Santa Clarita sits inland at around 1,200 feet elevation, which gives it hotter summers and cooler winters than coastal Los Angeles. Summers are dry and hot, with temperatures regularly hitting 100°F (38°C) and above — not ideal for outdoor hiking, though Six Flags operates all summer. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times for outdoor exploration: temperatures in the 60s and 70s, wildflowers in the canyons in late March and April, and less haze. Winter is mild and occasionally wet, with the mountain backdrop occasionally dusted with snow above 4,000 feet. Six Flags closes on weekdays in winter.
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in late April draws performers from across the country to the William S. Hart Park and celebrates the valley's Western heritage with music, dancing, and rodeo demonstrations.