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Monterey, United States · Temperate oceanic

Monterey in May: go or not?

Good time. Monterey in May gets 7.4/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 36.60°N · 121.89°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Monterey · May
7.4
11–15°
Temperature
11%
Rain
8h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Ryan Parker via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in May

Spring marks the start of the good season in Monterey. Temperatures rise (15.0°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (11.0% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. 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: +2°F daytime, 5 pts fewer rainy days, +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.

See September →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Monterey, in California: 30,000 inhabitants, former capital of Spanish then Mexican California, on the peninsula between San Francisco (2h30 to the north) and Big Sur (1h to the south). The most stable climate in California (Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson stayed here).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

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

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Stay
Hotels & rentals · Monterey
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Monterey

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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 trip.

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 · 66°F
❄️Coolest monthApril · 57°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 38%

🏖️ Beach trip

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

Other destinations in May

If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
San FranciscoUSABeirutLebanonSamosGreecePaphosCyprusBodrumTurkey
Nearby
Napa ValleyUnited States214 kmMammoth MountainUnited States283 kmSanta BarbaraUnited States313 kmLake TahoeUnited States322 km
Other top picks
SantiagoChile7.5MaseruLesotho7.8El HierroSpain7.9Gold CoastAustralia7.9KigaliRwanda7.9
← AprilJune →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
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?
September is the best month with 66°F highs, 57°F lows, 8.1h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days. The months of September & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Monterey get in September?
Monterey averages 8.1 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in Monterey?
January is the most unfavourable month with January 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 September?
In September, overnight lows reach 57°F, while afternoon highs average 66°F.
Is Monterey good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Monterey scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 7.6/10.
When should you avoid Monterey?
January is the most difficult month to visit Monterey, with January 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 55°F 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.