The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Monterey. Temperatures rise (15°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (9% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. September (8.1/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 6 out of 12 months in Monterey. Compared to April: +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
dry air
10°
Sea
13°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
14.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 28
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Monterey is September (8.1/10), 0.7 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Monterey
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Monterey
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
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
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Monterey ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesTemperate 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 May?
In May, 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 May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Monterey (high), with about 14.0h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.