Big Sur, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Big Sur, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Big Sur, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Big Sur, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Big Sur, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Big Sur, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Big Sur, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Big Sur, California, United States of America by month

January

January in this region is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

February

February for Big Sur is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

March

March in Big Sur is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

April

If you are traveling to Big Sur in April, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

May

May in Big Sur is mild and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

June

June in this region is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

July

If you vacation in Big Sur during July, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

August

Traveling to Big Sur in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

September

If you visit Big Sur during September, you will probably find that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

October

If you visit Big Sur during October, you might see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

November

If you go to Big Sur in November, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

December

December in Big Sur can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Big Sur. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Big Sur has great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

What to do in Big Sur, California, United States of America

Big Sur is an incredibly picturesque region located along the Pacific coast of California that attracts thousands of tourists every year. With its stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, and fantastic scenery, Big Sur is a great location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. In this article, we will explore some of the top tourist attractions in Big Sur.

1. Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most iconic landmarks in Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is a magnificent structure that spans the Bixby Canyon. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the coast and is a favorite spot for photographers.

2. Pfeiffer Beach: Known for its purple sand and stunning rock formations, Pfeiffer Beach offers visitors an unforgettable experience. The beach is located in a secluded cove and can be accessed by a small dirt road.

3. McWay Falls: One of the most popular attractions in Big Sur, McWay Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that falls onto a pristine beach. Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of the waterfall from a lookout point located nearby.

4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Named after a prominent local resident, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a popular hiking spot in Big Sur. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the redwood forests while admiring the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

5. Point Lobos State Reserve: Located just outside of Big Sur, Point Lobos State Reserve is a nature reserve that is home to a variety of marine life, including sea otters, seals, and whales. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the park on their own.

6. Garrapata State Park: A vast expanse of open space that features a variety of hiking trails, Garrapata State Park is another popular attraction in Big Sur. Visitors can explore the park's scenic landscapes, coastal views, and wildlife.

7. Andrew Molera State Park: Situated at the mouth of the Big Sur River, Andrew Molera State Park is an ideal location for camping, hiking, and beach-going. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, whale watching, and a variety of other outdoor activities while exploring the park.

8. Coast Gallery Big Sur: A favourite shopping spot for tourists, the Coast Gallery Big Sur features a large collection of unique and locally-made art, jewellery, and gifts.

In conclusion, Big Sur has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in the local cuisine, or just relax and take in the beautiful scenery, Big Sur has it all. From the majestic Bixby Creek Bridge to the tranquil Garrapata State Park, there's an adventure waiting for you in this stunning region of California.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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