Auburn & American River, CA

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Auburn State Recreational Area
Auburn State Recreational Area - Faustian at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today’s Forecast:

☀
°F
High: 73° | Low: 51°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KAUN
Observed at: 7:35 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: %

This Afternoon:Mostly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. South wind around 2 mph.
Tonight:A chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 51, with temperatures rising to around 54 overnight. Southeast wind 0 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday:Rain likely before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 4pm, then rain likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 57, with temperatures falling to around 52 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

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Today’s Report:

🥾 Hiking

Use Caution
  44 /100

Use Caution for hiking. High near 55°F. Rain forecast later today (99%). Light wind (18 mph). Thunderstorms forecast later today.

  • Temp: Favorable conditions
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for hiking. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (6%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🚲 Biking

Use Caution
  40 /100

Use Caution for biking. High near 55°F. Rain forecast later today (99%). Breezy winds (18 mph). Thunderstorms forecast later today.

  • Temp: Marginal weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Fair 65/100
Fair for biking. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (6%). Slight chance of thunderstorms.

🛶 Paddling

Not Recommended
  2 /100

Not Recommended for paddling. High near 55°F. Rain forecast later today (99%). Windy conditions (18 mph). Thunderstorms forecast later today. Temperatures outside comfort limits (55°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Marginal weather factor
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 19/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 58°F. Low rain risk (6%). Slight chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures outside comfort limits (58°F).

About Auburn & American River

Auburn & American River is an outdoor-planning page for Auburn State Recreation Area and American River canyons. It has a distinct purpose centered on canyon trails, whitewater and snowmelt, heat, and foothill road access, with the forecast used to choose the safest and most comfortable version of the day.

Make the Most of a Auburn & American River Day

Start by comparing conditions across Auburn, North Fork American River, and the rest of the coverage area. Choose among hiking, biking, paddling based on wind, precipitation, temperature, visibility, water or trail conditions, road access, smoke, and available daylight.

Weather Tips for Auburn & American River

  • Conditions around Auburn State Recreation Area and American River canyons can differ sharply from nearby towns; canyon trails, whitewater and snowmelt, heat, and foothill road access are the main planning variables.
  • Check wind, waves, current, tides where relevant, water temperature, and lightning before launching; keep a land-based alternative ready.
  • Recent rain, heat, smoke, fire restrictions, water levels, and afternoon wind can change which route or activity is most comfortable.
  • Air quality and wildfire smoke can shift quickly; shorten strenuous plans when visibility or breathing conditions worsen.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page covers Auburn State Recreation Area and American River canyons. It can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • North Fork American River
  • Middle Fork American River
  • Foresthill
  • Lake Clementine
  • Coloma
  • Cool

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of Auburn & American River rather than forcing one itinerary. A shorter route, earlier launch, sheltered shoreline, lower-elevation trail, or town-based backup can preserve the day when conditions change.

7-Day Forecast for Auburn & American River

☀
°F
High: 73° | Low: 51°
Current Temperature
Clear
Station: KAUN
Observed at: 7:35 pm CST on 11/12/26
Wind: 0 mph | Humidity: %
Thu ⛅
73° 51°
1%
Fri ⛈
57° 44°
99%
Sat ⛅
59° 43°
6%
Sun 🌧
59° 47°
82%
Mon 🌧
55° 39°
49%
Tue ⛅
56° 39°
8%
Wed 🌧
52° 40°
86%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

73° Thu 57° Fri 59° Sat 59° Sun 55° Mon 56° Tue 52° Wed

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

51° Thu 44° Fri 43° Sat 47° Sun 39° Mon 39° Tue 40° Wed

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 100 Thu 21 Fri 100 Sat 93 Sun 95 Mon 100 Tue 73 Wed
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: November 12, 2026 8:25 pm CST

Auburn & American River Weather by Season

Winter

At Auburn & American River, winter storms can raise canyon rivers, muddy trails, and create slick roads or localized closures. Higher nearby ridges may see snow while lower trailheads remain rainy.

Spring

Around Auburn State Recreation Area and American River canyons, spring is prime for green foothills, waterfalls, biking, and hiking, but snowmelt can make river current cold and powerful. Check crossings and whitewater guidance before entering the water.

Summer

For canyon trails, whitewater and snowmelt, heat, and foothill road access, summer heat builds quickly in exposed canyons, while dry vegetation increases fire restrictions. Start early and keep river plans conservative around cold current, rapids, and changing releases.

Fall

Near Auburn and the surrounding area, early fall can remain hot, smoky, and dry before cooler trail weather arrives. Lower flows may change paddling options and make shore access easier in some areas.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Warmest months: July and August.
  • Coolest months: December and January.
  • Wettest season: December through March.
  • Driest season: June through September.
  • Best outdoor window: Spring for scenery and flow-aware paddling; fall for hiking and biking.