Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Summer
In summer, inland temperatures along the Santa Lucia Range often soar into the 90s
Fahrenheit during the day and drop to the 40s Fahrenheit by night both in the val-
leys and at high elevation. This contrasts dramatically with stable, cool temperatures
along the coast, which generally range from the low 50s to mid 60s Fahrenheit.
Separated from the ocean by 2000-foot Pfeiffer Ridge, the Big Sur River gorge
is much warmer than the fog-shrouded beaches to the west. Campers and hikers flock
to deep swimming holes within the gorge for bracing dips. Occasionally, the fog en-
croaches inland and is drawn up-canyon, bringing gray and overcast conditions even
to high ridges.
Although rain is unlikely in summer, tropical low-pressure systems occasion-
ally approach the coast in the form of puffy cumulus clouds. As this warm, humid
air moves in, thunderheads may develop, spawning lightning and rain. During peri-
odic summer droughts, wildfires are a real threat, so residents are watchful for any
signs of lightning or smoke. Lightning sparked the 180,000-acre Marble-Cone Fire
(1977), the 60,000-acre Rat Creek Fire (1985), the 90,000-acre Kirk Complex Fires
(1999), and the 160,000-acre Basin Complex Fire (2008).
Fall
Indian summer brings warmer temperatures to the coast in fall. As the North Pacific
High dissipates, nearshore cold-water upwelling stops, lowering humidity and driv-
ing fog well offshore. Views from high mountain peaks are outstanding in the crisp,
clear air. Northwesterly winds diminish, and coastal waters become flat, calm, and
warm (upper 50s instead of low 50s Fahrenheit). Deep within the riparian woodlands,
deciduous trees change color and shed their kaleidoscopic leaves on the canyon
floors.
Winter
Winter storms generally approach the central California coast from the northwest or
southwest. Forming in the cold regions of the North Pacific and Bering Sea, northern
fronts bring cold air masses and moderate rainfall. Forming over warm water in the
South Pacific, southern storms typically bring extensive rainfall.
Arriving on the Big Sur coast, the moisture-laden air lashes the steep terrain and
is forced upward. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, releasing moisture as rain
or snow. When the North Pacific High lingers into winter, it prevents storms from
reaching the coast and often leads to severe winter droughts.
Precipitation varies dramatically from year to year. Rainfall along the coast av-
erages about 40 inches annually, while some 90 inches fall near the crests and ridges.
In winter the high peaks are dusted in snow, which may remain on the ground for
weeks or even months above 3500 feet.
