Late spring · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in May
Big Sur edges warmer than April, with highs of 62°F (17°C), lows of 51°F (10°C) and about 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 94/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (14 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 56 min
- Comfort score
- 94/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 51°F (10°C).
Rain is scarce: about 0.6 in (14 mm) for the whole month.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 35%.
Plan around May
May is one of Big Sur's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – October.
- Comfort improves from 89/100 in April to 94/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 51°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Big Sur in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood groves along the Big Sur River with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View.
Why now May scores 94/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Bixby Creek Bridge
1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.
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 May
- Monterey & Carmel in May~23 mi · highs 62°F, 0.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in May~54 mi · highs 57°F, 0.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in May~109 mi · highs 66°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in May~144 mi · highs 76°F, 0.9 in rain · 8°C (14°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Big Sur?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 94/100. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How cold is Big Sur in May?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 51°F (10°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in May?
Not much: about 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Big Sur in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.