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What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 17, 2026

The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.

What is the best month to go to Big Sur?

The best time to visit Big Sur is from September to November. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Big Sur's peak season runs long, from April to October.

What is off season for Big Sur?

In fact, the off season starts from December itself. Highest temperature in Big Sur is recorded as 91.4℉ in September. Lowest temperature in Big Sur is recorded as 33.8℉ in December. Maximum rain recorded in Big Sur is 918.18 mm in January.

How many days do you need to see Big Sur?

If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, beaches, and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.

Does Big Sur get hot in summer?

Overall Big Sur Travel Experience by Season

Highs range from 68°F (20°C) and 61.8°F (16.6°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 1 to 4 days of significant precipitation per month.

25 related questions found

What is Big Sur like in the winter?

The temperature during the day is mild in Big Sur in winter, mid 50s – low 60s F.

How far is Monterey from Big Sur?

The direct drive from Big Sur to Monterey is 28.0 mi (45 km), and should have a drive time of 45 mins in normal traffic.

What is the correct way to Big Sur?

Regardless of your origin point, a Big Sur road trip is best done north-to-south. All of the beaches, nearly all of the overlooks and many of the state parks are oceanside and the west side lane gives you the best views. If you are day tripping from San Francisco, going north/south is your natural routing anyway.

How is Big Sur in March?

The amount of rain in March is normal with an average of 57mm (2.2in). It rains on average a total of 8 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 21.0°C (69.8°F). March is known as one of the best months to visit Big Sur.

What is Big Sur known for?

The stunning views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for about 7 million people who live within a day's drive and visitors from across the world.

Does Big Sur get snow?

The driest year was 1990 with 17.9 centimeters (7 inches) of precipitation. Snowfall has never been recorded along the coastline of Big Sur. However, in the higher regions of the Santa Lucia Mountains snowfall is not uncommon during the winter.

When can you see whales in Big Sur?

Gray whales can be seen from the highway turnouts in Big Sur from December through April. December to early February the California Gray Whales are migrating south. Beginning in February you begin seeing whales migrating back to Alaska with their newborn babies by their sides.

Is Big Sur safe in December?

Big Sur is worth a visit anytime of the year. December might offer dramatic waves crashing against the rocky crags all along the Big Sur coastline. Big Sur is prone to rock and mud slides, but the worst of those occur toward the south end of the drive.

Is Big Sur cold in October?

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Big Sur in October is 7.8°C (46.04°F). October is a dry month with an average of 18mm (0.7in) rain. It rains on average a total of 3 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 26.3°C (79.34°F).

Can you drive Big Sur at night?

You can drive on Big Sur during any time of the year. However, you should be aware that some places are closed during the offseason. The ones that are open may be reduced hours, so look up where you want to go ahead of time.

Is Big Sur windy road?

But Driving Big Sur is not for the faint of heart: The winding roads curve up and down California's mountainous coastline, the wind gusts are intense, and the seaside cliffs are steep.

Is Big Sur open?

Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.

What is the closest city to Big Sur?

Big Sur and Neighboring Cities:

Cambria is around the half way point, but the closest town to Big Sur area on the south is San Simeon. It is also the closest to Hearst Castle. On the north side, Carmel is the last town you get to before going to Big Sur area.

Where should I stop between Big Sur and Santa Barbara?

Best stops along Big Sur to Santa Barbara drive

  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. On 14 lists. ...
  • McWay Falls. On +13 other lists. ...
  • Limekiln State Park. On 2 lists. ...
  • Mission San Antonio De Padua. Christian church. ...
  • Ragged Point. On 1 list. ...
  • Hearst Castle. ...
  • Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop. ...
  • Moonstone Beach Dr.

Should I upgrade my Mac from Big Sur to Monterey?

If you want the new Safari, you actually don't need to upgrade to Monterey to get it—it's part of Safari 15, which is available for macOS Big Sur. To get it, check for updates in the System Update pane in System Preferences. Apple has dialed back some of the bigger changes, however.

Can you camp in Big Sur in February?

In my opinion as a California local, the best time to go camping in Big Sur is in the spring, between February and April!

Is Big Sur foggy?

Summer. Visitors flock to Big Sur each summer, eager to explore the forests and beaches while temperatures are in the mid-70s. Days are frequently sunny inland, but fog often hovers over the coast until the middle of the day.

Do you need reservations for Big Sur?

All campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur are on a reservation system. During peak season, the entire campground is usually reserved (booked 6 months in advance). Occasionally, there may be cancellations that allow some day-of sites to be available.

How many miles is Big Sur from Los Angeles?

The 295-mile road trip from Los Angeles to Big Sur takes 5 hours and 40 minutes of driving to complete. Stops include the cities of Malibu, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, as well as Los Padres National Forest, Morro Bay, and Hearst Castle.