Monterey in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Monterey

18°C (64°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime whale watching season - gray whales migrate through Monterey Bay November through January, with peak activity in late November when mothers and calves pass closest to shore
Significantly lower accommodation prices - hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with luxury oceanfront properties offering their best deals of the year
Minimal crowds at major attractions - Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel have shortest wait times, perfect for photography without tourist hordes
Dramatic coastal scenery - stormy weather creates spectacular wave action at Point Lobos and Pescadero Point, plus frequent rainbow sightings after rain showers

Considerations

Persistent marine layer and fog - morning fog burns off slowly (often not until 2-3pm), limiting morning photography and coastal visibility
Cool ocean temperatures 12-13°C (54-55°F) make water activities like kayaking and diving uncomfortable without full wetsuits
Unpredictable rain patterns - while total rainfall is moderate, sudden downpours can disrupt outdoor plans with little warning

Best Activities in November

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours

November marks peak gray whale migration season as 20,000+ whales travel south to Baja California breeding grounds. Cool water temperatures concentrate bait fish, attracting humpback and blue whales too. Choppy seas actually improve whale spotting as spouts become more visible. Morning fog clears by tour departure times (typically 12:30pm-4pm).

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours, day-of for weekdays. Tours cost $45-75 per adult with 90% whale sighting success rates in November. Choose afternoon departures when fog lifts. Look for operators offering rain checks for weather cancellations.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Photography

November storms create the year's most dramatic coastal photography conditions. Large swells produce spectacular wave crashes at Pescadero Point and Bird Rock. Moody fog and storm light create ethereal landscape shots impossible in summer's harsh sun. Cooler temperatures preserve camera batteries longer during extended shoots.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking online 48 hours ahead ($10 per vehicle) as November weekend spots fill quickly despite lower overall tourism. Best light occurs 30 minutes before/after rain showers. Entry costs $10 per vehicle, open 8am-sunset.

Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Experiences

November is harvest celebration season at Carmel Valley wineries. Cooler temperatures 16-18°C (61-64°F) make outdoor tastings comfortable while avoiding summer's scorching heat. Many wineries offer harvest-themed events and release new vintages. Indoor tasting rooms provide perfect rain day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Weekend reservations essential, book 7-10 days ahead. Tastings cost $15-35 per person, often waived with bottle purchases. Many offer food pairings featuring seasonal ingredients. Look for harvest celebration events typically held mid-to-late November.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Extended Visits

November's smaller crowds allow unhurried exploration of exhibits typically packed in summer. Cool, rainy days make the indoor aquarium perfect for 3-4 hour visits. Special jellyfish and kelp forest exhibits are less crowded, allowing better photography and observation. Staff have more time for detailed explanations.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets still recommended for weekends ($50 adults, $30 children). Weekday visits offer most flexibility. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Member discounts available - consider annual membership if visiting multiple days or returning within a year.

Big Sur Coastal Drive Adventures

November offers Big Sur's most dramatic scenery with stormy seas, frequent rainbows, and moody fog. Highway 1 experiences fewer tourist delays, allowing stops at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge without crowds. Rain creates temporary waterfalls along cliffsides. Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Booking Tip: Check current road conditions on Caltrans website before departure - winter storms occasionally close sections. Allow full day for round trip from Monterey. Gas up in Monterey as Big Sur stations charge premium prices. Pack layers as temperatures vary significantly by elevation.

Cannery Row Historical Walking Tours

November's cooler, often overcast conditions create perfect atmosphere for exploring Steinbeck's historic waterfront. Reduced crowds allow better access to historical markers and photo opportunities. Indoor attractions like the Steinbeck Museum provide excellent rainy day alternatives. Comfortable walking temperatures without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours available year-round, guided tours cost $15-25 per person. Download mobile apps for audio guides. Most indoor attractions offer combo tickets. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration. Many restaurants offer indoor seating with harbor views.

November Events & Festivals

Late November (Thanksgiving weekend)

Thanksgiving Wine & Food Festival

Carmel Valley wineries host special Thanksgiving weekend events featuring wine and food pairings with local chefs. Multiple venues participate with harvest-themed tastings and seasonal menu collaborations.

Late November

Holiday Lights at Monterey Plaza

Traditional tree lighting ceremony marks the beginning of holiday season with local performances and family activities. Free event featuring local musicians and artisan vendors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - sudden November downpours last 15-45 minutes with little warning

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 7°C (13°F) between foggy mornings and sunny afternoons

Waterproof hiking boots - coastal trails are muddy and slippery after rain, especially at Point Lobos

High-quality umbrella - wind gusts up to 40 km/h (25 mph) make cheap umbrellas useless

Warm fleece or wool sweater - marine layer keeps temperatures feeling 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than actual temperature

Waterproof camera protection - sea spray and sudden rain can damage electronics during whale watching

Warm hat and gloves - early morning and evening temperatures drop significantly, especially near the ocean

Quick-dry pants - essential for tide pooling and coastal hiking when rocks are wet and slippery

Sunglasses - UV index reaches 4-5 when fog lifts, and ocean reflection intensifies glare

Moisturizer and lip balm - constant marine moisture followed by indoor heating creates skin irritation

Insider Knowledge

Book Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur for lunch rather than dinner - afternoon fog clearance offers better ocean views and you'll avoid evening's heavier marine layer

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium on rainy weekday mornings when tour buses cancel - you'll have popular exhibits nearly to yourself

Gray whale mothers with calves swim closer to shore in late November than early November - book whale watching tours for the last week of the month for best sightings

Many Carmel art galleries offer 'First Friday' wine receptions in November - free wine and appetizers while browsing local artwork without summer crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting consistent sunshine - November weather changes rapidly from fog to sun to rain, often multiple times per day

Booking morning whale watching tours - marine layer obscures ocean visibility until afternoon, reducing wildlife spotting success

Underpacking warm layers - visitors underestimate how cold 11°C (52°F) feels with 70% humidity and ocean winds