If you’re planning a trip to the Gateway Cities or thinking about moving to 90703, you’ve probably heard the standard Southern California pitch. Eternal sunshine. No seasons. Basically, a postcard that never changes.
But honestly? That’s not quite how it works on the ground.
Weather in Cerritos California is its own weird, specific animal. Because the city sits right on the border of Los Angeles and Orange County, it gets caught in a tug-of-war between the cool Pacific breeze and the scorching heat of the Inland Empire. It’s not just "sunny." It’s a microclimate that can swing from shivering in a damp "June Gloom" fog to sweating through a 90°F Santa Ana wind event in the span of a few weeks.
Most people expect the same weather they see in Hollywood movies. They show up in July expecting a heatwave and find themselves buying a sweatshirt because the marine layer refused to burn off until 2:00 PM.
The "June Gloom" is Actually Real (And Longer Than You Think)
If you visit in May or June, don't expect to see the sun before lunch. Locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom."
What’s happening is basically a giant temperature fight. The inland deserts heat up, the air rises, and it sucks in the cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean. Since Cerritos is relatively flat and low-lying, that thick blanket of clouds gets trapped right over the city.
🔗 Read more: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
It’s gray. It’s misty. It’s kinda depressing if you were expecting a beach day.
- Temperature: Often stays in the mid-60s or low 70s during these months.
- The Burn-off: Usually, the sun finally peeks through around 1:00 PM.
- Surprise factor: You can still get a sunburn through the clouds. Ask me how I know.
Interestingly, while the rest of the country is hitting their stride with summer weather, Cerritos is often at its most "moody" during the late spring.
The Heat Waves: When the Desert Wins
By the time August and September roll around, the marine layer loses its grip. This is when the weather in Cerritos California gets intense.
Temperatures regularly climb into the 80s, and it’s not rare to see the mercury hit 93°F or higher during a heat spike. August is officially the warmest month, with average highs around 84°F, but that number is a bit deceptive. It’s the humidity—or the lack of it—that defines the feel.
Usually, it’s a "dry heat," which sounds like a cliché until you’ve experienced it. But every once in a while, monsoonal moisture creeps up from Mexico. Then, it gets muggy. Not "Florida muggy," but enough to make your AC unit work overtime.
💡 You might also like: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
According to historical data from WeatherSpark, the chance of a "muggy" day in Cerritos peaks at about 11% in late August. If you’re here during that window, expect some sticky nights.
Winter is Just "Light Spring"
We don't really do winter here. We do "slightly damp spring."
January and February are the coldest months, but "cold" is relative. We’re talking about daytime highs of 67°F and lows that rarely dip below 46°F. If it hits 39°F, it’s local news.
This is also when we get almost all of our rain. February is statistically the wettest month, averaging about 3 inches of rainfall.
- Rain is rare but heavy. When it rains in Cerritos, the infrastructure isn't always ready for it. Expect the 91 and 605 freeways to turn into parking lots.
- The "Winter" Wardrobe. Locals start wearing North Face puffers the second it hits 62°F. You’ll be able to spot the tourists because they’re the ones in shorts and flip-flops.
- Clear Skies. After a rainstorm, the air quality is the best it will be all year. You can actually see the San Gabriel Mountains from the Cerritos Towne Center.
The Santa Ana Winds: The Wildcard
The biggest misconception about weather in Cerritos California is that autumn is the start of "cooling down."
📖 Related: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
Actually, September and October are often the hottest, most dangerous months because of the Santa Ana winds. These are hot, dry winds that blow from the inland deserts toward the coast. They're basically a giant hair dryer blowing on the city.
During a Santa Ana event, the humidity can drop to single digits. This is "Red Flag" weather. The risk of brush fires in nearby areas skyrockets, and the wind gusts can reach 40 mph, knocking down palm fronds and making the air feel electric and restless.
If you have allergies, these winds are your worst enemy. They kick up dust and pollen from the entire LA Basin and dump it right into your sinuses.
Planning Your Visit: The "Sweet Spot"
If you’re looking for the absolute best time to experience the city without the extremes, aim for October or April.
In October, the summer heat has usually broken, but the "Indian Summer" keeps things warm enough for outdoor dining at the sculpture garden. April gives you that lush, green California look before the summer sun turns everything brown.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Cerritos Weather
- Layering is a survival skill. Even on a day that hits 85°F, the temperature will plummet 20 degrees the moment the sun goes down. Always keep a light jacket in your car.
- Monitor the AQI. Because Cerritos is tucked into a corner where several freeways meet, air quality can get "Moderate" or "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" during stagnant summer days. Check the PurpleAir or AirNow apps before planning a long run.
- Don't trust the "Sunny" icon. If your weather app says it's sunny in May, it probably means "sunny after 2:00 PM." Plan your outdoor activities for the late afternoon.
- Hydrate during Santa Anas. You won't realize you're sweating because the moisture evaporates so fast in the dry wind. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
Basically, the weather here is predictable until it isn't. You've got to respect the microclimate. If you're coming from out of state, just remember: it's never as hot as the desert and never as cool as the beach. It’s right in that weird, suburban middle.
Check the local forecast at least 48 hours in advance for any "Red Flag" warnings if you're visiting during the fall, as these can impact outdoor events and travel times significantly due to wind-related delays on the 605.