Monterey in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Monterey

21°C (70°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - temperatures stay comfortable 11-21°C (52-70°F) for all-day outdoor activities without overheating
Wildflower season peaks in April with poppies and lupines coloring coastal trails and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Whale migration season continues with gray whales heading north and blue whales arriving - best viewing month of the year
Lower accommodation rates than summer peak season but warmer than winter months, offering 25-30% savings on oceanfront hotels

Considerations

Marine layer creates thick morning fog until 11am-1pm, obscuring coastal views and delaying sunrise photo opportunities
Ocean temperature remains cold at 12-14°C (54-57°F), making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits
Weekend crowds increase significantly as Bay Area residents make day trips, creating parking challenges at popular spots like Carmel

Best Activities in April

17-Mile Drive Scenic Tours

April's clear afternoons after morning fog burns off provide spectacular views of Pebble Beach, Seal Point, and Lone Cypress. Wildflowers bloom along the route, and comfortable temperatures 16-21°C (61-70°F) make convertible drives ideal. Morning fog adds dramatic photography opportunities at Bird Rock and China Rock.

Booking Tip: Self-drive costs $11.25 per vehicle at gates. Guided tours typically run $75-120 per person and include stops locals know for best whale spotting. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. See current tour options in booking section below.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

April marks peak season as gray whales migrate north while humpback and blue whales arrive for feeding season. Calm seas and 15-18°C (59-64°F) afternoon temperatures create comfortable viewing conditions. Morning fog often clears by departure times, providing excellent visibility beyond the bay.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $55-85 per adult. Morning departures (9am-10am) avoid afternoon winds. Book 7-10 days ahead as April has highest success rates for multiple whale species. Choose boats with naturalists for educational value.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking

April delivers perfect hiking conditions with wildflower blooms, migrating whales visible from clifftop trails, and comfortable 12-19°C (54-66°F) temperatures. Sea lions pup season creates active wildlife viewing at Bird Rock, while morning fog adds mystical atmosphere to cypress groves.

Booking Tip: Day use permits required, $10 per vehicle. Arrive early (8am) on weekends for parking. Cypress Point Trail and Bird Rock Trail offer best whale viewing. No advance booking needed for individual visits, but guided nature walks cost $25-40 per person.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Walking Tours

April's mild weather perfect for exploring fairy-tale architecture and artist galleries. Morning fog creates romantic atmosphere, while afternoon sunshine 18-21°C (64-70°F) ideal for outdoor wine tasting in courtyard galleries. Fewer summer crowds allow leisurely browsing and interaction with local artists.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, but guided historical tours run $20-35 per person for 90 minutes. Wine tasting tours typically $65-95 including tastings. Weekend afternoons busiest, so book guided tours for Tuesday-Thursday for smaller groups.

Monterey Bay Kayaking

April offers calm morning waters before afternoon winds, with sea otters active in kelp forests and possible whale encounters. Water temperature 12-14°C (54-57°F) requires wetsuits, but air temperatures 16-20°C (61-68°F) keep paddlers comfortable. Excellent visibility for marine life observation.

Booking Tip: Guided tours with wetsuit rental typically $75-110 per person for 2-3 hours. Launch from this destination or Elkhorn Slough for different experiences. Book morning tours (8am-10am start) to avoid afternoon winds. Single kayak rentals $45-65 per day.

Big Sur Coastal Driving Tours

April provides optimal conditions with Highway 1 typically clear of winter closures, wildflower blooms at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge areas, and comfortable temperatures for scenic stops. Morning fog creates dramatic photos, while afternoon clearing reveals endless Pacific views.

Booking Tip: Self-drive free but gas expensive along route. Guided day tours typically $150-220 per person including transportation from Monterey. Check Caltrans road conditions before departure. Small group tours (6-12 people) offer better photo stops than large buses.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Monterey Wine Festival

Annual wine festival featuring Monterey County wineries with vineyard tours, tastings, and food pairings. April timing takes advantage of comfortable weather for outdoor tasting events and vineyard visits before summer heat arrives.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning starts 11°C (52°F) with fog, afternoons reach 21°C (70°F) in sunshine

Light waterproof jacket - not for rain but for morning fog moisture and coastal wind protection

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - coastal trails can be slippery from morning marine layer

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 7 intensifies quickly when fog burns off around midday

Light scarf or wrap - temperature drops 8-10°C (14-18°F) when fog rolls in during late afternoon

Binoculars - essential for whale watching from shore and wildlife viewing at Point Lobos

Wetsuit or thermal layers if planning water activities - ocean temperature only 12-14°C (54-57°F)

Camera with lens cloth - fog creates moisture on lenses but also dramatic photography opportunities

Closed-toe shoes for evening - temperatures drop to 13-15°C (55-59°F) after sunset

Insider Knowledge

Fog typically burns off between 11am-1pm - schedule coastal photography and scenic drives for afternoon arrival times

Locals avoid Carmel on Saturday afternoons when Bay Area day-trippers peak, but Sunday mornings offer peaceful browsing

this destination less crowded Tuesday-Thursday mornings, when school groups haven't arrived and weekend visitors gone

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve reaches capacity by 10am on sunny weekends - arrive at 8am opening or visit weekdays

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning morning coastal photography without accounting for marine layer - dramatic views don't appear until afternoon

Underdressing for temperature swings - 10°C (18°F) difference between foggy morning and sunny afternoon catches visitors off-guard

Assuming ocean swimming weather - air feels warm but water temperature 12-14°C (54-57°F) requires wetsuits for comfort