Things to Do in Monterey in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Monterey
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodations run 20-30% cheaper than summer peak, with excellent availability at waterfront properties that book out months ahead in warmer months
- Whale watching hits its absolute prime - gray whales migrate south past Monterey Bay throughout November, with multiple sightings per trip and calmer seas than winter months make for comfortable viewing
- Fewer crowds at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive mean you can actually enjoy exhibits and viewpoints without the summer shoulder-to-shoulder experience, plus restaurant reservations are much easier to snag
- Wine tasting in Carmel Valley is ideal - harvest is complete, tasting rooms are relaxed and unhurried, and many wineries offer special November releases and barrel tastings you won't find in busy summer months
Considerations
- Ocean water temperature drops to around 12-13°C (54-56°F), making swimming and surfing uncomfortable without a quality wetsuit - this is legitimately cold water that requires proper gear
- Coastal fog can roll in unpredictably and stick around for hours or even full days, occasionally obscuring those famous Big Sur coastal views you came for - it's part of November's variable nature
- Daylight hours are shorter with sunset around 5pm, which means less time for outdoor activities and you'll need to plan accordingly if you want to catch golden hour at Point Lobos or other coastal spots
Best Activities in November
Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tours
November is genuinely one of the best months for whale watching in Monterey Bay. Gray whales are actively migrating south, and you're likely to see multiple whales per trip, often with humpbacks still feeding in the bay before they head south. The seas tend to be calmer than December-January, making for more comfortable trips. Morning departures typically offer better visibility before afternoon fog rolls in. The cooler weather means fewer tourists, so boats aren't packed and you can move around the deck easily.
17-Mile Drive and Coastal Viewpoint Tours
The famous scenic drive between Pacific Grove and Carmel is actually more enjoyable in November than summer. You'll encounter minimal traffic, can stop at viewpoints without fighting for parking, and the dramatic November light creates stunning photography conditions when fog isn't present. Cypress trees are evergreen so the scenery doesn't suffer from bare branches, and harbor seals are active at various beaches along the route. The 10 USD vehicle entry fee is the same year-round, making this excellent value in the quieter season.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking
Just 4.8 km (3 miles) south of Carmel, Point Lobos offers some of California's most spectacular coastal hiking, and November is ideal. Trails are less crowded, temperatures are perfect for hiking at 13-16°C (55-61°F), and wildlife viewing is excellent - sea lions bark from offshore rocks, sea otters float in kelp beds, and migrating whales occasionally appear offshore. The Cypress Grove Trail and Sea Lion Point Trail are particularly rewarding. The reserve limits daily visitors, but November rarely hits capacity except holiday weekends.
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Experiences
November is actually one of the best months for wine tasting in Carmel Valley. Harvest is finished, so winemakers and tasting room staff have more time to chat. Many wineries release special November allocations and offer barrel tastings of the current vintage. The valley sits inland about 16 km (10 miles) from the coast, so it's typically warmer and sunnier than Monterey proper - you'll often escape the coastal fog here. Tasting rooms are relaxed and unhurried compared to summer crowds.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Extended Visits
November is an ideal month to visit one of the world's best aquariums. Crowds are significantly lighter than summer, meaning you can spend quality time at popular exhibits like the kelp forest and open sea galleries without being pushed along. The aquarium is entirely indoors, making it perfect for foggy November days. Special feeding times and diver talks happen throughout the day, and you'll actually be able to get close enough to see properly. The jellyfish galleries are particularly mesmerizing when you have space to stand and watch.
Big Sur Coastal Drive and State Park Exploration
The 145 km (90 mile) stretch of Highway 1 through Big Sur is dramatic in November, with fewer tourists, green hillsides from early rains, and powerful wave action against the cliffs. Waterfalls like McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park flow stronger than in dry summer months. That said, fog can obscure views, so check conditions before heading south. When visibility is good, November offers some of the year's most dramatic coastal scenery. State parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur charge 10 USD day use but are worth every cent.
November Events & Festivals
Thanksgiving Weekend Tourism Surge
While not a specific event, Thanksgiving weekend brings a noticeable uptick in visitors as Bay Area residents make the short trip down for the holiday. Restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, and many hotels have minimum stay requirements. If you're visiting this weekend, book everything well ahead and expect higher prices and crowds closer to summer levels.