Monterey weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 7°C | 86 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| February | 16°C / 7°C | 79 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| March | 16°C / 8°C | 94 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| April | 17°C / 8°C | 33 mm · 4 days | Good |
| May | 17°C / 10°C | 14 mm · 2 days | Good |
| June | 19°C / 11°C | 4 mm · 0 days | Good |
| July | 19°C / 12°C | 1 mm · 0 days | Good |
| August | 20°C / 12°C | 1 mm · 0 days | Good |
| September | 21°C / 12°C | 5 mm · 0 days | Great |
| October | 21°C / 11°C | 20 mm · 2 days | Great |
| November | 18°C / 9°C | 47 mm · 4 days | Good |
| December | 15°C / 7°C | 94 mm · 7 days | Fair |
Monterey by season
Spring
Spring is arguably Monterey's best season. Wildflowers bloom on the hillsides, migrating gray whales are still visible, and the summer crowds and fog have not yet arrived. Days are mild and sunny.
- + Pleasant temperatures (15-20°C)
- + Less fog and crowds
- + Wildflowers and whale watching overlap
- − Ocean water is still quite cold
- − Can be windy, especially in the afternoons
Summer
Summer brings the famous 'June Gloom' and persistent marine layer, with cool, foggy mornings that often burn off to sunny afternoons. This is peak tourist season.
- + Longer daylight hours
- + All attractions and tours are fully operational
- + Vibrant festival season
- − Cool, foggy weather (avg 20°C)
- − Highest prices and biggest crowds
Autumn
Autumn is a close second to spring. The fog recedes, yielding clear, warm days. The ocean is at its warmest, and the summer crowds dissipate after Labor Day.
- + Warm, sunny weather
- + Fewer tourists
- + Great for hiking and kayaking
- − Some seasonal businesses may have reduced hours
- − Monarch butterflies arrive later in the season (Oct-Nov)
Winter
Winter is Monterey's quietest and wettest season, but also its greenest. Storms roll in, but are often followed by crisp, clear days. It's prime time for whale watching (gray whale migration).
- + Lowest hotel rates
- + Excellent storm watching and whale watching
- + Lush, green landscapes
- − Chilly and rainy (avg 13°C)
- − Some outdoor activities may be weather-dependent
Monterey month by month
Monterey in January
FairIn January, Monterey averages highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C, with about 6 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Monterey in February
FairIn February, Monterey averages highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C, with about 7 rainy days and 79 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Monterey in March
FairIn March, Monterey averages highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C, with about 8 rainy days and 94 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Monterey in April
GoodIn April, Monterey averages highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C, with about 4 rainy days and 33 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in May
GoodIn May, Monterey averages highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C, with about 2 rainy days and 14 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in June
GoodIn June, Monterey averages highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C, with about 0 rainy days and 4 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in July
GoodIn July, Monterey averages highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C, with about 0 rainy days and 1 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in August
GoodIn August, Monterey averages highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C, with about 0 rainy days and 1 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in September
GreatIn September, Monterey averages highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C, with about 0 rainy days and 5 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Monterey in October
GreatIn October, Monterey averages highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C, with about 2 rainy days and 20 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Monterey in November
GoodIn November, Monterey averages highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C, with about 4 rainy days and 47 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Monterey in December
FairIn December, Monterey averages highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C, with about 7 rainy days and 94 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Plan your Monterey trip
Best time to visit Monterey: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Monterey?+
September is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 21°C. October and April are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Monterey?+
March is the wettest month, with about 94 mm of rain.
How hot does Monterey get?+
September is the warmest month, with average highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The coldest nights come in December, averaging 7°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the MONTEREY weather station (4 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.