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San Rafael has the coldest average maximum temperature in California at just 59 degrees Fahrenheit, despite Bodie being the coldest place overall.
The average annual temperature for California is 64°F, while San Rafael's low temperatures are due to the effects of local topography on marine air from the ocean, according to the Western Regional Climate Center.
Despite being near the coast, San Rafael has a colder average maximum temperature than the mountains due to the effects of marine air, but it still has a higher average annual temperature than areas with cooler summers.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in California was -45 degrees Fahrenheit in Boca, while the hottest temperature ever recorded in the US was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Greenland Ranch (Death Valley).
San Rafael has a rich history that dates back thousands of years with various Native American tribes inhabiting the area, and in 1817, the historic Mission San Rafael Arcangel was established by Spanish priests, which is now a popular tourist attraction with a replica building.
San Rafael's ecology includes urban wildlife like raccoons and coyotes, as well as endangered species such as the Ridgway’s Rail and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse in China Camp State Park, and a variety of birds and snakes.
San Rafael offers a blend of urban and natural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, diverse cuisines, and shopping areas, as well as outdoor activities including hiking, visiting state parks, and beaches, all just minutes away from downtown.
San Rafael is in Marin County, North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, about 18 miles from San Francisco, on the northwestern shore of San Francisco Bay.