Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in January
Little changes in Big Sur from December: highs stay near 58°F (14°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), and about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls.
Its comfort score of 78/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 58°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (86 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 48%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs near 58°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 48°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.4 in (86 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort improves from 75/100 in December to 78/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Big Sur in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Nepenthe
Clifftop restaurant since 1949 with long coastal views from the terrace.
Why now January scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
McWay Falls
80-foot waterfall dropping onto a cove beach, reached by a short flat path.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Candlelit dinners and hearty breakfasts in a 1930s redwood inn tucked into Castro Canyon.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood groves along the Big Sur River with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View.
Bixby Creek Bridge
1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.
Nearby in January
- Monterey & Carmel in January~23 mi · highs 58°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in January~54 mi · highs 54°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in January~109 mi · highs 56°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in January~144 mi · highs 57°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Big Sur?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 78/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 58°F (14°C) and 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Big Sur in January?
Average highs are 58°F (14°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in January?
Some: about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Big Sur in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.