Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Park Wildlife refuge protecting wetlands and migratory birds

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuge in northern California protecting wetlands and seasonal lakes; visited for waterfowl viewing, shorebird migration and quiet wildlife photography.

Main image
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
41.8672, -121.1279
Admission generally free; refuge may be seasonal access

How to Get to Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge #

Located in northern California; access from regional highways and local roads. Check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for directions and current visitor information.

Tips for Visiting Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge #

  • Bring binoculars for waterfowl and marsh birdwatching.
  • Expect limited facilities: bring water and insect repellent during warmer months.

Best Time to Visit Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge #

Spring and fall migration seasons are best for birdwatching.

Spring
March-May · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Migratory birds and nesting activity increase; good for birdwatching.
Fall
September-November · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Waterfowl migration and quieter trails.
Winter
December-February · -5-5°C (23-41°F)
Fewer visitors and stark marsh vistas; some species overwinter here.

Weather & Climate near Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge #

Climate

Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 13°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
28°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
29°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
24°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 44 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with 44 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

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