Monterey in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Monterey

20°C (68°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

75mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Wildflower blooms peak in mid-March - hillsides explode with California poppies and lupines, creating Instagram-worthy landscapes without the summer crowds
Gray whale migration reaches its peak - mothers with calves pass closest to shore between March 15-30, offering the year's best whale watching opportunities
Hotel rates drop 40-60% after Presidents Day weekend until Easter, making luxury oceanfront properties accessible at $180-250/night versus $400+ in summer
Morning fog creates dramatic photography conditions at Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, then clears by 1-2pm for perfect afternoon exploration

Considerations

Unpredictable layering weather - you'll experience 10°C (50°F) mornings and 20°C (68°F) afternoons, requiring constant clothing adjustments
Ocean temperature stays cold at 12°C (54°F) - swimming and surfing require full wetsuits, disappointing visitors expecting warm beach weather
Weekend crowds from United States Bay Area - Saturday traffic on Highway 1 can add 45-60 minutes to scenic drives between Carmel and Big Sur

Best Activities in March

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking

March offers the perfect combination of wildflower blooms, active sea lion pupping season, and clear post-fog afternoon visibility. The Cypress Point Trail showcases dramatic coastline without summer's oppressive crowds. Morning fog creates mystical conditions for photography, burning off by 1pm for expansive ocean views. Sea lions are most active with new pups, and migrating gray whales are often visible from the headlands.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking online 2-3 days ahead ($10 reservation fee plus $10 entrance). Arrive before 10am or after 2pm to avoid weekend crowds. Typical hiking duration 2-4 hours. Bring layers for 10°C (50°F) morning starts.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours

March is the absolute peak for gray whale migration - mothers with calves travel closest to shore between mid-March and early April. Afternoon tours (1-4pm) offer the calmest seas after morning fog clears and best whale spotting success rates of 90%+. The combination of gray whales, resident sea otters, and possible orcas makes March the year's premier marine wildlife month.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through harbor-based operators for best vessels and guides. Afternoon departures have higher success rates and calmer seas. Tours typically cost $50-75 for 3-4 hour trips. Bring motion sickness medication even for calm days.

17-Mile Drive and Carmel Scenic Photography

March's dramatic weather creates the year's best photographic conditions along 17-Mile Drive. Morning fog around Seal Point and Lone Cypress burns off to reveal crystal-clear afternoon light perfect for coastline photography. Wildflowers bloom along Pescadero Point, and fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots at iconic viewpoints. The variable light conditions offer professional-quality golden hour opportunities.

Booking Tip: Drive entrance costs $11.25 per vehicle, valid all day with re-entry. Start early (8-9am) for fog effects, return 3-4pm for clear visibility. Allow 3-4 hours with photography stops. Parking at popular viewpoints fills by 11am on weekends.

Big Sur Waterfall Hikes

March rainfall creates the year's most spectacular waterfall conditions at McWay Falls and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Winter storms feed cascades to maximum flow, while spring weather makes hiking comfortable. The iconic 24m (80ft) McWay Falls appears most dramatic against stormy skies, and fewer visitors mean peaceful contemplation of this natural spectacle.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for McWay Falls viewpoint (free), but parking is extremely limited to 40 spaces. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm. Allow 1-2 hours including drive time from Monterey. Road closures possible after storms - check Caltrans before driving south.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Visits

March offers ideal indoor backup options for foggy mornings, plus special spring exhibits often debut this month. Smaller crowds mean better viewing at the kelp forest and jellyfish galleries. The aquarium's research season aligns with gray whale migration, often featuring special presentations about marine mammals. Cool March weather makes the indoor climate comfortable for extended visits.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed tickets online 7-14 days ahead ($49.95 adults). Morning slots (9-11am) have smallest crowds but may conflict with whale watching tours. Afternoon entries (2-4pm) work perfectly after fog clears. Allow 3-4 hours for full experience.

Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

March marks the beginning of wine country's new vintage tastings, with 2024 releases debuting at family-owned wineries. The valley's microclimate stays warmer than coastal areas, providing comfortable outdoor tastings when Monterey is fogged in. Smaller crowds and personal attention from winemakers make March ideal for discovering boutique producers along Carmel Valley Road.

Booking Tip: Book tastings 3-5 days ahead for weekend visits. Expect $25-45 per tasting flight at boutique wineries. Designate a driver or use ride services - valley wineries are 15-25 minutes apart. Many offer food pairings perfect for cool March weather.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Monterey Wine Festival

Local wineries showcase new releases with food pairings from Monterey Peninsula restaurants. Features both established producers and emerging vintners from Santa Lucia Highlands and Carmel Valley appellations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack lightweight base layers, fleece or light sweater, and windbreaker for 10°C (50°F) swings throughout the day

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - coastal trails can be muddy after March rains, and rocky tide pools are slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 6 and ocean reflection intensifies exposure, especially dangerous when fog creates deceptively cool conditions

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - not for heavy rain but for coastal wind and occasional light drizzle from fog

Warm hat and gloves for early morning whale watching tours - ocean wind makes 10°C (50°F) feel much colder on the water

Binoculars minimum 8x42 magnification for whale watching and sea otter viewing from shore - essential for March migration season

Thermal layer for under wetsuit if planning cold water activities - 12°C (54°F) ocean requires serious thermal protection

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - exploring this destination and downtown involves hills and potentially wet surfaces

Lightweight backpack for day hikes - carrying layers you'll shed and add throughout variable March weather

Power bank and weather-protective phone case - photography opportunities are endless but battery drain is high in cool conditions

Insider Knowledge

Local secret: Park at Lovers Point for free and walk 1.6km (1 mile) to Monterey Bay Aquarium instead of paying $25 downtown parking - also offers backup whale watching viewpoint if tours are full

Fog predictor: Check Monterey Bay Aquarium's live cam at 8am - if you can see the kelp forest clearly, it's going to be a beautiful afternoon for outdoor activities

Timing trick: Book whale watching tours for 1-2pm departure - morning fog delays earlier trips, but afternoon tours have 90%+ success rates in March versus 60% other months

Money saver: Many Carmel and Monterey restaurants offer 'Locals Night' discounts Tuesday-Thursday in March to fill seats during slower season - ask about resident rates even as a tourist

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing for warm California weather - March is genuinely cool and requires winter clothing for morning activities, surprising visitors expecting perpetual sunshine

Booking morning whale watching tours - fog frequently delays or reduces visibility for 9-11am departures, while afternoon tours have dramatically higher success rates

Underestimating drive times on Highway 1 - weekend traffic to Big Sur can double normal 45-minute drive times, especially when combined with road construction delays