Late spring · Weather & things to do
Monterey & Carmel in May
Monterey & Carmel edges warmer than April, with highs of 62°F (17°C), lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 0.6 in (14 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 95/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (14 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 51°F (11°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 Monterey & Carmel'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 95/100.
- 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 Monterey & Carmel in May
May 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 May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
17-Mile Drive
Toll road through Pebble Beach past the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock and golf links.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kelp forest tank, sea otters and open-ocean exhibits on the edge of the bay.
Hog's Breath Inn
Courtyard pub once owned by Clint Eastwood, with fire pits and murals.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Granite coves, cypress groves and sea otters along easy coastal trails.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Big Sur in May~23 mi · highs 62°F, 0.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in May~75 mi · highs 57°F, 0.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in May~86 mi · highs 66°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sonoma in May~121 mi · highs 76°F, 0.9 in rain · 7°C (13°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.
Monterey & Carmel in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Monterey & Carmel?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. 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 Monterey & Carmel in May?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Monterey & Carmel 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 Monterey & Carmel in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Monterey & Carmel
Routes in season in May
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Monterey & Carmel in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.