Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of San Jose, California
25 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-0.2°C
Temperature Drop
101.0kPa
Air Pressure
99.7%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation25 meters
Everest Comparison0.3% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionCalifornia
Highest PointMount Hamilton (1283 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Downtown San Jose
25 meterselevation
Alum Rock Park
244 meterselevation
Communications Hill
118 meterselevation
Lick Observatory (Mount Hamilton)
1283 meterselevation
Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
853 meterselevation
Geographic Features
San Jose occupies the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, a structural trough bounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east. This valley, part of a larger graben structure, was formed by tectonic activity along the San Andreas and Hayward fault systems. The valley floor gradually rises from near sea level at the San Francisco Bay to about 100 meters at its southern end, created by millennia of alluvial fan development from both mountain ranges. The city's eastern reaches include the dramatic uplift of the Diablo Range, culminating in Mount Hamilton, while the western portions feature the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The underlying geology includes a complex system of aquifers in the valley fill, fed by both surface water and groundwater from the surrounding mountains.
Climate Impact
The city's position in a valley surrounded by mountains creates distinct microclimates based on elevation. The valley floor (25-100m) often experiences temperature inversions, particularly in winter months, trapping cool air and fog in a phenomenon known locally as 'tule fog.' Higher elevation areas in the eastern foothills can be 3-5°C warmer during these inversions, creating a thermal belt ideal for historical orchards and vineyards. The mountains influence precipitation patterns significantly, with higher elevation areas receiving up to twice the rainfall of the valley floor (averaging 400mm vs. 200mm annually). The varying elevations also affect wind patterns, with afternoon sea breezes channeled through the valley and modified by local topography, creating natural ventilation corridors. During extreme heat events, the higher elevation areas, particularly in the Diablo Range, provide important thermal refuge for residents, often being 8-10°C cooler than the valley floor.
Historical Context
San Jose's development pattern reflects its topographical evolution from a Spanish pueblo to Silicon Valley hub. The original 1777 pueblo was established near the Guadalupe River at an elevation providing protection from flooding while maintaining access to water, a site chosen specifically by José Joaquin Moraga. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1864 followed the valley's natural contours, influencing the city's growth pattern. The construction of Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton in 1888 took advantage of the elevation for astronomical viewing, becoming one of the world's first mountain-top observatories. The development of water infrastructure in the early 1900s utilized the natural elevation changes for gravity-fed systems, including the innovative conservation of groundwater through percolation ponds at different elevations. The preservation of hillside areas began with the creation of Alum Rock Park in 1872 (California's oldest municipal park), and continues with modern initiatives like the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, protecting both the natural elevation gradient and critical watershed functions that support the valley's groundwater system.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: San Jose's Elevation
What is the elevation of San Jose?
San Jose has an elevation of 25 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does San Jose's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of San Jose (25 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near San Jose?
The highest point in San Jose is Mount Hamilton (1283 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
