The ice-topped volcano Mount Shasta in Northern California is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and outdoor adventurers.
Some believe the mountain is home to a sacred spring and a crystal city full of ancient enemies of Atlantis.
A person in good physical condition can easily climb through Avalanche Gulch daily. However, more people will usually reach the summit in two days, and will spend the night on the mountain to get used to the elevation.
But when is the best time to visit Mount Shasta? Let’s find out!
Where is Mount Shasta?
Mount Shasta, located in the Cascade Range in California’s Siskiyou County, is a potentially active volcano.
It has an elevation of 14,179 feet and is the second-tallest peak in the region.
This mountain has an estimated volume of approximately 85 cubic miles. It is regarded as the most prominent stratovolcano in the area.
The mountain, which is known as Shasta, rises abruptly and reaches a height of over 10,000 feet.
It can be seen from the Central Valley floor. It has attracted the attention of various prominent individuals, such as presidents and poets.
The Climate of Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta’s climate is moderate continental. It’s characterized by rainy and snowy winters, hot summers, and cool nights.
Located in Northern California, Mount Shasta is a town at the foot of a mountain. It’s also at an elevation of about 1,200 meters above sea level.
The temperature can drop below -10 degrees Celsius on the coldest nights of the year.
For example, in December 2013, it was -17 degrees Celsius; in December 1990, it was -21.6 degrees Celsius.
During the winter, 260 centimeters of snow can fall in a year. Even if the snow rarely lasts long, the abundance of snow is still significant because the daytime temperature often exceeds freezing.
During the summer, the temperature can vary significantly between daytime and night time.
On hot days, the temperature can reach around 38 degrees Celsius.
For example, the average temperature during December is 1.6 degrees Celsius, while the warmest month is July, with a temperature of 20.2 degrees Celsius.
Best Time to Visit Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is best to visit during the summer, as it’s usually the warmest and sunniest time of year. However, during this period, it can get hot outside.
Located in the Cascade chain, Mount Shasta is a high mountain that gives its name to the city of Shasta.
It’s about 4,316 meters above sea level and is visible from a great distance. During the winter, it gets heavy snow, usually around 12 and a half meters.
Therefore, visiting this mountain from April to September is best, as the days are longer and the weather is better.
Mount Shasta Weather in January
In January, it’s usually cold in Mount Shasta. The average temperature in the area is around 2.4 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of -1.9 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 6.8 degrees Celsius.
The temperature during the cold nights in January usually drops to -9 degrees Celsius. However, in January 2017, it reached a low of -16 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month usually occur in January, with a temperature of around 14.5 degrees Celsius.
However, in January 1997, it reached a high of 21 degrees Celsius. The precipitation, usually about 160 mm, can last about 12 days.
The average temperature during this period is around 9 hours and 35 minutes. The wind speed during this period is usually about 5 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in February
In February, on Mount Shasta, the temperature usually drops to about 3.4 degrees Celsius.
During the warmest month, it’s around 8.4 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded temperature in the area was -12.8 degrees Celsius in 1993.
The warmest days of the month usually occur in February, with temperatures reaching around 17 degrees Celsius.
However, in February 1992, it reached 21.1 degrees Celsius.
The precipitation during this period mainly consisted of 165 millimeters of rain, which can be distributed over 12 days. The wind speed at that time is 5 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in March
In March, on Mount Shasta, the weather is usually icy. The average temperature in the area is around 5.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is -0.1 degrees Celsius.
On the hottest days, the temperature can reach about 11.9 degrees Celsius. In March 2002, the temperature dropped to -9.4 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month are usually at the end of the month, with the temperature reaching around 20 degrees Celsius.
However, in March 2003, the temperature reached 25 degrees Celsius.
The precipitation can amount to about 140 millimeters and lasts about 12 hours. The wind speed, which averages 6 kilometers per hour, is also deficient.
Mount Shasta Weather in April
In April, on Mount Shasta, the weather is usually mild. However, there are some remarkable differences between the days and nights.
For instance, the temperature at night is around 1.6 degrees Celsius, while the daytime high is around 15 degrees Celsius.
Usually, the temperature drops to around -3.5 degrees Celsius during the coldest nights of the month. However, in April 2008, it fell to -8 degrees Celsius.
Usually, the temperature in April is around 25 degrees Celsius. However, in 2009, it reached 30.6 degrees Celsius.
Over 11 days, the area receives about 75 mm of precipitation. The day’s average duration is 13 hours and 25 minutes. The wind speed is 6 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in May
The weather in Mount Shasta is typically mild in May. The average temperature in the area is around 12.7 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21.4 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, the temperature drops to about -3 degrees Celsius during the coldest nights of April. It occurred in 1999.
The warmest days of the month, which usually occur at the end of the month, are known to reach around 30 degrees Celsius.
However, in May 2008, it reached 35 degrees Celsius. The precipitation, which amounted to over 55 mm, lasted eight days.
The humidity level in the area is 54%, and the wind speed is around 6 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in June
In June, on Mount Shasta, the weather is usually mild. However, there are some remarkable differences between the days and the nights.
For instance, temperatures range from 16.4 degrees Celsius to 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest days.
Conversely, the temperature drops to around 2.5 degrees Celsius on cold nights. In 2017, it fell to -0.6 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month are usually at the end of June. However, in 2013, the temperature reached 37.2 degrees Celsius.
During this period, the precipitation amounts to around 30 mm.
The longest day of the year, June 21, is regarded as the summer solstice, and it lasts for about 15 hours and five minutes.
The average wind speed in Mount Shasta is around 6 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in July
In July, the weather in Mount Shasta usually gets warm. However, there are significant differences between the days and nights.
For instance, the temperature can reach around 29.6 degrees Celsius on the hottest days.
On the coldest nights, the temperature drops to approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius. In July 1997, it hit 3 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days usually occur in July, with temperatures reaching around 35.5 degrees Celsius.
However, in July 2016, it reached a temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius.
The precipitation that falls on Mount Shasta only amounts to around 5 millimeters.
The average wind speed in the area is approximately 4 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in August
In August, on Mount Shasta, the weather is generally warm. However, there are significant differences between the days and the nights.
The average temperature during this month is around 19.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 29.2 degrees Celsius.
On the coldest nights, it drops to about 5.5 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month are usually in August, with a high of around 35 degrees Celsius.
However, in August 2017, the temperature reached 38.3 degrees Celsius.
The precipitation that falls in Mount Shasta usually only totals about 5 mm.
The day’s average temperature ranges from 13 hours to 40 minutes, and the humidity is 44%.
Mount Shasta Weather in September
The weather in Mount Shasta usually remains mild in September. However, there are remarkable changes between the days and the nights.
The average temperature in the area is around 16 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 7 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25.8 degrees Celsius.
On the coldest nights, the temperature drops to about 2 degrees Celsius. In 2005, it fell to -1.1 degrees Celsius.
Usually, the temperature in September ranges from 33 degrees Celsius to 91.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, in September 2017, it reached 38.3 degrees Celsius. The precipitation during this period mainly consists of around 15 mm of rain.
The day’s average temperature ranges from 12 hours to 25 minutes. The wind speed is 4 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in October
October in Mount Shasta is usually characterized by mild weather. However, the temperature can vary significantly between the days and nights.
For instance, the temperature can reach around 18.2 degrees Celsius on the hottest days.
On the other hand, the temperature can drop to about -3 degrees Celsius on the coldest nights. In October 2019, the temperature dropped to -8.3 degrees Celsius.
Usually, the temperature in October in Mount Shasta is around 28 degrees Celsius.
However, in 2015, it reached 31.7 degrees Celsius. The precipitation in October 2015 consisted of approximately 50 mm of rain.
The day’s average temperature is around 11 hours and 0 minutes. The wind speed experienced during this period is 5 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in November
In November, the temperature in Mount Shasta usually ranges from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, it can get colder at night, with a minimum temperature of -0.3 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 10.3 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month usually occur during the beginning of the month, with a high temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.
However, in November 2020, it reached 25.6 degrees Celsius. The precipitation that comes with this season usually lasts for approximately nine hours and 50 minutes, and the average humidity is around 70%. The wind speed at that time was about 5 kilometers per hour.
Mount Shasta Weather in December
In December, the weather in Mount Shasta is typically cold.
The average temperature in the area is around 1.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of -2.4 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 5.6 degrees Celsius.
On the coldest nights, the temperature drops to around -10 degrees Celsius; in December 1998, it hit -18 degrees Celsius.
The warmest days of the month are usually the days when the temperature reaches around 13.5 degrees Celsius.
However, in December 2013, it reached 17.2 degrees Celsius. During that period, 170 mm of precipitation was recorded in the area.
The average temperature in the area is around 1.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of -2.4 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 5.6 degrees Celsius.
The shortest day of the year, December 21, is known as the winter solstice. Since the air is humid, 5 kilometers per hour wind speed is typical.
Busiest and Least Crowded Months in Mount Shasta
The peak season for tourism in Mount Shasta, California, USA, in July, June, and August.
The prices for flights and hotels will be higher during these months, but you can still save by planning.
Most people are unlikely to visit the area in December. Those planning on visiting during these months will find it the cheapest.
Conclusion
Mount Shasta is a destination worth visiting. There are several hiking options, scenic lakes, ski descents, waterfalls, et cetera. It is also essential to know the best time to visit Mount Shasta.
The article covered in great detail the different weather conditions available in Mount Shasta.
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