Early spring · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in March
Little changes in Big Sur from February: highs stay near 59°F (15°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), and about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 83/100 for comfort, 9th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 59°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What March feels like
Days are mild at around 59°F (15°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.8 in (70 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around March
March is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (May – October).
- Comfort improves from 78/100 in February to 83/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 49°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 March
March is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Candlelit dinners and hearty breakfasts in a 1930s redwood inn tucked into Castro Canyon.
Why now March scores 83/100 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 59°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Bixby Creek Bridge
1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Bookstore and arts space in the redwoods honoring the writer.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in March
- Monterey & Carmel in March~23 mi · highs 60°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in March~54 mi · highs 55°F, 2.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in March~109 mi · highs 61°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sonoma in March~144 mi · highs 63°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Big Sur?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 83/100 against a best of 100 in May – October. Expect highs of 59°F (15°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Big Sur in March?
Average highs are 59°F (15°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in March?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in March?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 49°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 March?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.