Monterey in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Monterey
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak marine wildlife season - humpback whales migrate through Monterey Bay with 90% viewing success rates, plus optimal sea otter and seal pupping activity
- Perfect hiking weather with clear afternoon views after morning fog burns off around 11am, ideal 18°C (64°F) temperatures for Point Lobos and Big Sur trails
- Tourist season hasn't peaked yet - accommodation rates average 30% lower than July/August, and Cannery Row attractions have minimal wait times
- Prime seafood season with fresh Dungeness crab still available and local strawberry harvest creating exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences
Considerations
- Morning marine layer creates thick fog until 10-11am daily, potentially disrupting sunrise photography and early morning coastal drives on Highway 1
- Ocean temperature averages 14°C (57°F) making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits, limiting beach activities to walking and tide pooling
- Evening temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) requiring layers even in summer, catching many visitors unprepared for chilly nights
Best Activities in June
Monterey Bay Whale Watching Expeditions
June marks peak humpback whale migration with 90% sighting success rates as whales feed in nutrient-rich waters. Morning fog clears by departure times (typically 12:30pm and 3:30pm), providing excellent visibility. Blue whales also begin appearing mid-month. The calm afternoon seas and comfortable 18°C (64°F) post-fog temperatures make this ideal timing.
Big Sur Hiking and Scenic Drives
June offers optimal hiking conditions with morning fog creating dramatic coastal views and comfortable 16-21°C (61-70°F) afternoon temperatures. McWay Falls and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park trails are accessible without winter closures, and wildflowers peak in coastal meadows. Highway 1 visibility improves significantly after 11am when fog lifts.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Deep Sea Exhibits
June's cooler weather makes indoor exploration comfortable, and the aquarium's kelp forest exhibit mirrors the active marine life visible in the bay during whale season. Special jellyfish exhibitions often launch in early summer, and shorter daylight hours make the evening programs particularly engaging. Crowds remain manageable before July influx.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Tasting Tours
June marks early summer release season for Monterey County wineries, with new vintages debuting and perfect 20°C (68°F) afternoon temperatures for outdoor tastings. The Carmel Valley wine region benefits from fog-free conditions inland, while coastal wineries offer dramatic ocean views once morning marine layer clears.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Photography Walks
June provides ideal conditions for landscape photography with dramatic morning fog, clear afternoon light, and active wildlife including harbor seals with pups. The reserve's Cyprus Point Trail offers spectacular coastal views, and Bird Rock viewing is optimal during afternoon clarity. Wildflowers bloom along Uruguay Meadow Trail.
Cannery Row Historic Walking and Food Tours
June's mild temperatures and manageable crowds create perfect conditions for exploring Monterey's historic waterfront. Fresh Dungeness crab season overlaps with early summer produce, creating exceptional culinary experiences. The moderate 18°C (64°F) afternoons allow comfortable outdoor dining with ocean views.
June Events & Festivals
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Ocean Discovery Programs
June features special marine biology programs timed with whale migration season, including junior naturalist workshops and evening tide pool explorations. The center coordinates with local research institutions for unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
Carmel Bach Festival
This renowned classical music festival features world-class performances in intimate venues throughout Carmel and surrounding areas. June includes preview concerts and community events leading up to the main festival, with outdoor performances taking advantage of mild evening temperatures.