Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit California.

From March to May, wildflowers, such as California poppies, lupines, and desert sunflowers, dot the hillsides, temperatures are comfortably warm. Many of California's most famous attractions, like Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles) and Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco) are far less crowded than during the summer months.

This is an especially rewarding time to visit Yosemite National Park. Winter snow melts into beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails begin to reopen after winter closure. Along the California coast, destinations such as Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Diego enjoy sunny days perfect for sightseeing and outdoor dining.

Spring is also one of the best times to visit California for a road trip; whether you're driving along the Pacific Coast Highway or exploring wine country.

Why Visit California in Spring?

• Mild temperatures throughout the state

• Fewer tourists at major attractions

• Peak waterfall season in Yosemite

• Beautiful wildflowers

• Great conditions for road trips

The summer months of June to August are the most popular time to visit California. Famous beach cities, such as Santa Cruz, San Diego and Santa Monica, attract many holiday-makers seeking some chilled rest and relaxation. These months are also known for being the time of year when outdoor festivals take place, such as Outside Lands, Coachella and the HARD Summer Music Festival.

It's a fantastic time to visit California to explore the coast, from the laidback atmosphere of Santa Barbara to the surf culture of Southern California. National parks and mountainous destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Sequoia National Park are also at their most accessible, without too much risk of averse weather conditions.

Just bear in mind, being the school holidays, summer brings larger crowds and higher prices, particularly in popular coastal areas and national parks. We also recommend booking a holiday here well in advance, to ensure availability.

Why Visit California in Summer?

• Ideal beach weather

• Long daylight hours

• Easier access to mountain destinations

• Festivals and outdoor events

• Excellent conditions for coastal road trips

In autumn, the weather remains warm across much of California and it is a less crowded time to visit. September and October often bring some of the state's most pleasant weather conditions, with the least fog of the year in places like San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea, making it a good time for photographing the incredible landscapes and seascapes these areas offer.

It's also harvest season in California's wine regions. Vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma turn gold and amber, making this an especially enjoyable time for wine lovers to visit. It is recommended to book your wine tastings in advance, as wine tastings can get booked up at this time of year. Popular wineries include Chateau Montelena (Calistoga), Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga), Cardinale Winery (Oakville).

For travellers looking to combine great weather with fewer crowds, autumn is one of the best times to visit California.

Why Visit California in Autumn?

• Warm weather with fewer crowds

• Wine harvest season

• Typically lower accommodation prices than summer

• Great conditions for hiking and sightseeing

• Clear skies in many regions

Winter in California gives a hugely varied experience, depending on where you go. While the Sierra Nevada mountains receive snowfall and attract skiers and snowboarders, much of Southern California remains mild and pleasant. Cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego are great options for those seeking winter sunshine and beautiful beaches, with plenty of nearby attractions to also enjoy.

It's also a quieter time to visit many of California's major attractions, such as Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) and Alcatraz Island (San Francisco), making sightseeing more calm and accommodation generally more affordable.

Why Visit California in Winter?

• Quieter at major attractions

• Lower hotel prices in many areas

• Skiing and snowboarding opportunities

• Mild temperatures in Southern California

• Watch the gray whale migration along parts of the coast

For Beaches - June to September offers the warmest beach weather, particularly in Southern California.

For National Parks - April to June and September to October provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

For Wine Tasting - September and October are ideal thanks to the grape harvest season in Napa and Sonoma.

For Road Trips - Spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather, lush scenery and less traffic.

For Ski - January to March, when the Sierra Nevada mountain range typically receives the deepest levels of snow.

Depending on where you are looking to visit, for first-time visitors planning a classic California itinerary, spring and autumn are generally the most rewarding seasons. You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and ideal conditions for everything from city sightseeing and wine tasting to scenic drives and national park adventures.

That said, California boasts a year-round appeal. Whether you're watching waves crash along the Pacific Coast in summer, admiring Yosemite's waterfalls in spring or enjoying a winter escape in San Diego, there's never really a bad time to visit the Golden State.

For more inspiration, take a look at our California pages.