Monterey in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Monterey

17°C (63°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

102mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic winter storms create spectacular wave watching at 17-Mile Drive and Point Lobos - swells reach 4-6m (13-20ft) providing world-class photography opportunities
Gray whale migration peak season means 95% success rate for whale watching tours from this destination, with mothers and calves visible 400m (1,312ft) from shore
Sea otters are most active in cooler water temperatures, gathering in rafts of 50+ individuals at Elkhorn Slough - best viewing conditions of the year
Christmas market season at Custom House Plaza and reduced tourist crowds mean 40% lower accommodation rates compared to summer peak season

Considerations

Coastal fog can persist for days, limiting visibility to 100m (328ft) and canceling boat tours with 48-hour notice periods common
Many outdoor dining patios close due to 13°C (24°F) temperature drops after sunset, limiting evening restaurant options
Beach activities are largely impossible - water temperature drops to 12°C (54°F) and wind speeds average 25km/h (15mph)

Best Activities in December

Monterey Bay Aquarium Winter Exhibits

December features special jellyfish and deep-sea creature exhibits with extended 9am-6pm hours. Indoor climate control makes this perfect for rainy days, and shorter lines mean 30-45 minutes maximum wait times versus 2+ hours in summer. The Into the Deep gallery showcases creatures that surface during winter storms.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed entry tickets 14 days ahead online. Tickets range $40-60 depending on residency. Book 10am-2pm slots for best natural lighting in exhibits. See current availability in booking section below.

Gray Whale Migration Tours

Peak migration season runs December through February with 20,000+ whales passing through Monterey Bay. December offers calmer morning seas before afternoon winds pick up. Tours operate 9am-11am with 95% whale sighting success rates. Dress warmly as boat temperatures feel 5°C (9°F) colder than shore.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 7-10 days ahead through certified marine operators. Tours typically cost $45-65 for 2-3 hours. Morning departures have calmer seas and better success rates. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Carmel Mission and Historic Walking Routes

Cool December weather is ideal for exploring Mission San Carlos Borroméo with comfortable 15°C (59°F) afternoon temperatures. Christmas decorations throughout Carmel create unique photo opportunities. The 2.4km (1.5-mile) historic triangle walk takes 90 minutes without summer heat exhaustion concerns.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free with printed maps from visitor centers. Audio guide rentals cost $5-10. Mission admission is $9-12. Visit 11am-3pm for best lighting and warmest temperatures. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Point Lobos Storm Watching

December storms create dramatic wave action against granite cliffs with spray reaching 15m (49ft) high. The 5km (3.1-mile) perimeter trail offers protected viewing areas during wind gusts up to 40km/h (25mph). Bird Rock hosts 200+ sea lions seeking shelter from winter swells.

Booking Tip: State reserve entry costs $10 per vehicle. Arrive early as parking fills by noon on storm days. Pack layered clothing and waterproof camera protection. Trail conditions vary - check current status in booking section below for guided nature walks.

Elkhorn Slough Kayaking

Winter brings highest sea otter populations to protected waters with calmer conditions than open ocean. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon winds. Water temperature stays 14°C (57°F) - wetsuit rentals included. Groups limited to 8 people in December versus 20 in summer.

Booking Tip: Reserve kayak tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed outfitters. Full-day rentals cost $60-80 including gear. Half-day guided tours range $75-95. Weather can change rapidly - flexible booking policies essential. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

December harvest celebrations continue with special vintage releases and indoor tasting rooms provide perfect refuge from coastal fog. Room temperatures stay comfortable at 20°C (68°F) while coastal areas experience 7°C (45°F) lows. Many wineries offer food pairings with winter menus.

Booking Tip: Tasting fees range $15-25 per winery with 4-5 wine flights typical. Book designated driver services or small group tours costing $120-180 per person. Advance reservations recommended for weekend visits. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

First three weekends in December

Christmas in the Adobes

Historic adobes throughout Monterey State Historic Park decorated in 1840s-era Christmas traditions. Candlelight tours, period music, and costumed interpreters recreate California's Mexican and early American holiday customs. Self-guided tours available 5pm-8pm.

Mid December

Stillwell Hall Holiday Concerts

Free community concerts featuring local orchestras and choirs in historic venues. Programs include traditional carols and classical winter repertoire. Indoor venues provide warm gathering spaces during cold December evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - December brings 102mm (4.0 inches) of rain across 10 days with sudden downpours lasting 2-3 hours

Layered clothing system including wool or fleece mid-layer - temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) between morning fog and afternoon sun

Waterproof hiking boots with grip - coastal trails become slippery with 70% humidity and morning dew

Warm hat and gloves - wind chill near ocean drops feels-like temperature 5-7°C (9-13°F) below actual

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 3 with reflection off water and sand intensifying exposure

Compact umbrella - sudden showers hit during whale watching and outdoor activities

Thermos or insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in cool weather often overlooked but essential for 2-3 hour outdoor activities

Waterproof camera protection - spray from waves reaches 15m (49ft) inland at viewing points

Cash for parking meters - many lots require exact change, cards not accepted at older meters

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - sea otters and whales visible 400m+ (1,312ft+) from shore observation points

Insider Knowledge

Morning fog lifts earliest on east-facing beaches like Lover's Point - start whale watching here at 8am before moving to western viewpoints by noon

Local surfers call December storms 'the December swell' - these create the year's most dramatic photography at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge 32km (20 miles) south

Monterey Peninsula residents get 20% discounts at participating restaurants with ID - ask servers about 'locals night' promotions typically Tuesday-Thursday

Free parking exists along this destination side streets (Wave Street, Prescott Avenue) avoiding $4-8/hour tourist lots - walk 400m (0.25 miles) to attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon whale watching tours - morning seas are 60% calmer before daily winds increase after 1pm

Wearing cotton clothing in coastal fog - cotton stays wet for hours while merino wool and synthetic fabrics dry within 30 minutes

Planning beach picnics or sunbathing - sand temperatures stay below 10°C (50°F) and winds make outdoor eating uncomfortable