Chico is in the northern Sacramento Valley, on Highway 99 and the Amtrak Coast Starlight line. There are no airline flights into Chico right now; the nearest are at Redding and Sacramento. Summers are hot (about 99 days a year reach 90°F, per NOAA), winters are mild and wet, and spring brings almond bloom and the best creek weather.
Checked October 29, 2026
- 95.2°Faverage July high, NOAA 1991-2020
- 27.39 inrain in an average year
- DailyAmtrak Coast Starlight stop
- $2B-Line local bus fare
Getting Here
| Way in | What the operator says |
|---|---|
| By air | Chico Regional Airport has had no airline service since 2014. The City of Chico says it is in talks with several airlines and its fund to back new service is nearing $2 million; no airline or start date is named. Nearest airline service: Redding Regional Airport (United to San Francisco, Denver and Los Angeles; Alaska to Seattle) and Sacramento International. |
| By train | Amtrak’s Coast Starlight stops at Chico (CIC), 450 Orange Street, on its daily run between Los Angeles and Seattle. Amtrak lists the stop as a platform only, with no shelter. The city notes it is a short walk from Chico State. |
| By bus | The Amtrak San Joaquins Route 3 Thruway bus connects Chico with the Central Valley, the Bay Area and Southern California. RABA runs an Amtrak Thruway bus to Red Bluff and Redding. |
| By car | Highway 99 runs north-south through Chico and Highway 32 east-west; Interstate 5 is to the west. Check Caltrans QuickMap for live road conditions. |
Getting Around
B-Line (Butte Regional Transit) runs local buses in Chico, Oroville and Paradise and regional routes between them: Route 20 Chico to Oroville, Route 32 Gridley to Chico, Route 30 Oroville to Biggs, and Route 41 Chico to Paradise and Magalia. The downtown transit center is at 2nd and Salem.
| Fare (from January 1, 2025) | Local | Regional (town to town) |
|---|---|---|
| One ride | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| 10 rides | $18.00 | $25.25 |
| 30 days | $50.00 | $66.50 |
| All-day pass | $6.00 | $6.00 |
Road work on East 20th Street in Chico, expected through fall 2026, may affect several routes; B-Line customer service is (530) 342-0221.
Where to Stay
We do not list hotels or take bookings. Here is how the areas line up:
- Downtown Chico and near Chico State. Close to the Amtrak platform, the B-Line transit center, Lower Bidwell Park and the Saturday farmers market.
- Bidwell Park. Day use only. The city bans camping in the park.
- Lake Oroville. State Parks runs drive-in, group, equestrian, boat-in and floating campsites, booked through ReserveCalifornia. See the Lake Oroville guide.
- Lake Almanor and Chester. Forest Service and PG&E campgrounds, generally Memorial Day to Labor Day. See the Lake Almanor guide.
Seasons at a Glance
| When | What happens | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Late January | Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway (January 28 to 31, 2027) | Birding |
| Mid-February to mid-March | Almond bloom in the valley orchards | Almond Bloom |
| Memorial Day to Labor Day | Lake Almanor camping season; lifeguard season at One-Mile on the city’s older rules sheet | Swimming |
| June to September | Hot: average highs 89 to 95°F | Weather |
| Mid-September to mid-November | Salmon spawning at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, weekdays | Lake Oroville |
| Autumn | Aspen, willow and alder color near Lake Almanor | Fall Color |
| November | Waterfowl peak at the Sacramento refuges, about 1.8 million birds on average | Birding |
Weather by Month
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56.1 | 36.2 | 5.12 |
| Feb | 62.2 | 38.3 | 5.14 |
| Mar | 66.7 | 41.6 | 3.63 |
| Apr | 72.8 | 45.3 | 1.95 |
| May | 81.3 | 52.2 | 1.35 |
| Jun | 89.3 | 57.4 | 0.64 |
| Jul | 95.2 | 61.0 | 0.03 |
| Aug | 94.3 | 59.0 | 0.10 |
| Sep | 90.9 | 54.9 | 0.25 |
| Oct | 79.7 | 47.4 | 1.73 |
| Nov | 65.0 | 39.8 | 2.41 |
| Dec | 56.6 | 36.3 | 5.04 |
That is about 99 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Up in the mountains it is another world:
| Station | Average annual high (°F) | Average annual low (°F) | Rain and melted snow (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chico | 75.8 | 47.5 | 27.39 |
| Oroville | 76.5 | 50.5 | 30.56 |
| Chester (Lake Almanor) | 62.2 | 33.1 | 34.32 |
Plan Your Days
- A Day in ChicoFarmers market, the creek, two museums, campus and Upper Park, with road time between stops.
- A Lake Oroville WeekendHatchery, dam overlook, marinas and the forebay over two days.
- Feather River to Lake Almanor DriveUp the Highway 70 canyon to the lake and back in one long day.
- Paradise and the RidgeAn afternoon up the hill: depot museum, parks and Paradise Lake.
Guides and Quick Answers
Coming Up in Chico
October 2026
Treat Street
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Downtown Chico
Price: See event page
Families trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, with live music, a 4:00 PM costume contest and street closures. Free downtown parking 2:00 to 6:00 PM.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Treat Street (opens in a new tab)October Movies in The Park: Hocus Pocus 2
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
DeGarmo Park, Chico
Price: Free
Halloween movie night with a costume parade at 6:15 PM, food trucks and free popcorn; the film starts at dusk. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for October Movies in the Park: Hocus Pocus 2 (opens in a new tab)STOP MAKING SENSE: A Film by Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads
7:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $36 - $56
Chico Performances screening of the Talking Heads concert film.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for STOP MAKING SENSE: A Film by Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads (opens in a new tab)Haunted Buildings of Chico (Lecture)
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Chico History Museum
Price: $9 members / $10 non-members
Lecture on residents' reported paranormal experiences in historic downtown buildings. Listed as full, with a waitlist.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Haunted Buildings of Chico (lecture) (opens in a new tab)
November 2026
Chico Day of The Dead Festival
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Pavilion, Chico
Price: Free
Fourth annual Dia de Muertos festival with a walking parade, Catrina pageant, folklorico and music, lowrider car show, vendors and food trucks. Free admission and parking.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Chico Day of the Dead Festival (opens in a new tab)Visual Explorations: Five Artists - Five Perspectives (Exhibit)
Runs Nov 3 to Dec 3, 2026
Time not listed: see the event page
Chico Art Center
Price: See event page
Five local artists show watercolor, oil, pastel and acrylic work drawn from everyday life.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Visual Explorations: Five Artists - Five Perspectives (exhibit) (opens in a new tab)California's Last Grizzly Bear (Lecture)
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Chico History Museum
Price: $9 members / $10 non-members
Local speakers share firsthand accounts of encountering grizzly bears in Butte County long after they were declared extinct.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for California's Last Grizzly Bear (lecture) (opens in a new tab)Chico Ice Rink Season
Runs Nov 12 to Jan 17, 2027
Time not listed: see the event page
City Plaza, Chico
Price: See event page
Outdoor ice rink in City Plaza run by CARD and the City of Chico. Most weekdays 3:00 to 9:00 PM, weekends from noon; closed Thanksgiving Day.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Chico Ice Rink season (opens in a new tab)Visual Explorations Opening Reception
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Chico Art Center
Price: See event page
Opening reception for the Visual Explorations exhibit.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Visual Explorations opening reception (opens in a new tab)Backyard Circus Lecture and Book Signing
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Chico History Museum
Price: $9 members / $10 non-members
Terry Allread describes growing up around circus performers and his family's Backyard Circus, then signs copies of his book.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Backyard Circus lecture and book signing (opens in a new tab)Bored Teachers: Is It Friday Yet?! Comedy Tour
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $37 - $57
Touring comedy show for teachers and school staff, presented by Chico Performances.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Bored Teachers: Is It Friday Yet?! Comedy Tour (opens in a new tab)The Gobble Games
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Chico Ice Rink
Price: Skating $15 ($12 online)
Thanksgiving-themed rink games, fall crafts and prizes, ending with the Turkey Bowl at 7:30 PM. Event admission is free; skating is extra.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for The Gobble Games (opens in a new tab)Christmas Preview
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Downtown Chico
Price: See event page
Downtown tradition since 1978 that opens the holiday season, with merchant open houses, decorations, entertainment and Santa photos.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Christmas Preview (opens in a new tab)Small Business Saturday
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Downtown Chico
Price: See event page
Downtown Chico Business Association signature shopping day. Only the date and hours are posted.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Small Business Saturday (opens in a new tab)
December 2026
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Downtown Chico
Price: See event page
Downtown Chico Business Association community tree lighting. Only the date and hours are posted.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Community Tree Lighting Ceremony (opens in a new tab)Hannibal Buress
7:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $32 - $54
Stand-up comedy night presented by Chico Performances.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Hannibal Buress (opens in a new tab)Brunch With Santa
Runs Dec 5 to Dec 6, 2026
Time not listed: see the event page
CARD Center, Chico
Price: See event page
Buffet brunch, photos with Santa and Santa's Village crafts and scavenger hunt in the rose garden. Tickets go on sale November 2.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Brunch with Santa (opens in a new tab)The Maidu: Myths, Magic, and Archaeology (Lecture)
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Chico History Museum
Price: $9 members / $10 non-members
Paul Bowman covers local prehistoric archaeology and Maidu myth and culture.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for The Maidu: Myths, Magic, and Archaeology (lecture) (opens in a new tab)Tower in The Trees: A History of Bidwell Mansion (Lecture and Book Signing)
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Chico History Museum
Price: $9 members / $10 non-members
Nancy Leek presents the new biography of Bidwell Mansion and signs books. Separate from the Fall Lecture Series.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Tower in the Trees: A History of Bidwell Mansion (lecture and book signing) (opens in a new tab)Legacy Stage Presents a Christmas Carol
7:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $29 - $39
Touring stage production of the Dickens holiday story, opening night of four public shows.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Legacy Stage presents A Christmas Carol (opens in a new tab)Legacy Stage Presents a Christmas Carol
2:00 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $29 - $39
Saturday matinee; a second show runs at 7:30 PM the same day.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Legacy Stage presents A Christmas Carol (opens in a new tab)Legacy Stage Presents a Christmas Carol
2:00 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $29 - $39
Sunday matinee, final show of the run.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Legacy Stage presents A Christmas Carol (opens in a new tab)Small Works Annual Show (Exhibit)
Runs Dec 15 to Jan 8, 2027
Time not listed: see the event page
Chico Art Center
Price: See event page
Annual community show of 12x12 inch works by artists of all ages. Entry fee for artists is $20 ($10 students).
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Small Works annual show (exhibit) (opens in a new tab)Polar Express Night
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Chico Ice Rink
Price: Skating $15
Pajama-friendly night with ice skating, a screening of The Polar Express, crafts, free hot chocolate and a free trackless train ride.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Polar Express Night (opens in a new tab)Camila Fernandez Y Su Mariachi: Una Autentica Fiesta Mexicana
7:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $37 - $57
Mariachi concert presented by Chico Performances.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Camila Fernandez y su Mariachi: Una autentica fiesta mexicana (opens in a new tab)
January 2027
Small Works Reception
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Chico Art Center
Price: See event page
Closing reception for the Small Works show.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Small Works reception (opens in a new tab)27th Annual Snow Goose Festival of The Pacific Flyway
Runs Jan 28 to Jan 31, 2027
Time not listed: see the event page
Various venues, Chico area
Price: See event page
Four-day birding festival with 55-plus field trips, workshops, children's activities at Patrick Ranch Museum and displays. Full schedule expected December 2026.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for 27th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway (opens in a new tab)Birds! Art Exhibit (Snow Goose Festival)
Time not listed: see the event page
Museum of Northern California Art (monca), Chico
Price: See event page
Festival art exhibit at monca. Time not posted.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Birds! Art Exhibit (Snow Goose Festival) (opens in a new tab)Chico Community Ballet Presents The Land of Oz
6:30 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $24 - $34
Ballet production of The Land of Oz, first of four public performances.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Chico Community Ballet presents The Land of Oz (opens in a new tab)Snow Goose Festival Dinner Banquet and Keynote
Time not listed: see the event page
Bell Memorial Union, Chico State
Price: See event page
Festival dinner banquet with a keynote speaker. Time not posted.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Snow Goose Festival dinner banquet and keynote (opens in a new tab)Chico Community Ballet Presents The Land of Oz
1:00 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $24 - $34
Saturday matinee; a second show runs at 6:30 PM the same day.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Chico Community Ballet presents The Land of Oz (opens in a new tab)Chico Community Ballet Presents The Land of Oz
1:00 PM
Laxson Auditorium, Chico
Price: $24 - $34
Sunday matinee, final show of the run.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Chico Community Ballet presents The Land of Oz (opens in a new tab)
What We Could Not Verify
- No airline or date for restored Chico flights is published. Not confirmed
- Amtrak does not say whether the Chico stop is staffed. Not confirmed
- The city’s bus page gives 350 Orange Street for the Thruway stop and its train page gives 450 Orange Street; Amtrak says 450. Not confirmed
- We found no official source describing lodging areas, so the Where to Stay list is our own plain description.
Questions People Ask
Can I fly into Chico?
Not right now. Chico Regional Airport has had no airline service since 2014. Redding and Sacramento have airline flights.
Does the train stop in Chico?
Yes. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight stops daily at 450 Orange Street, a platform with no shelter.
How hot is Chico in summer?
NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals give an average July high of 95.2°F and about 99 days a year at 90°F or more.
Is there a bus from Chico to Paradise or Oroville?
Yes. B-Line Route 41 runs Chico to Paradise and Magalia, and Route 20 runs Chico to Oroville; regional fare is $3.
Sources
- City of Chico, Airport: https://chicoca.gov/City-Services/Airport/index.html (checked October 29, 2026)
- City of Chico, Air Service Development: https://chicoca.gov/City-Services/Airport/Airport-Information/Air-Service-Development/index.html (checked October 29, 2026)
- City of Redding, Book a Flight: https://www.cityofredding.gov/government/departments/airports/book_a_flight.php (checked October 29, 2026)
- Sacramento International Airport: https://sacramento.aero/smf (checked October 29, 2026)
- Amtrak, Chico station: https://www.amtrak.com/stations/cic (checked October 29, 2026)
- Amtrak, Coast Starlight: https://www.amtrak.com/coast-starlight-train (checked October 29, 2026)
- City of Chico, Train Service: https://chicoca.gov/Our-Community/Travel-and-Tourism/Train-Service/index.html (checked October 29, 2026)
- City of Chico, Bus Service: https://chicoca.gov/Our-Community/Travel-and-Tourism/Bus-Service/index.html (checked October 29, 2026)
- B-Line, fares: https://www.blinetransit.com/fares-purchasing-locations (checked October 29, 2026)
- B-Line, Route 20: https://www.blinetransit.com/route-20-chico-oroville (checked October 29, 2026)
- Caltrans, travel: https://dot.ca.gov/travel (checked October 29, 2026)
- NOAA NCEI normals, Chico: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/USC00041715.csv (checked October 29, 2026)
- NOAA NCEI normals, Oroville: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/USC00046521.csv (checked October 29, 2026)
- NOAA NCEI normals, Chester: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/USC00041700.csv (checked October 29, 2026)
- California State Parks, Lake Oroville SRA: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=462 (checked October 29, 2026)
- City of Chico, park rules sheet: https://chicoca.gov/documents/Community/Parks–Outdoors/Bidwell-Park/rules_10_0824.pdf (checked October 29, 2026)
Cite this page: It's Chico, “Plan a Visit to Chico”, itschico.com/visit/ (updated ). By the It's Chico editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.