The San Gabriel Mountains rise dramatically north of this Los Angeles suburb of 138,000, creating a stunning backdrop for the historic city. Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers in the upper 80s and mild winters with minimal rainfall. The area's elevation around 900 feet provides slightly cooler temperatures than downtown LA. Pasadena's older neighborhoods feature Craftsman architecture and mature tree canopies, while commercial corridors reflect modern development. Santa Ana winds occasionally bring fire danger in fall and winter. January brings the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, celebrating winter's mild temperatures. Spring wildflower blooms cover nearby hillsides before summer heat dries vegetation brown.
