Things to Do in Monterey in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Monterey
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- September marks the transition from summer fog to clearer skies - you'll get those iconic California coastline views without the June-August marine layer blocking everything. Visibility improves dramatically by mid-month, making it ideal for whale watching as gray whales begin their southern migration.
- Fewer crowds than peak summer months mean you can actually enjoy Cannery Row and the Aquarium without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. Hotel rates typically drop 20-30% compared to July-August, and you can get dinner reservations at waterfront restaurants without booking weeks ahead.
- Water temperatures reach their annual peak in September at around 57-59°F (14-15°C) - still cold by most standards, but actually the warmest you'll find if you're planning to surf or kayak. Local surfers consider this prime season before winter swells arrive.
- The Monterey Wine Country harvest season is in full swing. Tasting rooms in Carmel Valley are less crowded than summer, and you'll catch vineyard events and harvest celebrations that don't happen other times of year. Temperatures inland reach comfortable 75-80°F (24-27°C) range, perfect for wine touring.
Considerations
- That weather data showing 154°F highs and 129°F lows is clearly a data error - actual September temperatures in Monterey range from highs around 68-72°F (20-22°C) to lows around 52-55°F (11-13°C). The dramatic temperature swings between morning fog and afternoon sun mean you'll be layering and unlayering clothes all day, which catches first-time visitors off guard.
- September can be unpredictably windy, especially afternoons along the coast. Those postcard-perfect beach picnics you imagined might turn into sand-in-your-sandwich situations. Wind speeds often hit 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) by 2pm, making outdoor dining uncomfortable and beach time less appealing than you'd hope.
- While it's technically shoulder season, September weekends still draw Bay Area locals escaping inland heat. Saturday traffic on Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur backs up significantly, and popular spots like Point Lobos State Reserve reach capacity by 10am on Saturdays. Weekdays are dramatically better for exploring.
Best Activities in September
Monterey Bay Aquarium visits
September offers the sweet spot of fewer crowds than summer but still-active marine life exhibits. The jellyfish galleries are mesmerizing year-round, but September means you can actually spend time at the kelp forest tank without being elbowed by school groups. The outdoor Great Tide Pool area is comfortable in September's mild temperatures, and you'll avoid the summer fog that sometimes obscures the bay views from the aquarium decks. Weekday mornings right at opening (9:30am) give you nearly private viewing for the first hour.
17-Mile Drive scenic touring
September delivers clearer skies than the foggy summer months, meaning those famous Pebble Beach coastal views actually live up to the hype. The 17-Mile Drive winds through 17 miles (27 km) of coastline with multiple pullouts at Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and various beaches. September's improved visibility means you'll see the full drama of cypress trees against blue ocean rather than gray fog. Early morning drives (7-9am) before winds pick up offer the calmest conditions and best light for photography. The route takes 2-3 hours if you stop at viewpoints.
Kayaking Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough
September's warmer water temperatures and calmer morning seas make this the best month for kayaking if you're not a cold-water enthusiast. Elkhorn Slough, about 20 minutes (19 km) north, offers protected waters where you'll paddle among harbor seals, sea otters, and hundreds of bird species. The slough is especially active in September as wildlife prepares for fall migration. Ocean kayaking from Monterey or Moss Landing lets you explore kelp forests, though you'll want morning launches before afternoon winds arrive. Water temps around 57-59°F (14-15°C) mean a wetsuit is still necessary.
Big Sur coastal hiking
September brings clearer skies to Big Sur after summer fog, and trails dry out from any late-season rain. The iconic McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and various coastal trails are at their most accessible. Temperatures in Big Sur run about 5-10°F (3-6°C) warmer than Monterey proper, making September ideal for the 2-4 hour hikes along Highway 1. Wildflowers are mostly done, but the coastal sage and chaparral smell incredible in the warm sun. The drive itself is 30 miles (48 km) south from Monterey, taking about 50 minutes without stops - but you'll want to budget 3-4 hours with viewpoint breaks.
Carmel Valley wine tasting
September is harvest season in Carmel Valley, about 20 minutes (16 km) inland from the coast. While Monterey's coast sits around 68°F (20°C), Carmel Valley enjoys warmer 75-80°F (24-27°C) temperatures perfect for outdoor tasting patios. The valley specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone varietals. September means you might catch harvest activities, crush parties, and special releases not available other months. The drive from coastal Monterey takes you through dramatic temperature and landscape changes - bring layers you can shed.
Whale watching excursions
September marks the beginning of gray whale migration season, plus you'll still catch humpback whales feeding in the bay before they head south. The clearer skies and calmer seas compared to summer fog season mean better visibility and more comfortable boat rides. Monterey Bay's submarine canyon comes within 0.6 miles (1 km) of shore, bringing deep-water species close to the coast. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and cover 15-20 miles (24-32 km). Morning trips (9-10am departures) generally offer calmest seas before afternoon winds, though marine life doesn't follow a schedule.
September Events & Festivals
Monterey Jazz Festival
One of the longest-running jazz festivals in the world, typically held the third weekend of September at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. This is a major event drawing international artists and thousands of attendees. If you're visiting during festival weekend, book accommodations months in advance as the town fills completely. Even if jazz isn't your primary interest, the festival atmosphere transforms downtown Monterey with pop-up performances and special restaurant events.