Spring on Balboa Island is just glorious! Just when you think it can’t get any more beautiful, new flowers bloom, fresh green buds sprout, and you realize spring is here in full force.

Tourists who have never been to California often think that it’s hot and sunny here all the time. The reality is that Southern California is more of a desert climate, with warm sunny days but cool, often chilly nights. Springtime temperatures are typically in the 70’s during the day and the 50’s at night. That means you can feel super-warm in the sun, but when a cloud passes over, suddenly you’re cold!

Springtime can occasionally bring Santa Ana winds, which are the warm, dry currents of air we’ve experienced this week. These are notorious for strong gusts of 25-30 miles per hour and can even blow as high as 80 miles per hour! Santa Ana winds also bring 80-90 degree temperatures. These scorching winds feel like a blow dryer and make the weather and fire danger much more unpredictable than usual. Thankfully, once they die down, our wonderful Mediterranean climate returns.

When packing for a visit to Balboa Island, think layers. Jackets and sweats for morning walks, tanks with a long-sleeved tee over top, with jeans or shorts for daytime. If you’re in the sun, a bathing suit might be in order. If you’re in the shade, maybe a fleece jacket!

Nothing like a springtime getaway to Balboa Island!