Dana Point has a mild coastal climate all year. Daytime highs run from the upper 60s in winter to the upper 70s in late summer, nights rarely drop below the mid-40s, and the town gets about 13 inches of rain a year, most of it from November through March. Mornings are often cool and gray near the water, especially in late spring and early summer, and afternoons usually clear. Here is what to expect each month, and how to plan around it.
Today's Forecast
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Dana Point for today's conditions and any weather alerts before you head out.
Dana Point Weather by Month
Average high and low, average rain, and what each month is good for.
January
High / low: 67°F / 44°F | Rain: 2.8 in
Good for: Gray whales heading south, quiet beaches, spa days
February
High / low: 67°F / 44°F | Rain: 3.0 in
Good for: Gray whales heading north with calves, midweek escapes
March
High / low: 68°F / 46°F | Rain: 2.6 in Good for: Festival of Whales, northbound gray whales
April
High / low: 71°F / 49°F | Rain: 0.8 in
Good for: Wildflowers on the Headlands trails, last of the gray whales
May
High / low: 71°F / 54°F | Rain: 0.2 in
Good for: Blue whales arrive, cool gray mornings
June
High / low: 74°F / 57°F | Rain: 0.1 in
Good for: Start of beach season, morning clouds that burn off
July
High / low: 77°F / 60°F | Rain: 0.0 in
Good for: Fourth of July fireworks, summer concerts, blue whales
August
High / low: 79°F / 60°F | Rain: 0.1 in
Good for: Warmest water of the year, beach days
September
High / low: 79°F / 60°F | Rain: 0.4 in
Good for: Warm days, Ohana Fest, Maritime Festival
October
High / low: 76°F / 55°F | Rain: 0.5 in
Good for: Warm, clear days and thinner crowds
November
High / low: 71°F / 48°F | Rain: 1.2 in
Good for: Turkey Trot, first gray whales of the season
December
High / low: 67°F / 44°F | Rain: 1.9 in
Good for: Boat Parade of Lights, holiday stays, gray whale season
Ocean Temperature in Dana Point
Back to Top of ListThe water runs from the mid-50s in winter to the low 70s by late summer. Most people want a wetsuit to surf or swim from late fall through spring. Fall and winter bring the most consistent surf, and summer is best for calm swimming at Baby Beach. Swim near a lifeguard tower, check the posted flags, and look up tides from NOAA before you go tide pooling.
Rainy Days in Dana Point
Back to Top of ListMost of Dana Point's rain falls between November and March, and even then many days stay dry. When it does rain, the town has plenty to do indoors:
Book a spa morning. Dana Point's resort spas are made for a slow day. See spas and wellness. Take a long lunch with an ocean view. Watch the waves from a window table at one of our ocean view restaurants.
Browse the Lantern District. Galleries, boutiques and coffee shops are a short walk apart. See shopping and arts and culture.
Keep your plans flexible. Pick a few indoor options before you arrive and save the beach for the clear days.
Santa Ana Days
Back to Top of ListBetween fall and early spring, Southern California sometimes gets Santa Ana winds, dry winds that blow from inland toward the ocean. On the coast they usually bring warm, dry, very clear days, some of the warmest of the off season. Drink extra water, wear sunscreen and expect cooler nights. On windy days, fire officials may post Red Flag Warnings and some trails can close, so check the National Weather Service before you hike.
What to Pack for Dana Point
Back to Top of ListAll year: layers. A light jacket or sweatshirt for cool mornings and evenings by the water, plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Summer: swimsuit, sandals and a cover-up. Mornings can be gray and cool until the clouds burn off.
Winter: a warmer jacket for evenings, a rain shell and closed-toe shoes. Pack a wetsuit if you plan to surf.
Whale watching any time: a windbreaker and motion-sickness remedy if you need one. It's always cooler on the water.