The Best Time to Visit Big Sur California: When I Would Visit Again 2026

Big Sur is for sure one of my top outdoor destinations on the California Pacific coast. Between the amazing waterfalls, the hiking trails, the hidden beaches, and the stunning views, it is an absolute dream if you love being outside.

I did a massive road trip down the California coast, and since I’m a huge outdoor person myself who loves hiking, biking, and just exploring, I made sure to spend quite a bit of time in Big Sur.

Because Big Sur is so heavy on outdoor activities, picking the best time to visit Big Sur is super important. I visited in June, which honestly, was not the perfect time of year.

I’ll get into the exact reasons why down below, but I want to make sure you guys have a fantastic experience and don’t get surprised by massive clouds covering all the views like I did! (Yes, that was me…) So, let’s get into it.

When Did I Visit Big Sur California – My Experience

So, a very quick storytime before I get into what I think is the best time to visit (and I’ll also break down the seasons in detail down below so you get a great overview of what’s going on in Big Sur at different times of the year).

I visited Big Sur in the middle of June, which had some amazing pros and cons.

For a start, we didn’t really have any trouble finding accommodation. Yes, that one place we originally wanted to stay at was booked out, but we ended up getting a cabin with Big Sur Campground & Cabins and we absolutely loved it. 

So yes, it was kinda busy when we were there, but I never felt like it was overrun or anything. Maybe that’s just because I’m used to European summer crowds, which are terrible, so over here in California, it felt much more chill. In terms of tourist masses, June was actually fantastic.

The big letdown, at least a little bit, was the weather. Since I didn’t do any research beforehand, I just thought, “Oh yeah, June will be perfect, it’s summer!”

Wrong.

It was “June Gloom,” which all the locals know about but caught me completely off guard. Because of it, we didn’t get super lucky with the views and clear skies.

Other than that, I had a great time! The hiking trails weren’t super busy, and it wasn’t too hot either, which made for great conditions for being outside. However, I still wouldn’t necessarily recommend coming in June. There are definitely better times of the year, which I’ll get into right down below.

The Best Time to Visit Big Sur in My Opinion

Based on my own experience and a lot of research, I think September to November is the absolute best time to visit Big Sur. Here is why:

First and foremost, the weather during this time is incredible. You might think, “Oh, it’s late in the year, I bet it’s cold,” but that’s actually not true at all. 

A lot of coastal California stays around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21 to 26 Celsius) well into the fall. While it might not be laying-on-the-beach weather, it is perfect hiking weather, which is exactly what I want in Big Sur. The next time I go back, I am definitely planning my trip for October.

And it’s not even just about the temperature. This time of year usually has the clearest skies of all, with absolutely zero June Gloom.

On top of that, most international tourists (like me!) tend to visit during the height of summer. By October and November, those massive crowds thin out. You get the quietest trails, the best temperatures for hiking, and perfectly clear skies for the best ocean views.

June Gloom in Big Sur

There really isn’t too much to say about June Gloom, the name pretty much explains itself, and it is a weather pattern well-known by all Californians.

It basically happens when hot inland air rises and pulls the cool, moist ocean air onto the coast, creating a thick layer of marine fog

What essentially happens is that a huge, heavy wall of fog sits right on the shoreline. When we were driving along Highway 1, we basically had zero views of the ocean.

However, we did a hike up to Timber Top, which sits at about 3,000 feet and we actually hiked right up through the clouds and got beautiful blue skies from up there! 

But on the highway level, this fog is a constant thing that happens every single year from May until August. That’s why summer, weather-wise, is not necessarily the best time to visit.

Big Sur California by Season

Big Sur in Spring

Springtime is supposed to be absolutely amazing in Big Sur, with really decent temperatures and ideally clear skies, especially around March and April. 

My top highlight here is for sure the wildflowers that bloom all along the coast, especially around Garrapata State Park (you can even find a hidden valley of calla lilies there if you time it right).

Even though I still think late fall around October or November is the number one best time to visit, I’m pretty sure early spring is definitely a close second. The weather conditions should be fantastic, though you might have to deal with a few more tourist crowds than in the fall.

Big Sur in the Summer

Summer is when I went to Big Sur myself, and it’s pretty much exactly what I described above. We had a really great time with nice, comfortable hiking temperatures, even if it got a little muggy here and there. 

The tourist crowds weren’t even that bad and I honestly thought it would be way busier, but it was actually pretty chill.

But like I said, June Gloom is a very real thing. We barely had any clear skies on the highway level, which is definitely something you need to keep in mind. It didn’t ruin the trip for us at all, but if I’m being 100% honest, having bright blue skies would have been pretty amazing.

Fall in Big Sur

Fall is what I like to think is the absolute best time to visit Big Sur. By this time of the year, the summer fog has finally cleared out, and most of the tourists have gone home.

That means you get perfectly clear skies, empty parking lots, and quiet hiking trails. I’m already planning my next trip to Big Sur in my head, and I am definitely aiming for October next time!

Winter in Big Sur

Winter in Big Sur is supposed to be incredible too! Even though the temperatures drop to about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (around 4 to 15 Celsius), I’m telling you it is well worth it. 

I actually tried to convince Carae to come back with me in the winter, but she doesn’t want to because she thinks it’ll be too cold!

But if you can brave the chill, winter is prime whale-watching season. Gray whales migrate all the way from Alaska down to Baja, California, and they pass right by the cliffs of Big Sur, so your chances of spotting them from the turnouts are super high. 

Also, because of the winter rains, all the waterfalls in the region, like McWay Falls & Pfeiffer Falls, are full, rushing, and looking their absolute best.

FAQs About When to Visit Big Sur California

When should I go to Big Sur?

Honestly, you should go whenever you can make it work! Every season in Big Sur has something pretty great going for it. But if you are looking for the absolute best time, then in my humble opinion, you should aim for October.

Is Big Sur worth visiting?

Oh, 100% yes! Big Sur, alongside Lake Tahoe, is easily one of my favorite outdoor spots in all of California. It has incredible hikes, mind-blowing views, and super cute little lodges and cabins to stay at.

What is the weather like in Big Sur?

The nice thing is that the temperatures are pretty consistent year-round. Aside from the middle of winter, when it does get fairly cold, the weather is usually really mild and comfortable. The main thing you have to look out for is “June Gloom” and the heavy coastal fog it brings during late spring and early summer.

Where should I stay in Big Sur?

There are tons of amazing lodges and cute little cabins hidden in the redwoods. I stayed at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins, which was awesome, and I highly recommend them if you are looking for a rustic, cozy cabin experience.

Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Big Sur

I’ll wrap this up quick because, at the end of the day, I really believe it almost doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit Big Sur. There is something kind of amazing about every single season.

Winter is incredible for whale watching (even if it gets chilly), spring has some stunning wildflowers, and October gives you the absolute perfect hiking conditions. 

I went in June, which was probably the worst time of the year weather-wise, and I still had an absolutely incredible time anyway. That’s why I’m telling you, you really can’t go wrong!

I hope this little guide on the best time to visit Big Sur, California gives you a good idea of what to expect and helps you plan your own epic trip.

Check Out My Other Big Sur Travel Guides

Things to Do in Big Sur California: My Top Activities

Is Big Sur California Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Hikes in Big Sur California: The Best Trails for Beginners

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Big Sur: My Top Foodie Spots

3 Day Big Sur California Road Trip: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary Big Sur

Best Time to Visit Big Sur California: When I Would Go Again

Where to Stay in Big Sur California: My Favorite Hotels & Lodges