What kind of weather can one expect during the early part of October in Monterey and San Jose? How should one pack his or her bags?
We will be leaving for San Jose next week for 4 days and then onto Monterey-Carmel.

along the coast, late Sept/early Oct are usually the very best weather of the whole year. Warm days and no fog. But near the water it can always be cool and/or breezy so be sure to take a jacket.

We were in Monterey/PG on Sat. the weather was warm! Kids were in the water in Pacific Grove swimming, people were sun-bathing in their bathing suits there. I was warm in cotton capri pants. It was perfect! ***kim***

In San Jose we have been wearing shorts and capri pants, short-sleeved shirts. In the evennings it has been cool enough for long pants and a light jacket. We were in Aptos over the weekend - just north of Monterey - and shorts and t-shirts were perfect with a light jacket in the evenning.

I would bring layers so you can add or subtract as the temperatures require.

Exactly! Layers. Just be sure to have at least one t-shirt for a really hot day (possible) and otherwise it should be very pleasant and mild. Cool evenings only mean a light jacket or sweater. Evenings are always cool but not unpleasant...year round. Mornings could be foggy...but the middle of the day will be nice - even nice and hot if you are lucky!

We've had gorgeous days and foggy days. Some days feel like summer, others are typical fall with socked in fog. Pack for both and dress in layers.

By the way, somebody here from Fresno, mentioned swimming in the water and sunbathing in swimsuits. Our water is very, very cold. I don't want you to get hypothermia, wetsuits are a necessity. It is rare that you can wear a swimsuit to sunbathe. As a matter of fact, it's almost noon here...the sun disappeared and we're now fogged in.

My pooper scooper is getting worn out.

We are well aware as to how cold the water is in California! Thanks for all of your kind advice. All of it just backs up what we had anticipated.

Eh - wetsuit-schmetsuit I grew up swimming in that water and have never worn a wetsuit in my life. But then, I was an adult before I realized that ocean water is not fridged everywhere

I'll second the cold water diagnosis! I did a scuba dive off the beach in Monteray Bay with a wetsuit, including the hood. It was one of the most memorable dives I have ever taken but I had an "ice cream" headache almost immediately! Next time, it's a dry suit for me.

There were two surfers in wetsuits, others just playing in the water didn't have them. It was an exceptionally warm day! ***kim***