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Monterey, United States · Temperate oceanic

Monterey in January: go or not?

Tough period. Monterey in January only reaches 4.4/10.

📅 Data updated: October 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 36.60°N · 121.89°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Monterey · January
4.4
9–15°
Temperature
24%
Rain
5h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Ryan Parker via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in January

In January, Monterey sees 15°C during the day with 4.9h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (24% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities.

January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Monterey.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
8°
Sea
13°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 23
Compare

Is January the right month?

The best month in Monterey is September (8.1/10), 3.7 pts higher than January.

See September →See all 12 months →
Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Monterey

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · United States

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthSeptember · 19°C
❄️Coolest monthApril · 14°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 26%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Location

Where is Monterey ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United States
Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.1 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
36.60°N · 121.89°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Monterey?
August is the best month with 18.0°C highs, 14.0°C lows, 8.5h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of August & September offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Monterey get in August?
Monterey averages 8.5 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Monterey?
December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Monterey in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 14.0°C, while afternoon highs average 18.0°C.
Is Monterey good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Monterey scores 4.2/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 7.5/10.
When should you avoid Monterey?
December is the most difficult month to visit Monterey, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Monterey in January?
In January, the sea averages 13°C in Monterey: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Monterey in January?
The average UV index reaches 3 in January in Monterey (moderate), with about 9.8h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.