Located in the very southwestern United States, on the coast The Pacific, California is the third largest state (410 thousand sq. Km) and the most populous state in the United States. The "Golden State" contains on its territory almost everything natural complexes characteristic of this country - snowy mountains, vast deserts, lush forests and many historical monuments both the cultures of pre-Columbian America and the era of the birth and development of the United States.
Geography of California
The central part of the state is occupied by the fertile Central Valley, where about a third of the country's crop is grown, framed from the east by the Sierra Nevada mountains (up to 4421 m on Mount Whitney), from the south by the Tehachapi mountains, from the west by the Coast Ridge (Mount Pines, 2692 m ), and from the north - by the spurs of the Cascade Mountains (Mount Shasta, 4316 m, is the northern border of the valley). Many rivers run into the valley from the surrounding mountains (the largest are San Joaquin and Sacramento), which provides sufficient moisture for the hot local climate (Central Valley is divided so: in the north - the Sacramento Valley, in the south - the San Joaquin Valley) , and delta is practically the only source fresh water for the entire region.
In the west, mountain ranges approach the very edge of the ocean, forming only a narrow coastal plain, stretching from Cape San Lucas, or Cabo Falso (Mexico), far north, to the very fjords of Washington. Southeastern part California is occupied by the lifeless Mojave Desert, and to the north of it lies the famous tectonic Death Valley - the lowest (Badwater Flat, -86 m) and hottest point in North America. It was here that the highest air temperature in the Western Hemisphere was recorded - + 56.6 ° С, although temperatures below + 65-70 ° С are not uncommon on the soil. And given the location in the very south, north of the city San Jacinto (San Jacinto), the depression of Lake Salton Sea (-75 m) and the ridges with heights of more than 4000 meters stretching along the entire length of the Sierra Nevada, California is considered one of the most diverse states in the United States in terms of relief - about 25% of its territory are occupied by deserts, another 27% are valleys and urban settlements, 3% are water bodies (lakes are mostly salty), and the rest is mountains.
Moreover, California is one of the most geologically active regions of the United States. Throughout the state, there is a large tectonic fault San Andreas and more than a dozen smaller faults in earth crust, which explains the abundance of narrow, gorge-like valleys-grabens, volcanoes (mostly dormant) and earthquakes regularly recorded here.
California climate
California's climate is extremely varied, but most of the state bears all the hallmarks of a tropical Mediterranean, with short, rainy winters and long dry summers. A cold California Current passes near the coast, which noticeably reduces the temperature gradient and leads to the appearance of frequent fogs. As we move eastward, inland, the temperature rises rapidly, and the humidity decreases, which gives the local weather conditions all the features of a sharply continental arid (dry) climate.
However, the northern and southern parts of the state differ here as well - in the south, the climate is dry and hot, the average monthly temperature in summer rarely drops below + 34 ° С, and the difference between day and night temperatures can reach 40 ° С. At the same time, in the north, the climate is closer to the temperate type - there are frequent heavy snowfalls in winter, warm and rather humid summers, which is explained by the regular breakthrough of moist and cool air masses from the west, from the Pacific Ocean. In mountainous areas, it is clearly expressed altitudinal zonality, and due to the length of most of the ridges from north to south, there is also a noticeable difference between the weather conditions of the western and eastern slopes.
California landmarks
A huge metropolis in the southwestern part of the California coast, stretching 71 km from north to south and 47 km from west to east. Covering an area of about 1200 sq. km, it is the 9th among the cities of the United States, but it would seem to be extremely unfortunate - city blocks are literally sandwiched between mountains, desert and ocean, on a narrow strip of coastal plain, which is also prone to regular earthquakes. "City of Angels" was founded in 1781 by the Spaniard Felipe de Neve and until 1848 was part of Mexico, being a poor settlement of white immigrants, Chinese laborers and wealthy Mexican ranchieros, with a population of less than fifty thousand people. But after the completion of the construction of the transcontinental railway in the late 1880s, the city began to grow rapidly, becoming by now a recognized center of culture, science, technology, international trade, becoming the home of world famous film, television and music studios, one of the richest cities. country and a recognized sports center.
Discovered by the navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, the island Santa catalina, or simply Catalina, lies in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Los Angeles. The island is widely known for its unique ecosystems with 400 plant species (8 of which are endemic), 100 bird species and numerous types mammals (in particular, this is one of the few places in the country where in natural environment inhabit american bison) and is one a large nature reserve... In the capital and only city of the island - Avalone- you can see the former Casino (1929) with its famous dance hall, in which many music stars performed, a huge theater, an island museum, an art gallery, Chaimis tower, the old Wrigley mansion (nowadays a hotel) and the memorial botanical gardens of the same name.
The resort town lies in the Coachella Desert Valley southeast of Los Angeles.
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains south of Los Angeles, the resort area is often referred to as the California Riviera for its excellent weather, colorful Mediterranean architecture and gorgeous seaside location. Just above the city begins Santa Barbara Wine Country, with three dozen family-run wineries producing premium Californian wines.
40 km northeast of Santa Barbara lies a picturesque town Solvang, built in Scandinavian style, with windmills, bakeries, gas street lamps and picturesque buildings. 12 km northwest of Santa Barbara is the vast Railway Museum with a huge layout railways and a significant collection of objects and old photographs depicting South Shore Roads' contributions to the state's prosperity. A little further (about 19 km from the city) begins the territory of the Chamash National Historical Park, whose cave complexes are abundantly decorated with rock paintings of Indians, and even higher in the mountains lie the lands of the Los Padres National Forest Reserve - 700 thousand hectares of coastal mountain range and lowlands.
In the southernmost part of the Pacific coast lies the second largest city in California -. Growing up around the first Catholic mission in the region, the city for a long time was in the "shadow" of Los Angeles, but the Second World War, during which the US Navy chose San Diego as its main base, gave it a powerful impetus to development.
V Encinitas(35 km north of San Diego) it is worth seeing the golden domes of the Hindu commune and botanical gardens, in Oceanside(50 km north of San Diego) - the famous "Royal Mission" of San Louis Rey-Francia (1798-1811 - one of the largest Catholic missions in the country), and 80 km east of San Diego the territory of the state Kuyamaka Rancho Park(85 sq. Km), famous for its delightful variety of landscapes, wild animals and Kuyamaka Peak (1950 m), from the top of which a beautiful panorama opens.
The city and county lie in the central part of the Pacific coast of California, at the northern tip of the peninsula of the same name, bordering the bay of the same name from the sea. This is perhaps the most beautiful and certainly the most liberal city in the United States, with its own face and own style not least defined by the picturesque local landscapes and frequent fogs that cover half of the city. The ocean shores around San Francisco cannot be counted ideal place for sea recreation- the surf is strong enough and the currents are difficult, even the luxurious Ocean Beach is more used for running and sports types rest on the shore. However, within Golden Gate Park you can find many good places for swimming and active pastime, and in the territory of Baker Beach (east of Golden Gate) it is quite safe to swim and relax all summer long.
On the other side of the bay lies a calm city Auckland(the bay bears his name), known for its Paramount (1931) and Fox-Oakland Fieche (1928) theaters, and Lake Merritt, the state's first national park. To the north is the city Berkeley- the location of the oldest and most prestigious university in the state.
North of Frisco, in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, begins California wine country- the land of vineyards, distilleries (there are about 230 of them here), wild flowers and green hills. Only 5% of all wines in the state are produced here, but many old traditions have been preserved and therefore this area is famous for the most exquisite drinks, appreciated even abroad. Also northeast of San Francisco you can find Marshall Gold Discovery Historical Park(the first gold placers in California were discovered in this area, giving rise to the "gold rush"), National parks Sequoia(the largest trees on Earth grow here - the 2500-year-old General Sherman sequoia in Giant Forest, for example, is considered the most big tree in the world: its trunk circumference reaches 31.1 m, and its height is about 84 m) and King canyon(the deepest canyon in the USA), Redwood Reserve (45 thousand hectares of relict forests and the largest population of Roosevelt moose on the planet), as well as the famous Yosemite national park, laid out on the lands around the most famous glacial valley on the planet (besides the park itself, which protects unique glacial landscapes in the middle of dry mountain forests, there is a museum and several art galleries).
In addition, the vast expanses of California contain many other interesting places, including Claire Lake with its 160-kilometer coastline(largest natural freshwater lake in California) and marvelous sport fishing, seaside resort Big Sur with its long beaches and excellent conditions for active rest by the sea, a fashionable resort Pebble beach with its world-class golf courses and beautiful Seventin Miles Drive, the West Coast Riviera is Laguna beach, the largest beach in the Los Angeles area - Zuma, the most beautiful landscapes of the area Inland Empire, region Shasta Keskade in the northeastern part of the state with its dam, lake and Mount Shasta (there are 7 national forest reserves, large lake Trinity Alps and the most picturesque southern spurs of the Cascade Mountains), beautiful wild land High Sierra, National park Death Valley with its desert landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park(its relict vegetation has no analogues on the planet), and Mojave Desert National Scenic Area.
Alpine skiing in California
Despite California's southern location, the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada provide excellent opportunities for mountain recreation. Especially famous in this regard are the areas surrounding Lake Tahoe, where the vast majority of the best mountain resorts in the state are concentrated.
The winter season in California is dominated by rain and snow in mountainous areas. The rainy season in California begins in November and lasts until March. The rains in the winter season can be very heavy and resemble the rains in rainforest... In mountainous areas, heavy snowfalls and blizzards are possible. In winter, the risk of landslides and flooding increases in California. V winter time possible termination of free access to a number of areas of the state.
The air temperature in the winter season is quite warm on average from +4 to +16 ° С.
What to visit in California in winter?
Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe) is a picturesque blue lake located in the middle of snow-capped mountains perfect for a winter vacation.
Death Valley in winter becomes more accessible for tourist visits, thanks to the decline of the usual heat, which is very strong in summer time.
Palm Springs continues to be an attractive holiday destination throughout its history.
San Francisco is great to visit at any time of the year. However, San Francisco is most attractive in winter due to its magical setting of the winter Sun.
Snow in California
Most California residents enjoy weekend ski resorts within easy driving distance of a number of major cities in the state. Ski Magazine's annual list of Best Ski Resorts includes several resorts in California.
New and popular ski resorts include Mammoth Mountain, a leading best places for a mountain vacation in California. The complex, built in 2005, is regarded as ski resort world class. Mammoth Mountain has regular flights from San Jose, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
If you want to admire the winter beauty of nature, then in this case you should make a trip to Yosemite National Park. There is a winter ski resort Badger Pass near the park.
Natural features in winter in California
The region of Central California, from Fremont to San Diego, is world renowned for its wintering monarch butterflies. Between November and March, coastal eucalyptus groves are home to thousands of migrating butterflies.
The monarch butterfly is not the only California animal to migrate during the winter. The winter season is the time for gray whales to migrate. Gray whales migrate from waters off the coast of Alaska to the coast of Mexico for mating and breeding. A number of coastal cities in California have special winter tours for watching whale migrations in the open ocean.
Driving in winter conditions
Start holiday season in the mountains makes a number of changes in transport conditions. Weekends are predominantly marked by traffic jams and congestion on the roads leading to mountainous areas. Winter rains also affect traffic. Roads become slippery and the risk of landslides and flooding increases.
Between November and February in California it is quite common heavy fogs, which at night can reduce visibility to several meters.
It is worth noting that there are a number of roads in California that regularly close during the winter.
Yosemite's Tioga Pass closes after November 1. Also, the road to Kings Canyon National Park stops operating from mid-November to mid-April. Due to the danger of landslides, California Highway One may be closed for several weeks. north of Los Angeles, I-5 on the Tejon Pass.
The state of California is located in the western part of the United States, on the Pacific Ocean coast. California is characterized by Mediterranean climate with dry summers and rainy winters. The influence of the ocean is reflected in the absence of a wide range of temperatures in winter and summer period s. In areas remote from the coast, the climate is changing, acquiring features of the continental, and the difference between winter and summer temperatures increases. The northwest is characterized by a predominance of a temperate climate. The weather conditions in southern California are altered by the hot wind blowing from inland deserts... The overview below shows how the weather in California changes by month.
Weather from December to February
V winter months the average temperature during the day is +19 0 C, at night +9.3 0 C. The water temperature near the Californian coast is 15 0 C in December, in January and February it reaches the lowest mark of 14 0 C. This period is the most significant of the year. precipitation: 4 mm / day in December, 5 mm / day in January and February. Gusts of cold winds soften warm air masses moving to the Pacific Ocean from the interior of the country. The number of tourists in winter is reduced by about half.
Weather in California from March to May
The weather in March, April and May is characterized by an increase in the average air temperature by one degree: in March it is 19 0 С, in April + 20 0 С, in May + 21 0 С. Water temperature: 15 0 С in March-April and 16 0 C in May. The amount of precipitation decreases (from 5mm / day in March to 1mm / day in May). The main beach season begins in mid-spring.
Weather from June to August
Summer - the best time for a trip to California: hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the beaches of the coast, including many fans of all kinds aquatic species sports. From June to August, the air continues to warm up, the average temperature reaches highest value 25 0 С in August (in June 22 0 С, in July 24 0 С). For three summer months, the average water temperature on the coast reaches maximum value 20 0 С. There are practically no rains at the peak of the season.
Weather from September to November
V autumn months there is a slight decrease in the average temperature. If in September it is the same as in August (25 0 С), then in October it is already 1 degree less (24 0 С). average temperature November in the state of California - 21 0 C. The water also becomes somewhat cooler: the average sea temperature in November is about 19 0 C. The first rain usually falls in late October. Generally autumn weather in California resembles the end of May or the beginning of June in the south of Russia.
This state has excellent roads, affordable hotel rates and a large number of most interesting places worth visiting. You can safely plan your trip at any convenient time, because the unique climate of California allows you to fully relax here in all seasons.
California is the most attractive state in America. It is the center of the American film industry. Most citizens dream of living in this sunny and beautiful state. Why is California so attractive? Due to the unlimited possibilities, the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and the warm climate. Today California is home to about 35 million people. It is the most populous state.
California climate, but very different in northern and southern parts state. In the north, winters are mild and humid, while summers are warm on the coast and hot in the interior. The daily temperature can reach 
35 ° C in July and can drop to 12 ° C in December and January. From early April to late October, the weather is warm and sunny. This summer season... The coldest "summer" month is April. Daytime temperatures are around 22-23 ° C. The hottest July. The average daily temperature is about 35 ° C, but sometimes it can reach 40-45 ° C. Due to the dry climate, the differences between day and night temperatures are high. Average night temperatures are around 3 ° C in January and 13 ° C in July. Autumn lasts one month - November. It is very pleasant during the day - around 17-18 ° C. Winter is in December, January and February. The days are between 12 and 16 ° C, and the nights are very cold - around 3-4 ° C. Spring also lasts one month - March. The weather is similar to November - 17-18 ° C. It's clear that 
it is a typical Mediterranean climate - long, hot and dry summer, mild winters and short, and small transitional seasons (spring and autumn). Climate on the coast 
also subtropical, but heavily altered by the cold ocean currents that pass. The proximity of the ocean makes the winter warm. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 14 ° C, but they also make the summer colder - San Francisco has the most warm month September and then the thermometer rarely shows more than 23 ° C. Winters are humid while summers are relatively dry. Characteristic there are a lot of foggy days in the year. This is especially the case in the summer. But San Francisco has a mild climate. Six months a year above 18 ° C. However, the conditions are not typical Mediterranean. Ocean water temperatures are consistently low. Even at the height of summer, it does not exceed +11 - + 12 ° C. The conditions never allow for a swim in the ocean, unlike Southern California, where the situation is completely different. The ocean is warmer and the beaches are full from March to November. Winter is in and out very short. Daytime 
temperatures in Los Angeles are 19 ° C in January and 29 ° C in August and September. Some days it can get very hot and 
thermometers show 40 and more degrees. Most of the precipitation falls in winter. The climate is Mediterranean - sunny and good for health. The warmth and sun attract people from all over the United States. Southern California is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. The beaches are filled with tourists from March to November.
California is the most populous part of the United States. A huge metropolis has formed near the Pacific coast. San San... The name comes from the cities of San Francisco and San Diego. The reason is that 
from San Francis to the south, almost without interruption, sneak through settlements, cities and residential areas. The population density is especially high in the Los Angeles and San Diego area. Both cities have already united and there is no clear distinction between them. Most 
populous Los Angeles - about 14 million people. San Francisco is an urban metropolitan area with a population of over 7.5 million inhabitants. Agglomeration of San Diego with a population of 2,800,000. Although populous, California is the American Dream. Richest state USA full of expensive residential areas nestled among dense evergreens Mediterranean vegetation... A very large proportion of Hollywood productions develop in California. The atmosphere of California is recreated on the screen very lively and in most cases real. Indeed, in California (and especially in San Diego) there are very 
rich neighborhoods where people still 
since then they don't even lock the door and live as if in another world. Few people know that the state capital is not one of the famous cities, but the less popular Sacramento. It is also little known that Los Angeles is not really one city. Most often it is called the expression "Administrative compromise". It represents about 90 cities connected in one. San Bernardino, Hollywood and others are actually cities, not neighborhoods.
California is home to some of the most popular beaches in the United States - Malibu, Pasadena, Coronado, Pizmi Beach, La Yola and many more. They are a surfer's paradise, especially during the winter when the coast of California 
move up huge waves... They try to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. On the coast of Los Angeles and San Diego, you will see many people trying to look well-formed and attractive, running energetically in the hot California sun. Here they appreciate the beautiful physical fitness and light tan. Caring for health has become a philosophy of life for local residents.
There are many natural attractions in the state, and magnificent beaches, but 
the most popular, represent only a small part of the beauty of California. Yosemite Park is one of the most beautiful in America. Represents a valley covered with dense pine forests, surrounded by majestic cliffs along which impressive 
waterfalls. Unique animal world not only attracts tourists, but also educates them in a love of nature. Black bear, coyote, cougar, mule deer and many other species can be found here. The biggest attraction in the park is the sequoias. This unique trees, which are considered the longest-lived and highest on the planet. Most of existing sequoias today are more than 2000 years old. Some of them are so 
huge that whole tunnels for cars and roads pass through them.
Death Valley different natural phenomenon... The place is depressed below the level 
seas. This is the lowest part of the United States side. The summer heat is extremely intense, and winter nights- ice. Some of the most high temperatures in the world (second only to Al-Aziziya,). It is good here in winter, but only in the daytime, with temperatures around +18 - +20 degrees. The valley was so named by European settlers, because at that time, it seemed almost impossible for a person to survive in such harsh conditions.
The most bad trait California is sure to have frequent earthquakes. Locals know what it is when the ground moves under your feet. The reason is that now part of the state is being separated from the mainland. The separation of part of the state can be traced to the rift in 
San Andres, which takes place near Los Angeles. The gap can be traced in a north-south direction. Another unpleasant feature of the "City of Angels" (and not only it, but also the rest of California cities) is that the streets are intended mainly for travel by car. Sidewalks are small, and in many places even absent. Moreover vegetation especially in Los Angeles, not enough. The city is one of the greenest in the United States. And in hot climates like local, the shade of the trees is very important. Los Angeles has a lot of sun and warm streets, where the only coolness is in the shade of royal palms.
California is in North America, lies in moderate and subtropical zone... Here great importance has the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, a Mediterranean type of climate was formed in California.
Northern California lies in the sea temperate climates... Blowing here westerly winds... It is relatively cool in summer and warm in winter. Temperature maximum reaches +31 degrees Celsius in July, average level humidity is 35%. The lowest temperature was recorded in December +12 degrees. In addition, in Northern California, winters are wet, up to 70%.
California climate table (versus Florida)
Southern California has subtropical climatic conditions... This area has dry and hot summers. During the winter season, the weather is mild and humid. The temperature maximum is +28 degrees in July, and the minimum is +15 degrees in December. In general, the humidity in Southern California is very high.
In addition, California is influenced by air currents winds of Santa Ana, which are directed from the depths of the continent towards the ocean. It is worth emphasizing that the rise in temperature in this area is accompanied by regular thick fogs. But it also serves as protection from the harsh and cold winter air masses.
California climate characteristics
A peculiar climate has also formed in the eastern part of California, in the region of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Mountains. The influence of several climatic factors, therefore, there are very diverse climatic conditions.
Precipitation in California falls mainly in the fall and winter. Snowing quite rarely, since the temperature almost never drops below 0 degrees. Large quantity precipitation falls in the north of California, in the south - less. In general, the amount of precipitation that falls per year averages 400-600 mm.
The further inland, the climate becomes continental, and the seasons here are distinguished by noticeable amplitude fluctuations. In addition, the mountains are a kind of barrier that traps moist air currents from the ocean. Moderate in the mountains warm summer and snowy winter. To the east of the mountains are desert areas, which are characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
California's climate is somewhat similar to the conditions south coast Crimean peninsula... Northern California lies in temperate and the southern one is in the subtropical. This is reflected in some differences, but in general, seasonal changes are well pronounced here.
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