Things to Do in Monterey in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Monterey
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
58°F (14°C)
High Temp
42°F (5°C)
Low Temp
2.9 inches (74 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Whale watching peaks - gray whales migrate past Point Lobos and you can spot spouts from shore without paying for a boat tour
- + Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks - the same ocean-view rooms that require 3-month advance booking in July have same-week availability
- + Storm watching season - massive 4 m (13 ft) waves roll into Asilomar Beach during Pacific storms, and locals gather at the Monterey Beach Hotel's heated terrace to watch with hot chocolate
- + December crab season opens - Dungeness crab appears on every menu from Cannery Row to Fisherman's Wharf, and the smell of garlic butter fills the air at Phil's Fish Market
Considerations
- − Ocean water hits 12°C (54°F) - even surfers wear full 4/3 wetsuits, and swimming without a wetsuit lasts about 90 seconds before numbness sets in
- − Marine layer lingers until noon most days - that famous coastal fog means 17°C (63°F) mornings that feel colder with 15 mph winds whipping through Monterey pines
- − Some coastal trails close randomly - winter storms can wash out sections of the 17-Mile Drive coastline, and Big Sur's Highway 1 gets closure notices posted on Caltrans's website
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Monterey is cold. The temperature rarely climbs above the high fifties, and it drops to the low forties at night. Rain falls on about a third of the days. This weather polishes the cobblestones of Cannery Row and deepens the greens of the forested coastline. Do not retreat. Embrace the local rhythms. The Monterey Wine Experience arrives in early December, filling downtown hotel ballrooms and tasting rooms with rich aromas. Winemakers explain their craft. Later, the Pacific Grove Christmas Bird Count takes over. Bundled-up enthusiasts train binoculars on winter migrants like the snowy plover. Summer crowds are gone. The dramatic vistas of the Monterey Peninsula feel more intimate now, connected directly to the raw elements.
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
guided_experienceA diesel engine rumbles to life. Your vessel pushes from the harbor, slicing through chilly, green-gray swells. Salty mist hits your face. Then you see it: the explosive blow of a humpback whale. A towering spout appears against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Cruz mountains. Next comes the immense, barnacled arch of its back. This journey goes into the heart of a national marine sanctuary. The scale of life here is humbling.
You get the most direct encounter with monumental marine mammals. They feed in the rich, deep waters of the Monterey submarine canyon.
Insider tip: Book the first departure of the day. The ocean is often calmest then, and the low winter sun glare won't hinder sightings.
This month: December often brings excellent visibility for spotting gray whales. They begin their southbound migration close to shore.
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
cruiseA twin-hulled catamaran has a stable platform. You glide past sea otters wrapped in kelp. Scan the horizon. A chorus of shouts will direct you to a pod of Risso's dolphins. Their tall dorsal fins cut the surface with a rhythmic hiss. The possibility of a breaching humpback always lingers.
This boat's design provides a smoother, more accessible ride. It is good for those concerned about seasickness, and it covers vast stretches of productive whale territory.
Insider tip: Position yourself on the upper deck for a panoramic view. Dress in layers. The wind whipping across the bay is biting in December.
Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea
walking_tourWalk quietly on damp, fallen pine needles. Hidden pathways are flanked by stone cottages. Feel the textured bark of twisted cypress trees. Your guide points out storybook details: a Hansel and Gretel chimney, a secret garden gate. You would miss these alone. The sky overhead can shift from brilliant blue to a soft, pearlescent gray.
This tour unlocks the narrative and architectural secrets of a village designed like a fairy tale. It reveals the intention behind every crooked lane and hidden courtyard.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction. The charming, uneven pathways and sandy lanes can be slick from December's occasional showers.
Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea
foodIt starts with a pour. A bright, chilled Chardonnay tastes of crisp apple and wet stone. Enjoy it in a cozy tasting room with a crackling fireplace. Then stroll a few blocks to the next stop. The brisk air clears your palate for a strong Pinot Noir. Discuss its notes of dark cherry and earth as you pass art galleries displaying local landscapes.
This tour marries the pleasures of Central Coast wines with an intimate exploration of Carmel's compact downtown. It is both intellectual and sensory.
Insider tip: Eat a substantial lunch beforehand. Sampling multiple premium wines on an empty stomach in the cool afternoon is unwise.
This month: This tour dovetails nicely with the Monterey Wine Experience events in early December. It has a more curated, village-focused complement to the larger festival.
Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour
guided_experienceAn electric motor gives a silent boost. Pedal up gentle inclines past the gnarled trunks of Point Lobos cypresses. Feel a cool, damp breeze on your cheeks. Coast easily along Scenic Road. The roar of the surf crashing against Carmel Beach's white sand is your constant companion. You cover distances that would tax a conventional bicycle.
It expands your range dramatically. Experience the full sweep of Carmel's impressive coastal bluffs, serene lanes, and forested state park edges in one effortless outing.
Insider tip: Bring a windproof jacket and gloves. The speed on the bike amplifies the chill of the December air, along the exposed coastline.
Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk
walking_tourYour footsteps are quiet on the spongy soil of the Cypress Grove trail. The air smells of damp earth, salt, and pine. The guide stops the group to listen. Hear the barking of sea lions carried on the wind from the coves below. The guide points out bright green lichen on the dark, wave-sculpted rocks of the headlands.
A knowledgeable guide transforms a simple walk. It becomes a deep examination of the ecology and geology of a spectacular meeting point of land and sea.
Insider tip: Arrive at the reserve gate at least thirty minutes before your tour. You need to secure one of the limited parking spots inside. December weekends can still see significant visitation.
This month: Your guide may share insights on species counted during the Pacific Grove Christmas Bird Count. This connects your observations to the broader scientific census of December's winter migrants.
Where to Stay in Monterey in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early December
Monterey Wine Experience
Local wineries host barrel tastings in downtown Monterey - you sample 2026 vintages directly from oak barrels with winemakers explaining the aging process. The event spreads across five venues including the Portola Hotel's ballroom where the smell of toasted oak competes with locally-made cheese platters.
Mid December
Pacific Grove Christmas Bird Count
Serious birders count every species in a 24 km (15 mile) radius - you can join guided groups at Elk Point Lobos or El Estero Park. December's winter migrants include rare snowy plovers and varied thrushes that locals get excited about spotting.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Monterey Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The locals' breakfast spot is Rosine's on Alvarado - get there by 8 AM before the marine layer lifts and you'll hear fishermen discussing crab pot locations over sourdough toast
Park at the Coast Guard Pier for free - it's a 7-minute walk to Cannery Row and you avoid the $20 flat-rate garage fees that tourists pay
December crab feeds happen at American Legion Post 41 - tickets go on sale Monday for that Saturday's dinner, and locals bring their own wine (no corkage fee)
The rec trail between Monterey and Pacific Grove smells like cypress and salt during December storms - walk it at sunset when the path empties and sea otters feed close to shore
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking ocean-view hotels for the view - December fog obscures visibility until 11 AM most days, so you're paying premium rates for gray nothingness
Wearing shorts because 'California' - that 14°C (58°F) feels like 8°C (46°F) with ocean wind, and restaurants keep outdoor heaters off to save money
December empties Carmel and Asilomar for a reason. The sand is coarse. The water will trigger cold shock inside two minutes. Pack a thermos, not a bikini. Still, the beaches are yours alone.
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