What will weather be like at California State Fair? Here’s how hot it could get
The California State Fair kicks off Friday in Sacramento.
The 17-day event will feature food, carnival rides and agriculture competitions, as well as a packed concert lineup.
Some scorching temperatures could also be in store.
A “warming trend” began Wednesday with high temperatures reaching the 90s in much of the Sacramento Valley and “cooler temperatures across higher terrain,” according to the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office.
Triple-digit temperatures were expected to hit Thursday heading into the weekend, the weather service said via X.
Here’s how hot it could get:
When is California State Fair in 2025? Where is it?
The California State Fair begins Friday, July 11, and runs through Sunday, July 27, with a different headliner performing each night.
The fair is at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.
Will Sacramento see 100-degree temperatures during the fair?
According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento had a 45% chance of experiencing a maximum temperature higher than 100 degrees on Thursday.
On Friday, Sacramento had a 75% chance of seeing triple-digit temperatures, the weather service said via X.
However, the potential for highs above 100 dropped to 20% on Saturday and just 5% on Sunday, the weather agency said.
What will weather be like opening weekend?
Sacramento was expected to see sunny and hot weather on Thursday, with a high temperature near 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
Clear skies were predicted for Thursday night, along with a low temperature around 65 degrees.
On Friday, the opening day of the fair, the high will hover near 102 while the low will dip to 65, the weather service said.
The high will dip slightly to 98 on Saturday, while the low will drop to 62.
More sunshine is expected Sunday, when the high will be 97 and the low will be 61.
Monday will also be sunny and hot, with a high near 98 and a low around 61, the weather service said.
Moderate heat risk, fire weather conditions in forecast
The National Weather Service predicted “widespread moderate heat risk” heading into the weekend, along with “elevated fire weather conditions” in the Northern Sacramento Valley due to dry weather and breezy winds.
The heat risk scale shows the likelihood of heat-related problems occurring — calculating how hot it is compared to normal, how long the heat will last and whether it’s likely to cause health issues based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The scale ranges from 0, meaning there’s little or no heat risk, to 4, indicating an extreme heat risk.
Moderate heat risk “affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” according to the weather service.
Who’s most at risk in Sacramento area?
Certain groups of people are “particularly vulnerable to heat,” making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, according to the weather service.
They include:
- Pregnant women
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- People with chronic medical conditions
How can I stay safe during hot weather?
The weather service encourages people to “practice heat safety” by drinking “plenty of liquids” and seeking out shade or air conditioning.
You should also:
- Drink water
- Take breaks and cool down
- Wear sunscreen
- Never leave children or pets locked in the car
How to stay cool at Cal Expo in Sacramento
California State Fair organizers have prepared for the summer heat with “cool spots” located all over the fair.
These include misting stations where fairgoers can relax, cool off and even charge their phones, according to the fair website.
You can find seating, shade and misters at the Cool Zone near the Kids Park and the Pepsi Promenade & Food court near the Main Gate.
“Both areas are surrounded by food vendors, so you can grab a snack while you rest your feet,” the fair said.
You can also find seating near the Farm Presented by Save Mart and in the Forest Center, according to fair organizers.
The fairgrounds also feature several air-conditioned buildings:
California Buildings A, B, C, & D
Expo Center (Buildings 1-8)
The Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn
Satellite Wagering Center at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand
Guest Services
Bonney Cooling Stations
Can I bring a water bottle to the fair?
Yes, but there are limits.
Sealed plastic water bottles are fine to bring into the fairgrounds but glass, aluminum cans, Hydro Flasks, metal water bottles and outside alcohol are not allowed, according to the fair website.
How much do fair tickets cost?
Fair ticket prices vary depending on age. Here’s how much they cost:
General admission: $16
Senior (ages 62 and up): $10
Youth (ages 5 to 12): $10
Children age 4 and under get in free.
What are carnival ride prices?
Individual carnival tickets cost $1 each, while unlimited ride wristbands purchased in the carnival area cost $39 to $44 depending on the day.
Fairgoers can save money by bundling costs with packages and season passes.
- Fun Pack: For $54.49, you get four one-day general admission tickets, four ride tickets and one parking pass.
- State Fair season pass: For $39.49, you get daily admission into the fair.
- Blue Ribbon season pass: For $49.49, you get daily admission into the fair, unlimited monorail rides and a seat at the horse races.
What are deals and discounts for the fair?
Deals and discounts Kids Day (Tuesdays): Kids 12 and under get in free every Tuesday of the fair.
SMUD Giving Fridays: Bring five canned food items (non-expired, non-perishable) to Guest Services on July 11, 18, or 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get free same-day admission.
Tickets must be used by 3 p.m. Suggested donations include canned meat, beans, peanut butter, soups, stews and canned fruit and vegetables.
Senior Discount (Fridays): Seniors 62+ pay only $10 admission until 8 p.m. on Fridays. After 8 p.m., prices return to normal.
Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day (Wednesday, July 23): Free admission for active duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders and their spouses/dependents.
Claim the deal by showing a valid ID at the gate or get free tickets online through VetTix or 1stTix.
Advance Online Purchase: Save around $2 per ticket when purchasing admission online before the fair opens.
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 10:51 AM.
