: NE

Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

California Climate Zone 3

Oakland San Francisco

Design Day Data

Basic Climate Conditions

Climatic Design Priorities

Bioclimatic Chart (Oakland)

TO BE REPLACED Daily Mean ETR: 2493

Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: WNW Winter: E / W

Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

California Climate Zone 4

C R38 R25 0.38 14%

D R30 R13 0.67 20%

Zone 4: San Jose 1 of 4

Temperature (Typical Comfort Zone: 68-80F)

Zone 4: San Jose 2 of 4

Degree Day (Base 65)

Relative Humidity (Typical Comfort Zone: 20-80%)

Zone 4: San Jose 3 of 4

Daily Mean ETR: 2602

Prevailing Wind Direction Summer: NNW Winter: SE

Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

Zone 4: San Jose 4 of 4

California Climate Zone 5

C R38 R25 0.42 16%

D R30 R13 0.67 20%

Zone 5: Santa Maria 1 of 4

Zone 5: Santa Maria 2 of 4

Zone 5: Santa Maria 3 of 4

Daily Mean ETR: 2679

Prevailing Wind Direction

Natural Ventilation is most effective when wind speed is 5 mph or greater.

Zone 5: Santa Maria 4 of 4

California Climate Zone 6

C R38 R21 0.42 14%

D R30 R13 0.67 20%

Daily Mean ETR: 2704

Prevailing Wind Direction