My husband and our 2 daughters (14 & 17) are attempting to plan a trip in December around the school holidays - basically Christmas to New Year's. We looked into the Caribbean, but accommodations are limited and airfare is quite pricey. So I got to thinking about California. I've always wanted to go there! I've been reading the forum posts and responses, and all describe Monterey & Carmel as beautiful. However, I'm wondering if someone, perhaps a local, can give me some real expectations about the weather at that time of year. Weather sites list the temp's as about 45 in the evenings to 65 during the day. Is that accurate? I'm guessing it might feel damp, and therefor cooler, by the water. Those were the approximate temp's last Christmas when we stayed in St. Pete, FL, which was having a cold snap, and my family was none too pleased as we were expecting the temp's to be warmer. So any input/response will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Lisa

>>However, I'm wondering if someone, perhaps a local, can give me some real expectations about the weather at that time of year. Weather sites list the temp's as about 45 in the evenings to 65 during the day. Is that accurate? I'm guessing it might feel damp, and therefor cooler, by the water.

Have you looked into the east coast of Mexico, like Cancun or Veracruz?

At that time of year, the weather should be much more pleasant there than in Montereay California.

I love Monterey in the winter. When the weather is clear, you get brilliantly sunny days. When it is stormy, you get interesting clouds and crashing waves.

Even if the weather is not great, most coastal storms last a day or so.

I say give it a shot.

Check out the recent links to Pacific Grove lodgings. Nicer than Monterey.

Oh, yeah I agree, do go. But just don't depend on having good weather.

It is winter and our rainy season. Just be prepared. But it will also be time for the monarch butterflies overwintering in Paciific Grove. Prime time to see them.

http://www.pacificgrove.org/external...tterflies.aspx

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies! I'm going to look into Pacific Grove & am certainly still considering Monterey. Will keep you posted.

I lived in Monterey and I can tell you it will be chilly. It's about 65 there during the day year-round, really, the main difference being whether it's sunny or foggy and damp. It is more likely to be sunny in the winter.

I now leave near St. Petersburg, oddly enough, and it feels warmer here when it's 65 than it does in Monterey.

It's wonderful there, don't get me wrong, but it won't be warm.

Sorry, just realized I didn't make sense--when I said it's more likely to be sunny in winter I meant as opposed to foggy. It does indeed rain quite a bit in the winter.

Sorry again--PG is about a minute away from Monterey, the weather is the same.

Agree with everyone here, it will be chilly (if not rainy), especially at the beach (not swim suit weather) - but it's a gorgeous area and the winter is a nice time to visit since it's less crowded. If you're looking for a warm/swimsuit destination Southern CA or Mexico would be better bets.

If you do make it to Monterey, make sure to go to the Aquarium, it's wonderful.

Actually in December, I wouldn't be in a swim suit in Southern California either, unless there happens to be a heat wave.

Last December was pretty rainy at that time in Monterey and CA in general. You'll have fun, but warm and dry weather would be very unusual. The best time for weather on the CA coast is usually Sept. and October.