Season by season
Spring (March–May). Green hillsides, wildflowers and migrating grey whales. Showers are possible and the road may still be recovering from winter damage.
Summer (June–August). The busiest season and the foggiest: mornings on the coast are often grey and cool, though Big Sur’s higher ground is frequently in sunshine above the cloud.
Autumn (September–October). The warmest, clearest weather of the year and thinner crowds — the best time for the drive.
Winter (November–February). Quiet, with dramatic surf and clear days between storms. Heavy rain can trigger slides and closures.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | Quiet |
| February | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | Moderate |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | Moderate |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | Busy |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | Busy |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | Peak |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | Peak |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | Peak |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | Busy |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | Busy |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | Moderate |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | Moderate |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- November–February: Monarch butterflies overwinter in Pacific Grove
- December–April: Grey whale migration past the coast
- Late January or February: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament
- April–November: Humpback and blue whales feed in Monterey Bay
- August: Monterey Car Week and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance — rooms are scarce and very expensive
- September: Monterey Jazz Festival
Tip: if fog hides the coast at Carmel, keep driving — it often clears a few kilometres south, and the view of cloud lying on the ocean from above is one of Big Sur’s finest.
