Willits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located 20mi north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and at the beginning of the county's extensive redwood forests as approached by Highway 101 from the south. An arch donated to the city by Reno, Nevada in 1995 stands in the center of town and displays Willits' slogans "Heart of Mendocino County" and "Gateway to the Redwoods." The Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is headquartered in Willits.Geography and environmentLocated at the center of Mendocino County in the Little Lake Valley, 20mi north of Ukiah on U.S. Route 101 (otherwise known as the Redwood Highway). As of 2010, the city had a total area of 2.803sqmi, 99.83% of it land.ClimateUnder the Köppen climate classification Willits has a warm-summer mediterranean climate (csb).The mountains to the west along with a significant influence of mild Pacific air cause Willits to have a cool winter and hot day/cool night summer climate. Average January temperatures range from 32°F to 54.9°F. Average July temperatures range from 47.3°F to 85.3°F. There are an average of 34.5 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher, and an average of 80.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The record maximum temperature was 118°F on June 30, 2005, and the record minimum temperature was 3°F on December 9, 1972.
