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The Russian River area enjoys an agreeable California coastal climate, comparable to the Mediterranean in character. We have a dry season (roughly May to October) and a rainy season (roughly November to April). There's no snow and no intense heat; it rarely gets hotter than the low 90s. By comparison, Russian River summers are warmer than San Francisco summers, perfect for lounging on the beach and wandering through the redwoods. We have a real autumn, complete with spectacular falling leaves and cooler temperatures. Because summer is our dry season, the rains of late fall also bring back the green hills. Russian River winters are colder than San Francisco winters, making the time-honored tradition of building a fire a real pleasure (and sometimes a necessity!). After the rains and occasional frost of winter, spring is a delightful mix of warmer temperatures and blooming California wildflowers. Rapid temperature change is common tothis area, so the locals often dress in layers. TEMPERATURESSpring: Daytime temperatures often range from an average of 41.2 degrees F to an average of 73.3 degrees F. May is frequently very warm with temperatures into the 90s.Summer: In the summer, daytime temperatures usually range from an average of 52 degrees F (on the cooler, foggier mornings) to an average of 89 degrees F. We do have some stretches of hotter weather, up into the high 90s and even a few days in the low 100s. When describing our summer weather, we often say, “It’s hot enough to swim during the day, and cool enough to hot tub at night.”
Winter: Daytime temperatures usually range from an average of 38 degrees F to an average of 60 degrees F. Sunny days often see higher temperatures, and we do sometimes dip below freezing at night (and wake up to a glittering frost).
*While Santa Rosa is a ½ hour east of Guerneville, this forecast is useful as a predictor of rain in the Russian River area. It is slightly more likely to rain here than in Santa Rosa. In the summer, the forecast can be useful to determine general temperatures for the area. However, there are many micro climates in the hills and valleys of Sonoma County, and the Russian River area tends to be a bit cooler than Santa Rosa. RAINMost rain falls in the winter months, January through March. There is usually less rain in November and December. Rainfall averages about 30 to 70 inches per year depending upon your location. This chart offers complete information on Guerneville rainfall over the last 10 years:
FLOODINGFloods do sometimes happen here in the winter, but major floods are rare. Minor flooding is more common, but does not impact any of our vacation homes or access to the area. Major floods occurred in 1964, 1986, and 1995, with a moderate flood in 1997 and most recently New Year's Eve, 2005. If flood warnings are posted within 3 days of a booking, we allow a full refund, without cancellation fee.JANUARY 14, 2006 UPDATE: Since the river receded January 2, we have enjoyed mostly sunny, dry days, with a few showers. The river is completely down within its normal winter banks and visitors to the area are hard-pressed to see any signs that the moderate flood of New Year's Eve ever happened. None of the business districts of the River towns were significantly impacted. Only two of our seventy homes sustained damage, a few more required some cleanup, but we were largely unaffected by the flooding other than temporary road closures. The roads were completely cleared of mudslides within a day or two.
ABOUT THE RIVEROur river water is clean and safe to swim in. The water is tested frequently to ensure its integrity. Beaches tend to be gravel, with some sandy areas. We recommend that you wear water shoes, which can be purchased inexpensively at several stores on Main Street in Guerneville. River in Summer/Dry Season: In summer, spring and fall, the Russian River is breathtakingly beautiful. During the summer months, the River is gentle, with very little white water. The dams are put in around the middle of June (later nowadays to let the native salmon finish their journey upriver to spawn), which creates a deeper river that is perfect for swimming and boating. River in Winter/Rainy Season: During the winter rainy season, the River is very swift, deep, muddy, and not a safe place to be swimming or boating. There are, however, many activities that are particularly magical in the winter, including the misty redwoods (Armstrong Woods), wine tasting, whale & seal watching, beach combing, cozying around the fire in your dream house. RIVER ACTIVITIESSwimming: The Russian River is warm enough to swim in May through September. There are many beaches, both public and private. The “developed” beaches (Johnson's Beach and Monte Rio Beach) offer amenities including kayak, canoe, paddle boat, inner tube, and shade umbrella rentals. The concession stands at these beaches offer a variety of victuals, from your standard fare to veggie burgers, and inexpensive beer. Johnson's Beach has a shallow lagoon that is perfect for the kids (available once the dams are in place in the middle of June).
Canoeing: May through October is the best time for canoeing. There is a rent-a-canoe place that will pick you up at the end of your trek and ferry you back upriver to your car (Burke’s). 
Fishing: You can fish on the Russian River for salmon and trout. Adults must have a license to fish, which can be obtained from King’s Sport and Tackle on Main Street in Guerneville. Fishing Links: FACTS ABOUT THE OCEANGuerneville is about 20 minutes from the nearest ocean beach (Goat Rock). The Pacific Ocean is beautiful and provides many joys including tide pooling, beach combing, picnicking, hiking, seal watching, and even surfing for the very brave. While the Ocean is marvelous, it is generally too cold and dangerous for swimming (rip tides and undertows abound). There are safer areas for surfing buffs within 30 miles. Most of the recreation in this area is on the River beaches where the water is warm and safe. |
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info@RRGetaways.com
Updated: Sunday, March 23, 2008 8:35:29 AM Design: Working Web Design Photos © Big Bottom Photos |
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Autumn: Daytime temperatures usually range from an average of 41 degrees F to an average of 83 degrees F. September is often warm, with temperatures into the 90s, but by October it’s usually cooled down.
The restaurants and bars at the Triple R and Fife's are closed for now, but otherwise our restaurants, bars, and shops are all open as usual.
Kayaking: In general, kayakers can enjoy the River April through November. It varies, but often the River is too swift and can be dangerous for kayaking during the rainiest months --December through March. 