Best Time to Visit Ventura

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best time to visit Ventura, with a monthly summary of the weather, hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Ventura is about 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, and is a year-round destination, offering a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

But like any destination, there are optimal times to visit, depending on your preferences. Let's take a month-by-month look at Ventura's weather, hotel prices, and special events to help you decide your best time to visit Ventura.

Ventura Pier

Best Time to Visit Ventura: Month-by-Month

January is the coldest month in Ventura, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 65°F (18°C). The city receives approximately 3.39 inches (86mm) of rainfall.

While there's no snowfall, it's a great time for whale watching. Hotel prices are relatively low, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.

February sees similar temperatures to January. Rainfall averages at 3.78 inches (96mm), and there's still no snowfall. The Ventura Winter Wine Walk is a highlight, offering wine tastings from local vineyards. Hotel prices remain affordable.

In March, temperatures start to rise, ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 68°F (20°C). Rainfall decreases to 2.66 inches (68mm). Hotel prices start to increase slightly. March is also Mermaid Month at the Ventura Harbor Village.

Cycling Along the Coast in Ventura

April sees a further rise in temperature, averaging between 48°F (9°C) to 70°F (21°C). Rainfall drops to 1.02 inches (26mm). Hotel prices continue to rise.

May offers warmer weather, with temperatures between 52°F (11°C) and 70°F (21°C). Rainfall is minimal at 0.31 inches (8mm). The Ventura County Fair begins in late May, attracting many visitors. Hotel prices are higher, reflecting the start of the peak tourist season.

June brings summer to Ventura, with temperatures ranging from 56°F (13°C) to 72°F (22°C). Rainfall is almost non-existent at 0.09 inches (2mm). Hotel prices are at their peak.

Joggers on Ventura Beach

July is the hottest month, with temperatures between 58°F (14°C) to 74°F (23°C). There's virtually no rainfall. The Ventura Music Festival is a major draw, featuring a variety of genres and spreading over late July/early August. The Ventura County Fair continues, and hotel prices remain high.

August remains hot, with temperatures from 58°F (14°C) to 74°F (23°C) and minimal rainfall. The Ventura Nationals Car Show is a highlight, attracting car enthusiasts from all over. Hotel prices start to decrease towards the end of the month.

September offers pleasant weather, with temperatures between 58°F (14°C) to 73°F (23°C). Rainfall is still minimal at 0.24 inches (6mm). The California Beer Festival is a major draw, and hotel prices continue to drop. The Aloha Beach Festival is a must-visit, offering Hawaiian culture and sports.

Family on Ventura Pier

October brings slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 52°F (11°C) to 72°F (22°C). Rainfall increases to 0.98 inches (25mm). The Ventura Harvest Festival is a popular event, featuring arts and crafts. Hotel prices are moderate.

November sees a further drop in temperature, averaging between 45°F (7°C) to 68°F (20°C). Rainfall increases to 1.61 inches (41mm). The Ventura Film Festival takes place, attracting cinema lovers. Hotel prices drop, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.

December brings colder weather, with temperatures from 40°F (4°C) to 65°F (18°C). Rainfall is high at 2.36 inches (60mm). Hotel prices are relatively low.

Our Pick of the California Guides

Best Time to Visit Ventura: Summing Up

In conclusion, the best time to visit Ventura depends on what you're looking for. If you're a budget traveler, the winter months offer lower hotel prices and the excitement of whale watching.

For those who enjoy warmer weather and outdoor festivals, May to August is the ideal time to visit. The Ventura County Fair, Aloha Beach Festival, and Ventura Nationals Car Show are just a few of the events that take place during these months.

If you're a beer enthusiast, September's California Beer Festival is a must-visit.

For arts and crafts lovers, the Ventura Harvest Festival in October offers a wide range of handmade goods.

For film buffs, the Ventura Film Festival in November provides a platform for independent filmmakers.

So, when is the best time to visit Ventura? The answer is, it depends on you. But no matter when you choose to visit, Ventura's stunning coastal scenery, regular lively events, and friendly atmosphere are sure to make your trip a memorable one.

Ventura Sunset

Other Ventura Pages

Ventura Bars, Breweries, and Beer Festivals
There are plenty of Ventura bars, breweries, brewpubs and pubs to enjoy, not to mention one of the biggest beer festivals in California.
Best Things to Do in Ventura
The best things to do in Ventura include beaches and museums, seeing the mission, going to Ventura Pier, and a boat trip to the Channel Islands National Park.
Ventura
Ventura is 60 miles north of Los Angeles on California's Pacific Coast Highway and this guide shows where to get more information for your Ventura vacation.
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is Ventura 's only beachside hotel with ocean front swimming pool and rooms with ocean views.
Ventura Free Public Trolley
The Ventura free public trolley launches in summer 2013 offering complimentary transport between Downtown and Harbor Village for visitors and locals alike.