Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Big Sur in September
Big Sur's warmest month brings highs averaging 69°F (21°C), lows of 56°F (13°C) and about 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain.
At 100/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 69°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (5 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 26%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are mild at around 69°F (21°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 56°F (13°C).
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (5 mm) for the whole month.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 26%.
Plan around September
September is one of Big Sur's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from August (100 → 100/100).
- September sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for September
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 56°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Big Sur in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple-streaked sand and Keyhole Arch at the end of narrow Sycamore Canyon Road.
Why now September scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Point Sur Lightstation
Guided tours of an 1889 lighthouse atop a volcanic rock.
Bixby Creek Bridge
1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.
McWay Falls
80-foot waterfall dropping onto a cove beach, reached by a short flat path.
Why now Highs near 69°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Bookstore and arts space in the redwoods honoring the writer.
Nearby in September
- Monterey & Carmel in September~23 mi · highs 69°F, 0.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in September~54 mi · highs 64°F, 0.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in September~109 mi · highs 74°F, 0.2 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in September~144 mi · highs 88°F, 0.1 in rain · 11°C (19°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 September: quick answers
Is September 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 69°F (21°C) and 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain. September is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is Big Sur in September?
Average highs are 69°F (21°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Big Sur in September?
Not much: about 0.2 in (5 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Big Sur in September?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 56°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in September
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Big Sur in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.