A bit more about my stay in late Feb. Coming here that time of year is a big gamble: it's one of the rainiest months of the year, and I believe less sunshine as well. I'd been to the area twice in April, a few times in summer, and also in Sep/Oct. Even in summer, there can be considerable cloud / fog that obstruct and/or depress views.

Highlighting the gamble, massive rain and low temperature hit the area starting about a week before my stay. Only a few weeks ago, they reopened a section of Highway 1 that had been closed for 3 years due to landslide, and now this heavy rain caused MORE landslide that closed down this section AGAIN. It was not looking good. So much rain and low temp that the peaks of Big Sur even got snow.

By then, it was well past the 14 day cancellation deadline. I was watching the forecast cautiously and dreading what was likely to transpire: more time on the road to circumvent the closure and less time at the sights. By T-3 days, the forecast for my dates had improved to "cloudy" instead of massive rain. By T-2 days, even some sun was forecasted. It was starting to look better, but I was still holding my breath.

Well, I certainly didn't think I'd be saying this up till a few days before the trip, but it ended up being probably the BEST weather I've ever encountered in Big Sur and Monterey Peninsula in ALL my dozen visits throughout the years. It was 100% clear sky, zero cloud on 1-2 of the days, and partly sunny and clear the remaining.

Pics below comparing Feb 2026 vs Apr 2021. A good reminder that weather is unpredictable and can turn out better or worse than forecasted just a few days ahead. Don't put too much weight on the forecast.

Feb 2026


Apr 2021


Feb 2026


Apr 2021




Feb 2026


Apr 2021