California’s Central Coast FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting California’s Central Coast.

When is the best time to visit California’s Central Coast?

Thanks to California’s year-round mild weather, you can visit the Central Coast at any time of the year. The best weather however is to be expected from late spring through to autumn, with the best months and peak season falling between July and August.

Summers are dry and warm with temperatures ranging from 21°C in Big Sur to up to 30°C in the slightly inland towns. Ocean breezes temper any occasional heatwaves, as does the low humidity. Autumn tends to stay pleasantly warm – often until the end of October – with temperatures averaging in the low 20s on the warm end and the low teens on the cold end. Winter along the coast occurs between November and March and tends to be rainy albeit mild in comparison to more northernly winters. Temperatures range between the low teens and single digits. After the cool wintry months and early spring showers, the landscape comes back to life with blooming wildflowers and fruiting trees from April onwards, making late Spring a great time to hike or stay in the region. Daytime highs will hover around 20°C while lows will be about 10°C.

What is the time difference between the UK and California’s Central Coast?

GMT – 8 hours

What places combine well with California’s Central Coast?

As California’s Central Coast is located along a stretch of the over 900 km Pacific Coast Highway, getting to other places within the state is more or less a straightforward drive. Depending on which direction you’ve started your Central Coast trip, continue south to stop by the glamourous city of Los Angeles or continue north to visit the iconic seaside towns of Monterey & Carmel. You can even drive all the way up to San Francisco and all the way down to San Diego should you wish – the PCH offers multiple exceptional road trip opportunities.

What are the main cultural events in California’s Central Coast?

February – Santa Barbara International Film Festival
April – Big Sur International Marathon
May – Taste of Santa Barbara
May – Flavour of SLO (San Luis Obispo food & wine festival)
June – Roll Out the Barrels (San Luis Obispo food & wine festival)
June – The Summer Solstice Parade & Festival (Santa Barbara)
July – California Wine Festival (Santa Barbara)
October – Pismo Beach Annual Clam Festival
October – Oktoberfest at the Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo
October – Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
October – Ride Santa Barbara 100 (Cycling event for amateurs and professionals)
November – Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
December – Parade of Lights (Santa Barbara harbour)