I want to go to Monterey (Fresno, Santa Barbara: amusement park, home, live)

[imreadytotravel]

Im planning a weekend trip for my family to go to Monterey,CA and was wondering what the weather was like in March? We were going to stop at the beach but I didnt want to be there when its to cold for my boys to play around in the water... So I was wondering if anyone could tell me when is a good time to go? Thanks for any info you can give!!

[sonarrat]

The Pacific Ocean is cold, period. The best time to come to the beach in that area is August or September, and personally I still freeze.

[rubyskye]

There is still a good chance of rain in March. And the water will not be warm.
Depending on various variables the water is often warm enough to play in and swim in during the later summer months and even into October. But there is often fog all through the summer so you can't be attached to that perfect kind of beach day you may be dreaming of. It's hit or miss.
I had some wonderful Monterey Bay swims late last September (north nearer to Santa Cruz but still Monterey Bay). Also many frustrating days of waking up to a beautiful sunny day a few miles inland, driving to the beach only to find coastal fog ... still wonderful but it can be a drag when you want to absorb the sun and see the ocean sparkle.
Whenever you go, the aquarium in Monterey is a must-see especially since you have kids.

[Cahatch]

brrrrrrrr usually cold and windy in March... have to agree with everyone else... late July, August.. but even then you can have foggy cold days... how bout some wet suits?? LOL we never have much luck.. 1 1/2 to 2 hrs to get over there and it's usually too cold to enjoy....

[pizzicato66]

The beach can be fun without swimming though! What about going to see the sea otters, seals etc? The aquarium's amazing too! I was there in October and had a great time without bothering to go swimming. Plenty of interesting things to see!

[kposey2001]

I am in Fresno and visit the coast a couple times a year though mostly to Pismo Beach just south of Monterey. My experience has been similar to the other responses, for the most part cold. The summer months of course are warmer but I found that around October/Novemeber there are a lot of days with very little fog and considerably warm. Early spring may present the same weather as the fall. Take jean and sweaters. The weather, although at times warm, rarely gets above 70 degrees.

Have a great time and don't forget to visit Hearst Castle. You can get tickets online. This is an absolutely amazing home and will be enjoyed by your whole family!

[humboldtrat]

Everybody is right - it's too cold in March to play in the surf. Take the boys to the Monterey Aquarium Monterey Bay Aquarium: Home Page and also take them to the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk which I think is open only on the weekends during the winter Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Millions of Memories at California's Beachfront Amusement Park.

[Tony from Europe]

You can go to Southern California,there is water 60°F

[Sligo]

I have to agree with Tony. I've lived in Monterey all of my life. The ocean is always cold. My favorite months for sun are April/May and September/October. If you do visit the area I recommend Pinnacles National Monument (inland near the town of Soledad) if you like hiking and caves. It's one of many diverse treasures to be experienced. I lived in Santa Barbara for a summer and was so jaded about cold ocean water I never tried the southern california ocean until the end of the summer. I couldn't believe the Pacific Ocean could be so warm.