Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Monterey & Carmel in January
Little changes in Monterey & Carmel from December: highs stay near 58°F (15°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), and about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls.
Its comfort score of 78/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (86 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 48%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs near 58°F (15°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 49°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.4 in (86 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (76 → 78/100).
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Monterey & Carmel in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Carmel Beach
White-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue with cypress-framed sunsets.
Why now January scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Granite coves, cypress groves and sea otters along easy coastal trails.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Cannery Row
Former sardine-cannery street from Steinbeck's novel, now waterfront shops and restaurants.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
17-Mile Drive
Toll road through Pebble Beach past the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock and golf links.
Hog's Breath Inn
Courtyard pub once owned by Clint Eastwood, with fire pits and murals.
Nearby in January
- Big Sur in January~23 mi · highs 58°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in January~75 mi · highs 54°F, 2.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in January~86 mi · highs 56°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in January~121 mi · highs 57°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Monterey & Carmel?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 78/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Monterey & Carmel in January?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Monterey & Carmel in January?
Some: about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.9 in (480 mm).
What should I pack for Monterey & Carmel in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Monterey & Carmel
Planning Monterey & Carmel in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.