Menifee’s Pleasant Climate: A Local’s Guide

Menifee enjoys a pleasant year-round Mediterranean climate typical of inland Southern California. Summers are hot and dry while winters are mild with some rainfall.

Temperatures are comfortably warm for most of the year. The rainfall pattern brings green hills in spring, while the dry summer and fall lend to Menifee’s scenic mountain views. Read on for details on Menifee’s sunny, temperate climate.

Menifee’s Climate Characteristics

Here are some key features that characterize Menifee’s climate:

Hot, Dry Summers

• Summer daytime highs average over 90°F from June to September.
• Overnight lows offer little relief, averaging 62°F in summer.
• Rain is very rare in summer – July typically has no measurable rainfall.
• Low humidity allows summer heat to fade quickly after sunset.

Mild, Pleasant Winters

• Daytime winter highs average a comfortable 68°F in December and January.
• Winter lows drop to an average of about 38°F overnight.
• Most rainfall occurs from December to March, greening the hills.
• Frost is rare, only occurring a few days per year after cold winter storms.

Sunny Skies Year-Round

• Menifee enjoys sunshine for most of the year thanks to its dry climate.
• The sun shines 80% of daylight hours in summer and 65% of daylight hours in winter.
• Smog is limited thanks to the steady breeze that clears the inland valleys.

Low Yearly Rainfall

• Menifee’s yearly rainfall averages just 12 inches per year.
• Rainfalls occur mainly from December to March. February is the wettest month with 2.9 inches on average.
• July and August typically receive no measurable rainfall.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

Here are Menifee’s monthly average high and low temperatures plus average monthly rainfall:

Month	Average High	Average Low	Avg Rainfall
January	68°F	38°F	2.2 in
February	69°F	40°F	2.9 in
March	73°F	42°F	1.7 in
April	78°F	46°F	0.7 in
May	84°F	52°F	0.2 in
June	91°F	58°F	0.1 in
July	97°F	62°F	0 in
August	96°F	62°F	0.1 in
September	90°F	59°F	0.2 in
October	82°F	53°F	0.6 in
November	73°F	45°F	1.1 in
December	68°F	37°F	2.2 in

Menifee’s Desert-Influenced Climate

Menifee lies in a geographic transition zone between the cooler coastal climate and the hotter desert climates of California’s inland valleys. Its location gives Menifee a climate that’s pleasantly warm for most of the year.

Rain Shadow Effect

The local mountains block wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean, casting a “rain shadow” over Menifee. This rain shadow is what accounts for Menifee’s sunny, arid climate as well as its mountain and desert views.

Temperature Inversions

In winter, overnight temperature inversions occur in inland valleys as cool air pools along the valley floor while warmer air stagnates overhead.

This effect sometimes causes foggy nights in Menifee winter mornings. Daytime heating burns the inversion off by mid-morning.

Semi-Arid Vegetation

With an average rainfall of just 12 inches per year, drought tolerant chaparral vegetation dominates the natural landscape. This vegetation typifies California’s Mediterranean climate zone where cool, wet winters support the growth cycle.

Local Microclimates

Within Menifee’s generally hot and dry climate, some areas experience local climate effects that add variety.

Cooler Hilltops

Higher elevation hilltops and ridges around Menifee are typically 5-10°F cooler compared the to the valley floor in summer afternoons when hot air pools in the valleys. These include areas around Palomar Mountain.

Sheltered Valleys

Enclosed inland valleys with poor air drainage like Quail Valley and Romoland often experience colder winter morning lows by several degrees compared to Menifee proper.

Warming Climate Trend

Over the past century, Menifee’s average temperature has increased by 2°F, consistent with climate change models for inland Southern California. This warming trend is expected to raise temperatures further in the coming decades.

Living with Menifee’s Climate

Menifee’s sunny, temperate climate lends itself to an active outdoor lifestyle. Here is how locals embrace the climate across the seasons:

Hot and Sunny Summers

• Days are too hot for most outdoor activities from late morning to early evening in summer. Plan outdoor time accordingly.
• Locals head for the beach or mountains to escape the heat on summer weekends.
• Swimming pools, lakes, and water parks provide summer recreation as temperatures soar.
• Shade structures, cool drinks, and AC are summertime essentials.

Pleasant Falls and Springs

• Fall and spring offer Menifee’s most comfortable weather for hiking, golf, and outdoor dining since days are warm and nights are cool.
• Fall and spring sunsets paint a beautiful backdrop to clear skies over the valley.
• Spring wildflowers briefly bloom after winter rains, putting on a colorful floral display.

Mild, Green Winters

• The winter rainy seasons supports the annual re-greening of Menifee’s hillsides that surround the valley.
• Winter rainfall occasionally falls heavy enough to cause poor drainage flooding in some valley areas.
• Frost is brief and occasional in the winter season with lows dropping just below freezing on some nights.
• Winter mornings often start out foggy until the inversion layer lifts to reveal sunny skies by late morning.
• Snow occurs extremely rarely in Menifee’s valley floor but very occasionally dusts the highest peaks after extreme cold snaps. Nearby mountain ski resorts offer snow play options a short drive away.

In Conclusion

Menifee’s climate offers plenty of sunny, warm weather and outdoor living potential across the seasons. Summers are hot but otherwise comfortable compared to low desert areas further east.

Winters are green, mild, and tidy compared to stormier coastal areas. For a pleasant year-round climate close to both mountains and beaches, Menifee fits the bill.