Big Sur is a stunning section of California’s central coast located south of Carmel. It is a location bounded to the east by mountains as well as to the west by the Pacific Ocean. It is spanned by the breathtaking Pacific Highway 1, noted for its serpentine twists, sheer seashore hills, and vistas of the rough coastline. The thinly populated region is home to several tiny towns excellent for lunch, beautiful beaches for peaceful enjoyment, and parks ideal for hiking.
The best time of year to visit Big Sur is between April and October as it is the trendiest and warmest time of year. By the end of August, numbers are low as the temperatures have risen. September through November is the best time to explore untouched nature in a more peaceful and pleasant setting. The rainy season starts in the winter, resulting in speed restrictions. The blossoming season in spring is also a nice time to visit. You must take note that the temperatures in Big Sur change based on where you are. Even in the summer, the mountains may be extremely chilly, therefore a thick jacket is advised at all times.
Best time to visit Big Sur according to months
September-November
While September and October are regarded as peak seasons in Big Sur, the tourists are less intense than during the summer months. Temperatures are moderate during September and October ranging between 50- and 70- degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from the lovely weather, fall brings intriguing animal activity. September is the best time to visit Big Sur for wildlife enthusiasts as blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas have been observed in the region. Thousands of monarch butterflies may also be observed travelling to their winter homes at Andrew Molera State Park around October. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s varied summer events and programmes, like nature hikes, campfires, and educational kids’ programmes are available through Labor Day.
December-February
These months offer cooler temperatures, a higher possibility of rain, traffic delays, and shorter business hours. On the other hand, expect to find low-cost lodging during these months. Winter is the best time to visit Big Sur if you want to interact with the wildlife. Grey whales travel along the Big Sur coastline from December to February to the warmer seas of Mexico. The final part of January is prime time for elephant seal sightings when females come ashore and give birth. Take into account that Big Sur’s winters differ from the usual, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. The frequent rainstorms are a disadvantage, but they allow for the bright sky that summer fog does not allow for, making Big Sur ideal for stargazing.
March-May
March typically sees a lot of rain, with much more than six inches on average every year, but that stops as soon as April arrives. Apart from fewer rainstorms and a modest increase in temperature, spring is popular for its blossoms. The flora of Big Sur is stunning, with wild iris flowering mostly in forests, alders and calla lilies blooming near waterways, and olive-green slopes springing Lupine and California daisies. Visitors may see the finale of the grey whale migration and the arrival of sea otter babies in March. The Big Sur International Marathon, held in April makes it one of the best times to visit Big Sur as it is the only time the street is closed to walkers for celebration.
June-August
Summer is the best time to visit Big Sur, which means you’ll face high lodging fees as well as crowds on the paths. This is because July has the nicest weather. There is very little precipitation, and the maximum temperatures are the 70s near the coast and 80s downtown. Summer is also a great season for the family since the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park begins to provide a variety of activities, such as guided nature hikes, instructional campfire sessions, and the Junior Rangers and Ranger Cubs kid programmes. Until Labor Day, the Ventana Wildlife Society Discovery Center and the Molera Ranch House Museum are also open to the public. During the summer, humpback whales, blue whales, and dolphins can also be seen.
Bets time to visit Big Sur according to season
Spring
The combination of humidity and temperatures makes this season feel mildly frigid. Temperatures range from 68°F (20°C) to 61.8°F (16.6°C), with milder weather in the subsequent months. Rainfall is uncommon, with just 1 to 4 days of heavy downpour each month. Spring is the second most visited season for tourism, making it the best time to visit Big Sur for anyone searching for the best things to do.
Summer
The middle of the year has pleasant weather with moderately high temperatures. These months receive the least amounts of rainfall, with around 0 days of rainfalls per month. Because June through August is the biggest season for travel in Big Sur, hotels and other accommodations may be more expensive than normal.
Fall
Temperatures in the fall range from 72°F (22.2°C) to 63.9°F (17.7°C), which is pleasant considering the moisture and breeze. It showers on average 0 to 4 days every month. Because tourism is limited throughout the season owing to the climate, hotels may be reasonably priced.
Winter
Winter is not the best time to visit Big Sur, especially for the tourists looking for warm weather. The average high temperature ranges between 65.3°F (18.5°C) and 59.4°F (15.2). It rains or snows four to six times every month on average. Tourists are few at this time of year.
