Ocean currents along the Pacific Coast, particularly the California Current, help to warm the coastal areas.

Ocean currents play a significant role in regulating temperatures along the Pacific Coast. The California Current, a cold ocean current flowing southward along the coast, helps keep coastal temperatures relatively moderate and cooler compared to inland areas. However, other currents, like the North Pacific Current, bring warmer water from the tropics to coastal regions, warming the climate. Along a large portion of the coast, this impact contributes to the Mediterranean or marine west coast climate by reducing the dramatic seasonal temperature differences. As a result, winters are warmer and summers are colder along the shore.