Highway-1 in the winter
 

We are planning to take Highway-1 from los angeles to SF in january. How is the weather in this time? Is it recommended in this time of year?

I've made that trip a couple of times during winter, and it's a coin toss as to how nice the weather is, for me, once it was nice and sunny (worth it!) and the next time, we hardly saw the coast/scenery because of the (the closer you are to the coast, the foggier it can be). I realize this doesn't help too much, but still, it gives you an idea of what to expect. Have a good trip!

The weather will most likely be lovely until north of Pt. Concepcion. I would plan to overnight in Cambria, just south of the Big Sur stretch of Hwy 1. Then you can make your decision about how to proceed when you hear the weather forcast. You can cut over from Cambria on hwy 46 and go up 101 if the weather is bad. There is no point in trying to drive Big Sur in a storm--it's dangerous and visibility is terrible. I would also suggest that you don't bother with hwy 1 from about Santa Cruz to SF. Take the inland route and enjoy the time in SF. Big time storms have already started with lots of rain, flooding, heavy surf and high winds last night and this morning. Skiing should be super in Tahoe. Be flexible and good luck.

this is a beautiful drive but january can be iffy. it's not unusual for sections of the road to be closed due to storms in january. i'd plan on doing it and if it's terrible weather then you'll just have to go 101. but, it's definitly worth the try.

Driving north should be ok, because you are on in inside lane.

Wendy is correct--you are on the hill side of the hwy going north, but will you see anything? You'll still have to slow down because of the curves. It's a decision you need to make when you get here.

You will be able to see across the lanes, but how do you pull over to take in the view spots, if you are on the inside lane? I just drove the one from the start to way past Mendocino and held my breath on some of those turns, but I could pull over easily to look over the edge at the desiginated stops.<BR>I don't understand why there is not railing to stop rolling tires on some of those curves in the rain and fog, it would make the ride safer and more pleasant for tourists with their money.

Because it's California and not Disney. If you need the guard rail go find an automated ride. The railing would ruin the view.

Yes, yes, yes. Whatever the weather, it is worth it. Do stop in Cambria, at the Blue Bird Motel. Park there and walk the town, eat at Robin's Restaurant. And enjoy one of my favorite rides in the world. Right up there with Amalfi. Solvang, Santa Cruz surfing museum in the tiny lighthouse on the cliff., Davenport's bakery and java. Enjoy.

Hey, Seamus, don't be so flippant. Even locals were telling us they don't understand why there is no guardrail. I mean a small one to stop tires, one that would block the view of someone lying on the road, but not in a car.