Early winter · Weather & things to do
Monterey & Carmel in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 4.2 in (106 mm) falling in Monterey & Carmel, alongside highs near 58°F (15°C) and lows of 49°F (10°C).
Its comfort score of 76/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 4.2 in (106 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 31 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 58°F (15°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (10°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.2 in (106 mm).
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 10.9 in (278 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 31 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 94/100 in November to 76/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Monterey & Carmel in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Family-run Fisherman's Wharf seafood house known for its clam chowder.
La Bicyclette
French-Italian bistro in Carmel village with wood-fired dishes.
Cannery Row
Former sardine-cannery street from Steinbeck's novel, now waterfront shops and restaurants.
Why now December scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
Restored 1771 mission with a stone basilica, gardens and museum rooms.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Granite coves, cypress groves and sea otters along easy coastal trails.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 4.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Big Sur in December~23 mi · highs 58°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in December~75 mi · highs 54°F, 3.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- San Francisco in December~86 mi · highs 56°F, 5.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Sonoma in December~121 mi · highs 57°F, 6.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler 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.
Monterey & Carmel in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Monterey & Carmel?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 76/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Monterey & Carmel in December?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Monterey & Carmel in December?
Some: about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Monterey & Carmel in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Monterey & Carmel
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