Monterey - When to Visit

When to Monterey

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monterey experiences an extremely hot and arid desert climate with virtually no rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures are consistently extreme, ranging from 138°F in the coolest month (January) to a scorching 154°F in September. The climate shows minimal seasonal variation in humidity (constant 70%) but significant temperature fluctuations, with the hottest period from July through September and relatively 'cooler' months from November through February. What little precipitation occurs (0.1 inches) falls only during the winter months of January, February, March, November, and December, while the period from April through October is completely dry. This harsh climate creates challenging conditions year-round, with no traditional tourist seasons due to the extreme heat that makes outdoor activities dangerous during most months.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February offer the 'coolest' temperatures (136-139°F), though these are still extremely dangerous for beach activities.
Cultural Exploration
January through March provide the lowest temperatures (138-141°F) and minimal rainfall, making indoor cultural activities the only safe option.
Adventure & Hiking
No months are suitable for outdoor adventure activities due to life-threatening temperatures exceeding 136°F year-round.
Budget Travel
All months likely offer low prices due to the extreme climate making tourism virtually impossible year-round.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 138°F and lows of 109°F, though still extremely hot by any standard. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches provides slight relief. Indoor activities only are recommended due to dangerous heat levels.

138°F High
109°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February sees a slight temperature increase to 139°F with lows of 111°F and minimal rainfall. The extreme heat continues to make outdoor activities life-threatening. Humidity remains constant at 70%.

139°F High
111°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of the heating trend with highs reaching 141°F and lows of 114°F. The last month with any measurable precipitation at 0.1 inches before the completely dry season begins.

141°F High
114°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April begins the completely dry season with zero rainfall and temperatures climbing to 142°F. Low temperatures reach 117°F, making even nighttime conditions extremely dangerous for outdoor exposure.

142°F High
117°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May continues the dry season with intensifying heat reaching 145°F and nighttime lows of 122°F. No rainfall occurs, and the extreme temperatures make any outdoor activities impossible.

145°F High
122°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June brings even more extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 148°F and lows of 126°F. The completely dry conditions continue with zero rainfall, creating harsh desert-like conditions.

148°F High
126°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July marks the beginning of the hottest period with temperatures reaching 150°F and lows of 129°F. Zero rainfall and extreme heat create life-threatening conditions for any outdoor exposure.

150°F High
129°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August continues the extreme heat pattern with temperatures climbing to 152°F and nighttime lows of 130°F. The complete absence of rainfall and dangerous heat levels persist throughout the month.

152°F High
130°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September reaches the year's peak temperature of 154°F with lows of 129°F, making it the most extreme month. Zero rainfall continues, and the heat creates the most challenging conditions of the year.

154°F High
129°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October begins a slight cooling trend with temperatures dropping to 152°F, though still extremely dangerous. Lows decrease to 123°F, and dry conditions continue with zero rainfall.

152°F High
123°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November shows more significant cooling with highs of 144°F and lows dropping to 114°F. The first rainfall since March returns with 0.1 inches, providing minimal relief from the extreme conditions.

144°F High
114°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December offers the most moderate temperatures of the year with highs of 136°F and lows of 108°F, though still extremely hot. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches returns, marking the end of the dry season.

136°F High
108°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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Activities in Monterey