Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather in buena park ca 90620, you’re probably planning a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm or maybe you just moved into one of those nice neighborhoods near Beach Boulevard. On paper, it looks like paradise. 280-plus days of sunshine? Check. Average highs in the 70s? You bet. But there’s a weird rhythm to the atmosphere here that most weather apps just sort of gloss over.
It isn't just "sunny California."
I've spent years tracking how the marine layer fights with the desert heat right over the 5 Freeway. Buena Park sits in this interesting geographic pocket of Orange County. It’s far enough from the coast to avoid the constant dampness of Huntington Beach, but close enough to get hit by the "June Gloom" that can turn a bright morning into a gray, misty slog in seconds.
The "June Gloom" is Actually Real (and It Starts in May)
Visitors always get this wrong. They show up in late May expecting a bikini-weather heatwave and end up buying $60 sweatshirts at a gift shop because they’re shivering in a thick, gray mist. Locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom."
Basically, the cold water of the Pacific creates a thick layer of stratus clouds. This "marine layer" rolls inland overnight. Because Buena Park is relatively flat, that fog bank pushes right through the 90620 zip code and stays there until the sun gets high enough to "burn it off"—usually around 1:00 PM.
If you're at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time, the morning will be cool and damp. Then, like a light switch, the clouds vanish and the UV index spikes. You'll go from needing a jacket to needing heavy-duty sunscreen in twenty minutes. It’s a wild transition.
💡 You might also like: Converting 50 Degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius: Why This Number Matters More Than You Think
Why August and September Are the Real "Heat" Months
While the rest of the country is thinking about pumpkin spice and falling leaves, Buena Park is usually baking. August is statistically the hottest month with an average high of 85°F, but that doesn't tell the whole story. We frequently see "heat spikes" where the mercury jumps to 95°F or even 100°F.
The record high for the area is a blistering 111°F. When those temps hit, the humidity—which usually stays around a comfortable 60%—can feel much stickier than you’d expect for a semi-arid climate.
Santa Ana Winds: The Wild Card
Then there are the Santa Anas. These are hot, dry winds that blow in from the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert. They don't just bring heat; they bring bone-dry air and a weird, electric energy to the city.
- Humidity drops: It can go from 50% to 5% in a single afternoon.
- Wind gusts: We’re talking 40 to 60 mph through the canyons and flatlands.
- Fire risk: This is when the local fire departments go on high alert.
If you’re sensitive to allergies or get "weather headaches," the Santa Ana season (usually October through January) is going to be your toughest time in 90620. The air is filled with dust and pollen kicked up from the foothills.
Winter Isn't Really Winter (Unless It Rains)
Let's talk about December. While the Midwest is shoveling snow, Buena Park is usually sitting at a comfortable 68°F. It’s gorgeous. However, the nights get surprisingly crisp. You’ll see the temperature drop to 46°F or 47°F.
📖 Related: Clothes hampers with lids: Why your laundry room setup is probably failing you
Rain is the only thing that actually changes the vibe here. February is the wettest month, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain. When it rains in Southern California, it doesn't just drizzle; it pours. Because the ground is often baked hard by the summer sun, the drainage systems in 90620 can struggle, leading to some localized flooding on side streets.
Planning Your Life Around the 90620 Climate
If you are a local or just visiting, you have to play the "layers" game.
Morning: Hoodie.
Noon: T-shirt.
6:00 PM: Back to the hoodie.
If you're heading to the weather in buena park ca 90620 for outdoor activities, the "sweet spot" is actually April and May. You get the green hillsides from the winter rains, the heat hasn't become oppressive yet, and the "Gloom" is still manageable.
Practical Tips for the Buena Park Weather
Don't let the 75-degree average fool you. You need to be prepared for the extremes.
👉 See also: Christmas Treat Bag Ideas That Actually Look Good (And Won't Break Your Budget)
- Hydration is non-negotiable: Even on "cool" days, the dry air sucks the moisture out of you.
- The Sun is stronger than you think: Being at a lower latitude means the UV rays are intense. Even if it's cloudy (remember that marine layer?), you will get burned.
- Check the "Wind Advisory": If the Santa Anas are blowing, don't leave your patio umbrellas up. They will end up in your neighbor's pool three blocks away.
- Watch the "Dew Point": If you’re a runner, keep an eye on the dew point in July. Once it hits 65°F, your sweat won't evaporate, and you'll overheat fast.
The climate in the 90620 zip code is one of the most stable in the world, but it has these little quirks—the morning fog, the desert winds, the sudden heat spikes—that define life in Orange County.
If you're planning a visit, check the short-term 10-day forecast but keep the "June Gloom" in the back of your mind. If you see "mostly cloudy" for a June morning, don't cancel your plans. It’ll almost certainly be bright blue skies by lunchtime.
Pack some sunscreen, keep a light jacket in the car, and enjoy the fact that you're in one of the few places where "bad weather" usually just means it might be a little gray for a few hours.
Next Steps for You:
If you're heading out today, check the local wind speeds before hitting the parks, and always keep a spare liter of water in your car—Southern California heat hits faster than you expect.