Monterey in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Monterey

22°C (72°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect whale watching conditions - gray whales complete their northbound migration in early May, offering 95% sighting success rates from Monterey Bay
Lupine wildflower season peaks along coastal trails, creating spectacular purple carpets at Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park without summer crowds
Ideal weather for outdoor activities - consistent 13-22°C (55-72°F) temperatures with minimal rain and morning marine layer that burns off by 11am
Pre-summer pricing on accommodations - rates typically 30-40% lower than June-August peak season, with wide availability at oceanfront properties

Considerations

Persistent marine layer creates foggy, cool mornings until 11am-noon, limiting early morning photography and requiring layered clothing
Ocean temperatures remain cold at 13-15°C (55-59°F), making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits even on warm afternoons
Weekend crowds increase significantly as Bay Area residents escape to the coast, creating traffic delays on Highway 1 and packed restaurants from Friday evening through Sunday

Best Activities in May

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours

May marks the peak of gray whale migration season, with mothers and calves making their final northbound journey. Morning departures (9-10am) offer calmest seas and best marine layer visibility. Success rates exceed 95% for gray whale sightings, plus regular humpback and blue whale encounters. The protected waters of Monterey Bay provide ideal viewing conditions with minimal seasickness concerns.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours, typically $45-65 per adult. Choose morning departures before marine layer fully lifts. Look for operators with marine biologists onboard and hydrophones for underwater whale sounds. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Point Lobos Nature Photography Walks

May brings the most spectacular wildflower displays at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, with lupines, poppies, and paintbrush in full bloom. Cool temperatures and soft marine layer light create perfect photography conditions. Fewer summer crowds mean unobstructed access to China Rock and Bird Rock viewpoints. The 11am marine layer burn-off provides dramatic lighting transitions.

Booking Tip: Park entry $10 per vehicle, arrive by 8am on weekends as parking fills by 10am. Guided nature walks typically $15-25 per person. Bring layers for temperature changes as marine layer lifts. Reserve parking permits online for guaranteed weekend access.

Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tours

May offers perfect conditions for Carmel Valley's boutique wineries, with spring vineyard growth and comfortable 18-24°C (65-75°F) inland temperatures. Tasting rooms are less crowded than summer months, allowing more personalized experiences. Many wineries offer spring release parties and vineyard tours showcasing new growth. The 32 km (20 mile) valley provides diverse microclimates and varietals.

Booking Tip: Tasting fees typically $15-30 per person, often waived with bottle purchase. Book designated driver services or small group tours $80-120 per person. Weekend reservations recommended for premium wineries. Many offer food pairings perfect for cool May weather.

Big Sur Coastal Hiking

May provides ideal conditions for Big Sur trails with mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and minimal fire restrictions. McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns trails offer spectacular coastal views without summer heat. Waterfalls run highest from winter rains, and marine layer creates dramatic photography opportunities. Trail conditions are excellent after winter maintenance but before summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Most trails free, parking $10 at state parks. Guided hiking tours typically $60-90 per person. Start early (7-8am) to secure parking and experience marine layer drama. Check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead for Big Sur area.

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough

May offers optimal kayaking conditions at Elkhorn Slough with calm waters, active sea otter populations, and migrating bird species. Morning high tides provide best wildlife viewing, while afternoon sessions avoid marine layer. Water temperatures require light wetsuit but conditions are comfortable for 2-3 hour paddles. Spring brings seal pupping season and increased marine activity.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically $65-85 per person including equipment. Book morning tours during high tide for best wildlife encounters. Some operators provide wetsuits, others rent for additional $15-20. Reserve 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Weight limits typically 250 lbs (113 kg).

Monterey Peninsula Golf Courses

May provides perfect golf weather with minimal wind, comfortable temperatures, and lush course conditions from spring growth. Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and municipal courses offer optimal playing conditions before summer fog increases. Marine layer typically clears by 10am, making afternoon tee times ideal. Rates are significantly lower than peak summer season.

Booking Tip: Pebble Beach $550-600, Spyglass Hill $400-450, municipal courses $50-85. Book premium courses 2-4 weeks ahead. Afternoon tee times (12pm-3pm) offer best weather conditions. Many courses offer May specials and package deals with accommodations.

May Events & Festivals

Late April - Early May

Monterey Bay Birding Festival

Four-day festival celebrating spring migration with guided walks, boat trips, and expert presentations. Features access to private reserves and specialized tours of Elkhorn Slough, Point Reyes, and Big Sur locations. Ideal for both beginners and experienced birders during peak warbler and shorebird migration.

Mid May

Spring Wine & Food Festival

Carmel Valley wineries collaborate for weekend celebration featuring new wine releases, food pairings, and vineyard tours. Smaller, more intimate than summer festivals with better access to winemakers. Features spring harvest tastings and seasonal menu pairings at valley restaurants.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning marine layer requires light jacket until 11am, then warm afternoon temperatures call for t-shirts and shorts

Waterproof windbreaker - coastal winds and occasional light drizzle, plus boat spray during whale watching tours

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - coastal trails can be slippery from morning marine layer moisture

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite cool temperatures, especially dangerous with reflective ocean and white sand

Light scarf or neck gaiter - marine layer creates surprisingly cool conditions during early morning and evening activities

Binoculars 8x42 or similar - essential for whale watching, bird watching, and sea otter observation from shore

Camera with weather protection - marine layer and occasional mist require lens protection, but lighting opportunities are exceptional

Warm hat and gloves for early morning - marine layer can create 8-10°C (46-50°F) temperatures until burning off

Cash for parking - many state parks and beaches require exact change, $5-10 typical daily fees

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated important despite cool temperatures, especially during hiking and wine tasting

Insider Knowledge

Marine layer timing is predictable - it typically burns off between 11am-noon moving inland, so schedule outdoor photography and hiking for afternoon hours when possible

Locals avoid Highway 1 between Monterey and Carmel on weekend afternoons - use inland Carmel Valley Road or plan activities to minimize driving during 2-6pm peak traffic

May is 'maintenance month' for many attractions - this destination and several state parks complete annual maintenance in early May, check websites before visiting

Restaurant reservations become critical on weekends in May as Bay Area weekend visitors increase - book Friday-Sunday dinners at least one week ahead, especially oceanfront establishments

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating marine layer duration - many visitors plan beach activities for 9am only to encounter thick fog that doesn't lift until noon, wasting prime morning hours

Packing only warm weather clothes - despite spring season, morning temperatures in marine layer can feel like 8-10°C (46-50°F) requiring jackets and long pants

Not booking whale watching tours in advance - May is peak migration season and weekend tours sell out 7-10 days ahead, especially during good weather windows