Monterey in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Monterey

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Migrating gray whales pass closest to shore from mid-January through February - best whale watching of the year with 90% success rates
Harbor seals pupping season creates incredible wildlife viewing opportunities at beaches from Point Lobos to Año Nuevo
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - luxury oceanfront hotels drop 40-60% from December peaks
Dramatic winter storms create spectacular wave watching at Point Sur and McWay Falls, plus clearer post-storm days offer 50+ mile visibility

Considerations

Morning marine layer can persist until 1-2pm, limiting early outdoor photography and requiring flexible scheduling
Ocean temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F) making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits
Some coastal hiking trails close intermittently due to storm damage and high surf conditions

Best Activities in January

Gray Whale Migration Watching

January marks peak gray whale migration season with 20,000+ whales passing within 1.6km (1 mile) of shore. Morning tours (9-11am) offer calmest seas and best visibility. Success rates exceed 90% compared to 60% in summer months. Whales are more active in cooler water, frequently breaching and spy-hopping.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 7-10 days ahead as January slots fill quickly. Choose morning departures (9-11am) for calmest conditions. Prices typically range $45-75 per adult. Look for operators offering rain checks for foggy conditions.

Tide Pool Exploration

January's extreme low tides (often -1.2 to -1.8 feet) expose marine life rarely visible other months. Cool weather keeps sea anemones, crabs, and starfish active in shallow pools. Best viewing occurs 2 hours before and after extreme low tides, typically mid-morning to early afternoon.

Booking Tip: Check tide charts and plan for extreme low tide windows. Guided naturalist walks cost $25-40 and provide expert identification. Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds at popular spots like Asilomar and Point Lobos.

Scenic Drive Photography Tours

January's clear post-storm days offer exceptional visibility along 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1. Dramatic winter lighting creates perfect conditions for seascape photography. Fog typically lifts by 1-2pm revealing coastline views extending to Big Sur mountains 80km (50 miles) south.

Booking Tip: Self-guided drives work best - rent vehicles with good heating as temperatures stay cool. 17-Mile Drive costs $11.25 per vehicle. Plan afternoon drives (1-4pm) when marine layer clears. Photography workshops range $150-250 for full-day experiences.

Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

January offers intimate tasting experiences as tourist crowds disappear and winery staff have more time for detailed tastings. Cool weather makes traveling between wineries comfortable, and many offer cozy fireplace settings. Pruning season allows visitors to see vineyard management up close.

Booking Tip: Many wineries reduce hours in January - call ahead to confirm schedules. Tastings cost $15-35 per person with many offering complimentary experiences for purchases. Book wine tours 3-5 days ahead, typically costing $85-150 per person including transportation.

Aquarium and Indoor Cultural Experiences

this destination is less crowded in January with shorter entry lines and better viewing opportunities at popular exhibits. Cool, rainy days make indoor activities particularly appealing. Special winter programming often includes behind-the-scenes tours and feeding demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Advance aquarium tickets recommended even in January - same-day availability varies with weather. Adult tickets cost $54.95 weekdays, $64.95 weekends. Morning visits (9-11am) offer smallest crowds before schools arrive. Combo packages with other attractions save 15-20%.

Storm Watching and Coastal Hiking

January storms create dramatic wave displays at Pescadero Point and Seal Point. Between storm systems, crisp clear days offer excellent hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures for moderate exertion. Trails are less crowded but can be muddy - proper footwear essential.

Booking Tip: Check weather and surf forecasts before coastal hiking. Big Sur trails may close during storms - verify status at ranger stations. Guided nature walks cost $30-50 and include safety equipment. Self-guided hikers should carry rain gear and extra layers.

January Events & Festivals

Late January to Early February

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Professional golf tournament bringing celebrities and PGA Tour pros to iconic Pebble Beach courses. Combines serious golf competition with celebrity entertainment, drawing crowds from across California. Practice rounds offer better viewing access than tournament days.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) daily from cool mornings to warm afternoons

Waterproof jacket with hood - not just rain protection but wind barrier for coastal walks

Closed-toe walking shoes with grip - tide pools and coastal trails can be slippery

Warm hat and gloves for early morning whale watching tours when wind chill drops temperatures further

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 4-6 when fog clears, reflecting off water

Small backpack for day trips - carry extra layers as weather changes throughout the day

Binoculars for wildlife watching - essential for whale watching and bird observation

Thermos for hot drinks - many outdoor activities more enjoyable with warm beverages

Cash for parking - many scenic stops and state parks don't accept cards at entrance stations

Insider Knowledge

Locals know the best whale watching happens from shore at Cypress Point Lookout around 10am when fog lifts - free alternative to boat tours

Restaurant reservations easier in January except during AT&T Pro-Am week when golf crowds arrive - book dinner spots 2-3 days ahead

Carmel Beach faces southeast and stays sunny longer than west-facing beaches during short winter days - better for afternoon walks

Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District offers free guided nature walks on weekends that tourists rarely discover but locals love

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only morning activities - fog often persists until 1-2pm, making afternoon plans more reliable for clear weather

Underdressing for boat tours - ocean temperatures and wind make whale watching 8-10°C (15-18°F) colder than onshore

Expecting summer ocean activities - surfing requires full wetsuits and swimming is only comfortable in heated pools