Big Sur (CA) Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore temperature statistics for Big Sur in California, United States of America, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United States of America.
Monthly Temperature Averages
The moderate changes in the climate in Big Sur ensures gradual weather shifts through each season. Typically, maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 23°C in September to a moderate 14°C in the coolest month, December. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 6°C, particularly during the colder months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Big Sur by month:
The early hours of 4 AM to 6 AM often see the lowest temperatures, while 3 PM marks the peak of the day’s heat as the sun’s impact is strongest.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
December, the city’s coldest month, sees about 148 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 11 days.
Annual Temperatures in the United States of America Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.






Big Sur Temperatures Compared World Wide
Big Sur’s average annual maximum temperature is 19°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In contrast, in Reykjavík, Iceland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 9°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
Osaka, Japan, offers a similar climate to Tokyo, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Effects of Temperature on Weather and Climate
Temperature variations influence precipitation patterns in Amsterdam:
Rainfall: Warm air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rain during warmer months. However, precipitation is generally moderate year-round.
Snow: Occasional snowfall occurs in winter, though it rarely lasts very long.
For more detailed information about Big Sur’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Big Sur climate page.