Best Time to Visit Monterey County

Not sure when to visit Monterey for your next getaway? Each season in Monterey brings different weather, wildlife, and events that make them unique. To help narrow down when you should visit, here is a guide for what to expect during each season.

Winter

The winter months are an excellent time to visit Monterey with average temperatures around 58-60°F along the coast with lows that can drop into the mid-40s meaning no snow and no freezing temperatures. This time of year is a marvelous time of year to go whale watching as between the months of December through April, you might get to see gray whales as they migrate down from Alaska and stop at Monterey on their way to Mexico. These stunning animals are often accompanied by pods of orcas and a variety of dolphins making winter an especially incredible time to see these animals up close. Some whale watching tours include, Princess Monterey Whale Watching, Discovery Whale Watch, and Monterey Whale Watching with many more in the Monterey area. During the holiday season there are many events between late November and January making the winter season the most festive time of year to visit. At the Portola Hotel & Spa, we celebrate with a variety of holiday traditions, including Breakfast with Santa, the Portola Christmas Buffet, our enchanting Winter Wonderland, and Magic Ice having their annual ice-skating rink behind the hotel from November 21^st to January 4th.  Learn more about what events are happening this holiday season here. 

Spring

As spring arrives, so does warmer temperatures with average temperatures in the mid 60’s during the day but cooler temperatures at night ranging in the high 40s. With spring showers comes gorgeous, picturesque wildflowers all over the peninsula. A local favorite is a stunning, local phenomenon called the "Magic Carpet" or “Purple Carpet” that blooms from April to June. This vibrant, purple-hued ice plant blankets the entire area and is located on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, in Pacific Grove. Spring is also filled with local events including Whalefest, which is a 2-day event set around Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf and the adjacent Custom House Plaza. This event features exhibits from dozens of local and national non-profit organizations related to marine science, sustainability of land and sea, and the environment. This free, family-friendly event is perfect to learn about science, art and history. Another local favorite spring event is the California Roots Music and Arts Festival that is held annually at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and brings music lovers from all over to celebrate community, sustainability and good music. 

Summer

Visiting Monterey during the summer is the perfect time to escape the heat as Monterey has a cooler summer with temperatures in the mid to high 60s. With events such as the world-famous Monterey Car Week sweeping the peninsula including events such as the RM Sotheby’s auction, there is no end to the excitement you can experience during this time of year. Another must-see summer event is the Salinas Rodeo. This amazing event has been part of the Monterey County community for over 100 years, is one of the top 15 professional rodeos in the US and is the largest one in California. Head to their website to learn more. Make sure you take advantage of the MST Trolley that runs during the summer months (May to early September) and stops right outside of the Portola Hotel & Spa with trolleys departing every 10-15 minutes to have a fun and unique summertime way to see Monterey!

Fall

Fall is what Monterey locals call “Secret Summer” as temperatures along the coast jump into the 70s during September and October with much warmer weather and sunny days without the summer crowds. You will not want to miss the stunning display of butterflies that happen during this time of year starting in late October, with Monarch butterflies migrating from Canada to Mexico, and stop in Pacific Grove on their way south. Get the chance to see these brilliantly colored butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. A must see fall event is the Monterey Jazz Festival, with this festival being the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world and is held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds every September bringing together jazz lovers from around the world in this timeless tradition.

The Best Time to Visit Monterey County

No matter what time of year you visit, there are endless reasons to visit Monterey County. With events year round, beautiful nature and enchanting wildlife to see, it does not matter when you come to visit as there will always be something special to see. The Portola Hotel & Spa is at the center of it all, making it the perfect spot to stay, no matter the time of year. To check out our accommodations or book your room, visit our website or call us at (888)-222-5851.