Late summer · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in August
Little changes in Big Sur from July: highs stay near 68°F (20°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain falls.
At 100/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- less than 0.1 in (3 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 30%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What August feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 68°F (20°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 56°F (13°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 30%.
Plan around August
August is one of Big Sur's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from July (100 → 100/100).
- August sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 56°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Big Sur in August
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Big Sur River Inn
Roadside inn where you can sit in chairs set in the river with a drink.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer afternoon.
McWay Falls
80-foot waterfall dropping onto a cove beach, reached by a short flat path.
Why now August scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood groves along the Big Sur River with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View.
Why now Highs near 68°F and 0.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nepenthe
Clifftop restaurant since 1949 with long coastal views from the terrace.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Candlelit dinners and hearty breakfasts in a 1930s redwood inn tucked into Castro Canyon.
Nearby in August
- Monterey & Carmel in August~23 mi · highs 68°F, 0.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in August~54 mi · highs 63°F, 0.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in August~109 mi · highs 73°F, 0.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in August~144 mi · highs 91°F, 0.0 in rain · 13°C (24°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Big Sur in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Big Sur?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 100/100. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain. August is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is Big Sur in August?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in August?
Not much: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 56°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in August
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Big Sur in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.