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

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Ready to pack for Monterey, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Monterey, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Monterey, California, United States of America

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in this region can be chilly and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Monterey. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

In February, Monterey is cool and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Monterey, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

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.

  • 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 Monterey. 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to Monterey in March, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Monterey is cool and somewhat stormy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monterey. 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 stuff.

  • 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 nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May for Monterey is relatively cool, somewhat stormy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Monterey. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you vacation in Monterey during June, you might see that it is relatively cool, somewhat stormy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monterey. 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 things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July is relatively cool, very stormy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Monterey. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts 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. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Monterey during August, you will probably see that it can be chilly, very stormy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

Traveling to Monterey in September, you will notice that it is mild, very stormy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monterey. 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 repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you visit Monterey during October, you may see that it is chilly, somewhat stormy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Monterey can be chilly and somewhat stormy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Monterey. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Monterey in December, you will notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monterey. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Take care to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you visit the Pacific House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Monterey, California, United States of America

Monterey, California is known for its stunning coastal views, historic sites, and diverse marine life. This charming city is a popular tourist destination in California and has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Monterey:

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium – The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world with over 35,000 marine animals representing 550 species. Visitors have the chance to see sharks, sea otters, penguins, and a variety of fish in their natural habitats.

2. Cannery Row – Cannery Row is a historic street that was once lined with sardine canneries in the early 1900s. It has now been transformed into a vibrant tourist destination with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can also learn about the history of the area at the Cannery Row Museum.

3. Old Fisherman’s Wharf – Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination in Monterey for its variety of restaurants, shops, and scenic views. Visitors can also take boat tours to see whales and other marine life up close.

4. 17-Mile Drive – The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the area. The drive includes stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Cypress trees, and golf courses.

5. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a nature preserve that offers visitors the chance to see diverse marine life, including sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of birds. Visitors can also hike along the coastal trails and explore the hidden coves.

6. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary – The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest marine protected areas in the country. It offers visitors the chance to see diverse marine life and learn about the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem.

7. Monterey State Historic Park – Monterey State Historic Park is a collection of old buildings and adobes that have been preserved to showcase the history of the area. Visitors can learn about the early Spanish settlers, the California Gold Rush, and the history of the area during the Mexican-American War.

In conclusion, Monterey, California offers visitors a variety of attractions that showcase its natural beauty and cultural history. From its world-renowned aquarium to its historic sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal city.

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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