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Monterey County Climate

Monterey County, California

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec57.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

57.7°F

Annual Precip

19.9"

Annual Snowfall

0.0"

Extreme Heat Days

20

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.3"
3.9"
3.2"
1.4"
0.6"
0.1"
0.0"
0.0"
0.1"
0.9"
1.8"
3.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

9b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,019

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 02/04
First fall frost (32°F): 12/10

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring54°59°5.2"Summer62°65°0.2"Fall55°64°2.7"Winter50°52°11.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 63% of US counties
Wetter than 14% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 0% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Monterey County

Climate Verdict

Monterey County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 57.7°F, semi-arid conditions with only 19.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 20.01111111111111 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 51.0°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.2°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 13°F difference between January and July. December is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Monterey County closely matches the California statewide average temperature of 58.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 5.8 inches less precipitation than the state average, the county experiences 38.65981385182276 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Monterey County Weather

Mild Coastal Living

Monterey County’s annual average of 57.7°F sits slightly above the national median. The Pacific influence creates a steady, temperate environment that avoids the extremes found inland.

Matching the California Standard

The county’s average temperature nearly mirrors the statewide average of 58.7°F. Its 19.9 inches of annual rainfall is slightly below the state norm of 25.8 inches, reflecting its central coast geography.

Cooler Than the Inland Valleys

Monterey stays cooler than neighbors like Napa County, which averages 59.5°F. This is primarily due to the marine layer that keeps July averages at a modest 64.2°F.

No Snow and Limited Heat

Snow is non-existent here, and winters remain mild with a January average of 51.0°F. The county only sees about 20 extreme heat days per year, mostly in the inland canyons.

Layering for the Marine Layer

The coastal fog makes layered clothing essential even in the height of summer. Because rainfall is limited to 19.9 inches, water-efficient landscaping is a common local priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Monterey County?
The average annual temperature in Monterey County, CA is 57.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Monterey County get?
Monterey County receives an average of 19.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Monterey County?
Yes, Monterey County receives an average of 0.0 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Monterey County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Monterey County is 63.6°F. The county experiences an average of 20 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Monterey County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Monterey County is 51.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 51.0°F.

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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