Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in October
Little changes in Big Sur from September: highs stay near 67°F (20°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), and about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain falls.
At 100/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 67°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 54°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (23 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 31%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 03 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs near 67°F (20°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 54°F (12°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 31%.
Plan around October
October is one of Big Sur's best months on the climate data.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: November brings 1.9 in (48 mm).
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 93/100.
- Comfort holds steady from September (100 → 100/100).
- October sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 54°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Big Sur in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Nepenthe
Clifftop restaurant since 1949 with long coastal views from the terrace.
Why now October scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Candlelit dinners and hearty breakfasts in a 1930s redwood inn tucked into Castro Canyon.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood groves along the Big Sur River with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Big Sur River Inn
Roadside inn where you can sit in chairs set in the river with a drink.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.
Nearby in October
- Monterey & Carmel in October~23 mi · highs 68°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in October~54 mi · highs 62°F, 0.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in October~109 mi · highs 71°F, 1.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in October~144 mi · highs 78°F, 1.3 in rain · 6°C (11°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 October: quick answers
Is October 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 67°F (20°C) and 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain. October is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is Big Sur in October?
Average highs are 67°F (20°C) and average lows 54°F (12°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in October?
Not much: about 0.9 in (23 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 54°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in October
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Big Sur in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.