Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
Big Sur Weather in May
May in Big Sur sees daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) at night. The excellent weather makes it a good time to visit.
Rainfall in Big Sur in May
Past climate data indicates that roughly 3 days will see rain, totalling around 18 mm (0.7 in) for the month. When rain does fall, showers tend to be light and brief. Most days will be dry.
Temperature in Big Sur in May
May is a good time to be in Big Sur. Days are excellent, reaching 18°C (64°F), with nights around 9°C (48°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. With lows around 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the best weather for Big Sur.
Big Sur Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Chance of Rain
10%
Precipitation
18 mm (0.7 in)
Rainy days
3 days
Big Sur Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Big Sur - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Big Sur typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 18°C (64°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 10°C (50°F).
Average temperatures in May
Historical weather records for Big Sur in May
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 May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Big Sur.
- The warmest day in May was on May 6, 1987, with a maximum of 37°C (99°F).
- Big Sur experienced its chilliest May day on May 4, 2008, reaching only 12°C (54°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was 1°C (34°F) (May 10, 1982).
Best Places in the United States of America in May
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 May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Big Sur in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection.
What To Do in Big Sur in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling10/10 -
Walking10/10 -
Camping5/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Big Sur 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Big Sur
See the full Big Sur climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
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