Next March we may have to give up our favorite trip to St John in order to attend a fencing tournament in San Jose. I have decided that this is just the excuse I need to plan a long desired SF/Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur/ PCH driving trip. The big question is what can we expect for weather in mid to late March? I've read that the summer brings coastal fog, and that Sept-Oct is ideal for clear skies, but school prevails and a fall trip isn't in the cards. Would you recommend we take a week for the tournament and a visit to SF at that time of year, or would extend your trip and carpe PCH?

March is a tough month to predict. You could hit a late season storm, or have very nice weather.

In the areas you mention, the really heavy frequent coastal fog doesn't come usually until June. March is unpredictable as to temperatures and rain vs. sun but it is worth going then because the wildflowers will be in bloom, there will be low crowds, and you have a high probability of having some good weather. Bring warm layers because along those coasts the temperatures vary a lot as you drive a few miles inland or closer to the ocean's edge---from T-shirt temps to heavy jacket temps. Don't miss these places. They are too beautiful to miss. Also, if you have time visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is fabulous for kids as well as adults.

montereybob - Thank you! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is on the top of the list for this ocean loving family.

We were in Carmel/Pacific Grove/Montery April 4 - 7 and the weather was beautiful and warm. We drove down Big Sur and stayed in Cambria. There were hundreds of elephant seals on a beach to the north of Cambria.

Thank you for all of the replies. I think we've decided to see the coast next March.