It can be hot and dry in the Santa Cruz Mountain towns of Felton and Boulder Creek while 15 miles south in the coastal community of Aptos it could be cool with a blanket of fog. This is especially apparent in the summer. The weather can also vary significantly depending on your location within the county due to the region’s unique and varied topography. Summers are overall warm, with the hottest areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but coastal fog results in some overcast days especially in mid and south county.
Visitors to the area can make do with packing a windbreaker, light scarf, umbrella and hooded sweatshirt. County and state parks are blossoming with wildflowers at this time and the region’s farmers are busy planting a rich bounty of crops. Spring is generally mild and bright with scattered showers throughout the season. The temperature drops significantly once the sunsets even when the day is hot so it is wise to always keep a sweater or lightweight jacket nearby. While the weather does vary throughout the year, it rarely reaches extremes so it is best to dress in layers. Santa Cruz weather benefits from an enviable Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers tempered by rolling fog along the coast.