Hello, I would like to visit California for couple of weeks. I was wondering when will be the best time to go ... without clashing with the local school holidays.

Dear Christopher:
From late March through May, when the weather is temperate almost anywhere in the state, when the hills are still green, and when most lowland and foothill wildflowers are in full, glorious bloom.

I am a native Californian who has traveled and lived in every part of the state.

I disagree with the previous poster. March and April can still bring some rainy weather. May can be foggy along the coast. It is true that everything will be relatively green but it doesn't matter if you all you see is fog.

Most Californians agree that October is the best month for travel just about anywhere in the state. The weather is still warm and bright with less chance of fog. You will not have to deal with chidren on vacation.

Dear Christopher:
I have to respectfully disagree with Cal. I have traveled up and down the state of California--on the coast, in the valleys, and through the mountains (the Coast Ranges as well as the Sierras and southern mountains)--since 1963, and I've gotten about any kind of weather you can experience in the Golden State (even snow in Bakersfield!). While the coast does often get foggy in summer, it does not usually do so earlier in the year. And I have photos to prove it. Rain in California--IF it falls--is something you can easily live with: it's not at all like rain in the wetter parts of the country. Even the rare floods don't last long. Besides, the rains do brighten up the landscape and bring out the flowers!
While October is a fine month for visiting, it is certainly not the best (since it is often also the smoggiest, due in part to the smoky air from burning Central Valley fields and from occasional wildfires; it's also high season for Santa Ana winds).

I live in Southern Ca. and totally agree with John. Weather can vary at any time of year but late spring can be very nice and is often not as smoggy as Oct. can be. Most often, Ca. weather is pretty nice. Have a great trip whenever you go.

Christopher - You didn't mention in your question, but I'm wondering WHAT part of CA you're planning to visit. All over the state, or concentrating on a specific part of it? For my 2 cents worth, I lived on the north coast (near Eureka) for 4 years and I can tell you that April until October is the best as far was weather goes. Daytime highs consistently in the 50's and 60's with abundant sunshine. The other months of the year brings 75% of the annual rainfall and fog. Whatever part of the state you go to, there are going to be lots of people - natives and visitors, so I wouldn't be so concerned about the local school holidays. That sort of thing is pretty much the same - summers off and a week or so off during Christmas, Easter, etc. Enjoy your visit, whenever and wherever you go.