Big Sur & the Central Coast
United States · North America
Big Sur & the Central Coast works almost all year round, peaking in April–May and September, when it is at its strongest for nature & wildlife and road trips. September offers the warmest temperatures and clearest coastal skies of the year as the summer marine fog dissipates.
Plan a trip to Big Sur & the Central CoastMonth by month
| Month | Fit | Weather | Crowds & prices | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8/10 | 15°C · 10 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. Winter brings rain and risks of localized Highway 1 mudslides, but gray whale migration and monarch butterflies are at their peak. |
| February | 8/10 | 15°C · 9 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. Crisp air and green hillsides offer dramatic vistas between storm systems, with ongoing gray whale sightings along the bluffs. |
| March | 8/10 | 14°C · 14 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. Frequent showers nurture vibrant coastal wildflowers, though wet trails and possible road advisories require flexibility. |
| April | 9/10 | 16°C · 5 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Spring brings drier weather, blooming coastal calla lilies, and ideal temperatures for scenic coastal and redwood hikes. |
| May | 9/10 | 17°C · 4 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Pleasant conditions prevail, though morning marine layer fog often blankets the coastline before clearing by afternoon. |
| June | 9/10 | 20°C · 1 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Hiking. Summer road-trippers arrive in volume to explore Highway 1, despite typical 'June Gloom' coastal fog along the cliffs. |
| July | 9/10 | 21°C · 0 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Hiking. Warm inland valleys contrast with cool coastal breezes, drawing peak crowds to state parks and iconic viewpoints like McWay Falls. |
| August | 9/10 | 22°C · 0 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Hiking. Consistently dry weather makes it prime season for whale watching tours and camping in the redwoods. |
| September | 10/10 | 22°C · 1 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Hiking. September offers the warmest temperatures and clearest coastal skies of the year as the summer marine fog dissipates. |
| October | 9/10 | 21°C · 2 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Golden autumn days bring exceptional coastal visibility, grape harvesting in nearby wine country, and returning monarch butterflies. |
| November | 8/10 | 18°C · 6 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Crowds thin substantially and autumn tranquility returns, accompanied by occasional early-winter rain showers. |
| December | 8/10 | 15°C · 12 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife. Stormy seas and rainfall return, while southbound gray whales begin their journey past the coastal cliffs. |
Getting in
Israeli passport: e-Visa · up to 90 days — ESTA travel authorization required under the Visa Waiver Program.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
