Monterey in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Monterey

24°C (75°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Prime whale watching season - blue and humpback whales migrate through Monterey Bay in peak numbers, with 90% success rate for sightings on calm morning tours
Iconic marine layer burns off by 11am most days, creating dramatic morning photography conditions at Point Lobos and 17-Mile Drive before crowds arrive
Kelp forest diving reaches optimal visibility (15-20m/50-65ft) as summer storms subside and water temperature stabilizes at 14-16°C (57-61°F)
Peak season for Monterey's artichoke harvest - local restaurants feature special artichoke menus and you can visit working farms just 20 minutes inland in Castroville

Considerations

Tourism peak means parking at Carmel Beach and this destination fills by 10am on weekends, requiring $25-40 daily parking fees at private lots
Morning fog can persist until noon 60% of days, potentially limiting early scenic drives and outdoor photography until midday
Hotel rates peak at 200-300% above winter prices, with oceanview rooms averaging $400-800/night and requiring 8-12 week advance booking

Best Activities in August

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours

August is arguably the best month for whale watching as blue whales (largest animals on Earth) and humpback whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Morning tours (8-9am departure) offer calmest seas and highest success rates. The marine layer actually helps by keeping waters calm before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for morning tours, typically $50-80 for adults. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophones. Avoid afternoon tours after 2pm when Pacific winds create choppy conditions. Check current availability in booking section below.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking

The marine layer creates mystical morning conditions perfect for photography, while afternoon clarity reveals dramatic coastline views. August's dry conditions mean all trails are accessible, including the Bird Rock and Cypress Point trails that showcase sea lion colonies and harbor seals with newborn pups.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking passes online 8 weeks ahead ($10/vehicle) - this is mandatory and sells out daily in August. Arrive by 8am before marine layer burns off, or after 3pm for golden hour lighting. Typical visit duration 3-4 hours.

Kelp Forest Scuba Diving

August offers the year's clearest underwater visibility (15-20m/50-65ft) as winter storms are long past and autumn swells haven't arrived. Water temperature stabilizes at 14-16°C (57-61°F). The kelp forests are at full summer growth, creating cathedral-like underwater experiences with sea otters, harbor seals, and rockfish.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives typically cost $120-180 including equipment. Book certified dive operators 7-10 days ahead. Bring or rent 7mm wetsuit minimum - locals use 7mm year-round. Morning dives offer calmest conditions.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Gallery Walk and Beach Photography

August's reliable afternoon sun creates perfect lighting for Carmel's fairy-tale architecture and white sand beach. The town's gallery scene peaks in summer with special exhibitions. Morning fog adds drama to beach photography, while afternoon clarity showcases the town's storybook cottages.

Booking Tip: Park at Sunset Center ($8/day) and walk to avoid $40+ beach parking fees. Gallery walks are self-guided and free, but special exhibitions may charge $15-25. Allow 4-5 hours to properly explore both town and beach areas.

17-Mile Drive Scenic Route

August morning fog creates ethereal conditions at iconic stops like Lone Cypress and Bird Rock, while afternoon clarity provides classic postcard views. Seal Point has newborn harbor seal pups in August, and Pebble Beach golf course appears emerald green against the Pacific backdrop.

Booking Tip: Entry fee $10.75 per vehicle, valid all day with multiple entries. Start early (8am) to experience fog effects, then return after 2pm for clear views. Allow 3-4 hours with stops. Avoid weekends when golf tournaments may limit access to some viewpoints.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Extended Visits

August crowds mean timed entry tickets are essential, but the aquarium's outdoor exhibits and kelp forest display are at their most busy. The Great Tide Pool exhibits showcase creatures in peak summer activity, and special feeding demonstrations occur every 2 hours during peak season.

Booking Tip: Pre-purchase timed tickets 4-6 weeks ahead ($50-65 adults). First entry (9am) or last entry (4pm) offer better crowd management. Plan 4-5 hours minimum. Parking fills by 10am, use this destination lots and walk 800m (0.5 miles).

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Monterey County Fair

Classic California county fair featuring local artichoke dishes, wine tasting from Monterey County vintners, live music, and agricultural exhibits. This is peak artichoke season, so food vendors showcase creative preparations from the local harvest.

Throughout August

Sunset Cultural Center Summer Concert Series

Outdoor evening concerts in Carmel featuring jazz, classical, and world music. The venue's natural acoustics and coastal setting create intimate performances under clear August skies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning fog requires light jacket, afternoon sun needs shorts/t-shirt, temperature swings 8°C (14°F) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and coastal reflection intensifies exposure, locals reapply every 2 hours

Non-slip walking shoes with good grip - coastal rocks and kelp-covered surfaces are extremely slippery when wet from morning fog

7mm wetsuit or plan to rent ($25-35/day) - even summer water temperatures at 14-16°C (57-61°F) require serious thermal protection

Waterproof camera case or dry bag - sea spray and fog can damage electronics within 5 minutes of coastal exposure

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - not for rain but for sudden Pacific wind gusts that can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph)

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) - whale watching and wildlife viewing distances often exceed 500m (1,640ft), making good optics essential

Cash for parking - many coastal lots are cash-only and ATMs charge $3-5 fees, budget $20-40 daily for parking

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry coastal air is crucial, and refill stations are limited along scenic drives

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation drains batteries quickly in areas with poor cell coverage along coastal routes

Insider Knowledge

Local secret timing: Arrive at popular spots like McWay Falls or Bixby Bridge at 7:30am before tour buses (which can't arrive until 9am due to noise ordinances) for solo photo opportunities

Parking hack: this destination lots charge half the price of aquarium parking and it's only an 800m (0.5 mile) scenic walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Weather pattern knowledge: Marine layer typically lifts from south to north, so if Carmel is sunny but Monterey is foggy, drive south first and work your way back north as visibility improves

Sea otter viewing advantage: Early morning hours (7-9am) offer best sea otter sightings at Elkhorn Slough as they're most active feeding before boat traffic increases

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon whale watching tours - Pacific winds pick up after 2pm creating rough seas and reducing wildlife sightings by 40% compared to morning tours

Driving 17-Mile Drive only once - weather changes dramatically throughout the day, making morning fog tours and afternoon sun tours completely different experiences

Underestimating travel time between Carmel and Monterey - scenic Highway 1 takes 45+ minutes despite being only 8km (5 miles) due to traffic and mandatory photo stops