California FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting California.

When is the best time to visit California?

California is a year-round destination offering something for everyone no matter the time of year. For the most action however, the summer and its shoulder months cannot be beat. From early May to the end of September, California is characteristically warm and sunny with temperatures ranging between a pleasant 19C to 30C. All cities, sights, beaches and national parks will be bustling, and all major events will be happening during this period.

Those looking for a winter break will also find California an enticing location for a shorter stay, as Lake Tahoe and the High Sierras offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and the deserts of Palm Springs provide some much-needed winter sun as temperatures stay in the low 20s.

What is the official language of California?

English is the official language spoken in California.

How do I manage my travel money in California?

The official currency of the USA is the United States dollar (USD). Cash, credit, and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash machines are easy to access.

What places combine well with California?

California is ideally situated for visiting both the Great West and the Pacific Northwest of America. Choose between the bustling desert cities and awe-inspiring national parks across Arizona, Nevada and Utah, or the scenic coasts and forests of Oregon and Washington state.

What are the main cultural events in California?

January – Palm Springs International Film Festival
January – Tournament of Roses, Los Angeles (New Year Celebration since 1890)
January or February – Chinese New Year, San Francisco
February & October – Modernism Week, Palm Springs (mid-century modern architecture tours, seminars and festivities)
March – Indian Wells Open (ATP and WTA tennis tournament)
March – LA Marathon
April – LA Times Festival of Books
April & October – Dine LA Restaurant Week (biannual dining showcase)
April to May – Fiesta Broadway, LA (the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration outside Mexico)
April to September – the USA’s baseball season with games including the San Francisco Giants
May – Carnaval, San Francisco (the largest annual multicultural event in California)
June – San Francisco Pride (the world’s oldest and largest Pride festival)
June – Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival
July – California Wine Festival, Santa Barbara
July to August – US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach (world’s largest surf competition)
September – Monterey Jazz Festival
September to October – Pacific Airshow, Huntington Beach
September – California Wine Month, Napa Valley and Sonoma
October – Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
October – Ride Santa Barbara 100 (Cycling event for amateurs and professionals)
October – Kids Free San Diego (children go free to any attraction in the city for the month)
November – Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
November – San Diego Food & Wine Festival
December – Parade of Lights, Santa Barbara Harbour