Summary

Cool in the summer, warm in the winter with replenishing rains, Irish Beach enjoys the best of the Mendocino Coast's moderate climate.

Fall

Our warmest season brings almost continuous sunshine with the hope of an early rain. Some believe it to be the most beautiful of all the seasons, but everyone agrees it is the most placid with the only excitement the hint of winter storms to come.

Winter

In October we expect the first rain with its preceding southerly winds. The classic winter storms churn out of the Gulf of Alaska with many hours of stronger and stronger south/southeasterly winds as the low pressure systems spin toward us from the northwest. Early winter storms bring welcome relief from the dry summer. The typical storm lasts less than two days and is followed by clearing skies with puffy clouds and dazzling winter sunshine. The biggest storms may bring colder temperatures (and snow in the higher elevations east of Irish Beach) along with strong winds and heavy seas. Occasionally, a warm rain-producing storm arrives from the western Pacific. It is referred to as a Pineapple Express because it originates near the Hawaiian Islands. In combination with the lower temperatures it may produce stronger storms with more showery conditions.

Frost is not unknown, but "hard freezes" are uncommon.
While rainfall is higher in the hills to the east (with occasional snow), the winter brings needed moisture while the sun keeps daytime temperatures close to the sixty degrees.

Spring

Spring begins in February with early bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops. Naturalized daffodils begin blooming and the "greening season" arrives along with thousands of baby lambs grown on the local ranches. Longer and warmer days combine with late winter rains to green the once brown vegetation. By late March blossoms are everywhere and the occasional storm (April showers?) means there will be abundant wildflowers (Douglas Iris, California poppies, Indian paintbrush, California Lilac, lupine, wild radish, etc.)

Summer

Our dry season starts sometime after the last May rain (you can always count on a "good" storm in May) and lasts through September. With the "Valley heat" comes the coastal fog, sometimes hugging the bluff, other times puffing all the way up the ridge, but usually present on the ocean's horizon. The summer fog keeps us cool and reduces fire danger. It also provides much-needed moisture for the Coastal Redwoods, Douglas Firs, Monterey Pines and other trees found in abundance here. Visitors and part-time residents from the "valleys" look forward to enjoying the fog and coolness while avoiding the hot sun and heat of the inland valleys.

In September and October while temperatures are still high inland, the offshore winds give us sunshine and the warmest days as our summer lingers into fall.

Air Quality

Cleansed by the Pacific and untouched by industry, the air quality in Irish Beach is unparalleled. While we enjoy the convenience of Highway One, we're in the quiet zone with less noise and traffic and often more bicyclist than commercial vehicles. Everyone says the stars are brighter in Irish Beach!

Gardening

It's possible to garden ten months out of the year in Irish Beach. Cool-weather vegetables such as peas, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, artichokes, etc. are easy to grow. There are many flower gardens; fuchsias and rhododendrons are indigenous to the area and the climate is perfect for almost any flower variety. Deer fencing is required for most flower species (there are some varieties they won't eat) and gophers and moles can be a nuisance. Fuchsias and nasturtiums attract hordes of hummingbirds (Anna hummingbirds stay here year-round, Rufous and Allen hummingbirds are amusing summer visitors). Butterflies are attracted by the abundant wildflowers (Sisters, Admirals, Buck-eyes, western blues, swallowtails, and Monarchs are some of the most common).

While it is a challenge to grow tomatoes and grapes, it can be done in sunny, wind-protected areas. Most varieties of apples do well as well as pears and quince.

The Weather And Your Health

Year-round, the opportunity exists for exercise such as walking, running, bicycling, and gardening. The moderate temperatures (air-conditioning is "all natural") mitigate serious health conditions such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. While air quality (above) is excellent, the months of March and April can be high in pollen count (primarily from the numerous pine trees) and may temporarily affect those with allergies. We believe that not only may the Mendocino Coast extend one's life, but it also makes it more enjoyable!