Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of cliffs, redwoods and secluded beaches along Highway 1, anchored by Monterey and Carmel at its northern end. Seasonal road closures mean checking conditions before you drive, but the coastline justifies it.
Month by month
Best: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
2–4 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 6h from the US East Coast, 11.5h from Europe, 19h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Highway 1 has had repeated landslide closures; check Caltrans for the current status before driving.
- Cell service is patchy; download offline maps and fill the gas tank in Carmel or Cambria.
- Fog is common in summer; fall is often the clearest month.
Plan a trip to Big Sur & Monterey
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from Big Sur & Monterey's best places.
Destination