Big Sur Weather in January
January in Big Sur averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night. It is the wettest month of the year, with 149 mm (5.9 in) of rainfall on average, so waterproof gear is a must.
Rainfall in Big Sur in January
The month brings the most rain, so be prepared with an umbrella for the occasional shower. You can expect rain on roughly 9 days based on historical data, averaging 149 mm (5.9 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Big Sur in January
Big Sur in January gets highs of 15°C (59°F) during the day and drops to 7°C (45°F) at night. This month falls in the winter season. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. At 7°C (45°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Big Sur. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Big Sur's climate page.
Big Sur Temperature in January
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
30%
Precipitation
149 mm (5.9 in)
Rainy days
9 days
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Big Sur typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 6°C (43°F).
Average temperatures in January
Historical weather for Big Sur in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Big Sur spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Big Sur historical weather extremes in January
According to our 26 years of weather records for Big Sur, the following extremes were recorded between 1999 and 2025.
- The hottest January day on record in Big Sur reached 28°C (82°F) (January 17, 2014).
- The lowest daytime temperature in January was 8°C (46°F), recorded on January 28, 2002.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in January was -3°C (27°F) (January 13, 2007).
Best Places in the United States of America in January
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
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What to Wear in Big Sur in January
Pack for changing conditions in Big Sur in January. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes.What To Do in Big Sur in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Big Sur's climate page.
See the full Big Sur climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
