If you’ve ever sat on the tarmac at SMF staring into a wall of white or felt the blast of a 100-degree afternoon while walking to your car, you know that the weather at Sacramento airport isn't just a background detail. It's the main character.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) sits right in the heart of the Sacramento Valley. This location isn't just random geography; it’s a setup for some of the most specific weather patterns in California. Honestly, it’s a bit of a meteorological drama. You have the Delta Breeze fighting the valley heat, and the infamous Tule fog playing hide-and-seek with the runways all winter.
The Tule Fog Factor
Winter at SMF is basically synonymous with one thing: the fog.
Not just any fog. We're talking about Tule fog, a thick, ground-hugging radiation fog that settles into the valley after a good rain. Just this past December, we saw a stretch where the airport didn't rise above 46°F for over 190 hours. That is nearly eight days of bone-chilling dampness.
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When this happens, visibility can drop to near zero.
Pilots rely on the Instrument Landing System (ILS), but even that has limits. In early 2025, a stray animal actually chewed through some FAA equipment at the airport, and when the fog rolled in, flights had to be diverted because the backup tech couldn't handle the lack of visibility. It's a reminder that at SMF, the weather and the gear have to work perfectly together.
If you are flying out between November and February, morning delays are almost a rite of passage.
Surviving the Summer Blast
Summer is the total opposite. It's hot. Really hot.
July is typically the peak, with average highs hitting around 94°F, though 100-degree streaks are common. The sun here is relentless because there’s almost no cloud cover from June through September.
But there’s a local hero called the Delta Breeze.
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This is a sea breeze that sucks cool air in from the San Francisco Bay, through the Carquinez Strait, and right up into the Sacramento area. You’ll be standing in 100-degree heat at 5:00 PM, and by 8:00 PM, the wind kicks up and the temperature drops 20 degrees. It’s the only reason summer is bearable.
Monthly Weather Breakdown for SMF
You shouldn't expect the same experience in April that you get in October. Here is the reality of what the sky looks like throughout the year.
- January & February: These are the "wet" months. You’re looking at highs in the mid-50s and about 3 to 4 inches of rain. This is peak fog season.
- March & April: Spring is actually gorgeous. Highs climb into the 60s and 70s. The valley is green, and the "stormy" weather starts to taper off.
- May: This is the transition. Highs hit the 80s. The grass turns gold.
- June - August: Bone dry. No rain. Highs in the 90s (and 100s). The airport tarmac can get incredibly hot, which occasionally impacts "density altitude" for smaller aircraft, though the big commercial jets at SMF usually handle it fine.
- September: Still hot, but the days start getting shorter.
- October: One of the best months. Highs in the upper 70s.
- November & December: The rain returns, the temps drop back to the 50s, and the fog starts its winter residency.
Wind and Crosswinds
SMF has a pretty straightforward runway layout. Most of the time, the wind comes from the south, which aligns nicely with the runways. This is good news for travelers because it means fewer "crosswind" cancellations.
However, when a big north wind blows—locally known as a "North Wind event"—it brings dry, gusty air. These days are usually clear but can make for a bumpy takeoff or landing. If you see a forecast for 25 mph gusts from the north, maybe pack some Dramamine.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Checking the weather at Sacramento airport before you leave the house is a given, but here is how to actually use that info.
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- Winter Mornings: If the forecast says "Dense Fog Advisory," give yourself an extra hour. Not just for the flight, but for the drive. I-5 near the airport is notorious for "zero-vis" accidents.
- Summer Afternoons: If you're parking in the daily lot, use a sunshade. Your car will be a literal oven by the time you get back from your three-day trip.
- The "Layer" Rule: Even in the summer, the Delta Breeze makes evenings cool. If your flight lands after 9:00 PM, you might actually want a light jacket, despite it being 100 degrees when you left.
The weather here is predictable until it isn't. One year we have a drought, and the next, we're breaking 30-year cold records because the Tule fog won't lift.
Next Steps for Travelers:
Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento office for the "Point Forecast" specifically for SMF rather than just "Sacramento." The airport is about 10 miles north of downtown and often has slightly different wind and fog patterns than the city center. If you see "VV001" on a flight weather report, that means vertical visibility is only 100 feet—expect delays.