Montara Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
Montara is a small unincorporated village on the coastal shelf just south of Devil's Slide, where Montara Mountain rises almost straight up from the back of town. Below the bluffs, Montara State Beach is a stretch of sand reached by staircase and popular with surfers and beachcombers. Across Highway 1, the state's McNee Ranch trails climb onto the mountain. California State Parks describes Montara Mountain as the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat along more than 100 miles of coastline.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Montara weather today and through the year
It's 57°F at Montara right now (feels like 53°F), with 9 mph wind and a comfort score of 79. Monday's forecast high at Montara is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Montara. In November, 18% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 11 AM to 2 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
September is the warmest month at Montara, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 29.9 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Montara are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August.
Montara has the tallest backdrop on this part of the coast. Montara Mountain climbs steeply right behind the village, so the summer marine layer, the cool, moist air the ocean feeds ashore, piles against it instead of spreading inland. When Half Moon Bay's broad terrace is merely overcast, Montara can sit in thicker, damper cloud, with drizzle on the lower slopes.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Montara in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Montara. In November, 18% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 11 AM to 2 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Montara, with a 60°F high and midday comfort near 78. Thursday looks weakest (45).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (74%, about 0.54 in.).
Ocean water
67°F at the Offshore Half Moon Bay (24 nautical miles SSW of San Francisco) NOAA station. NOAA data
Tides (Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay))
- Low 3.5 ft at 7:41 AM today
- High 4.7 ft at 1:15 PM today
- Low 0.4 ft at 9:12 PM today
- High 4.1 ft at 4:56 AM tomorrow
Live weather map
Weather around Montara right now
Overcast and 57° at Montara right now.
About the live weather map for Montara
The map centers on Montara and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Montara vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Montara, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Montara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moss Beach | 1 mi | +2°F | 66% | 9 mph | a very similar climate |
| Pacifica | 5.2 mi | -1°F | 56% | 9 mph | a very similar climate |
| Half Moon Bay State Beach | 6 mi | +5°F | 54% | 9 mph | about 5°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| Woodside | 16.3 mi | +23°F | 17% | 8 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 60% of morning hours) |
| Los Altos Hills | 23.3 mi | +23°F | 16% | 9 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (16% vs 60% of morning hours) |
| Los Altos | 24.6 mi | +23°F | 14% | 9 mph | about 23°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (14% vs 60% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Montara's
- Tennessee Valley Beach (21 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Pescadero (21 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Muir Beach (22 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Montara climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Montara with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Montara departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Montara weather by month
September is the warmest month at Montara, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 29.9 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 65% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 28% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Montara are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 44°F | 5.7 in | 10 | 15% | 37% | 9 mph | 9.9 h | 29 |
| Feb | 58°F | 45°F | 5.7 in | 10 | 14% | 31% | 11 mph | 10.8 h | 26 |
| Mar | 60°F | 46°F | 4.3 in | 9 | 21% | 38% | 11 mph | 11.9 h | 46 |
| Apr | 62°F | 47°F | 2.1 in | 6 | 30% | 43% | 11 mph | 13.2 h | 51 |
| May | 64°F | 49°F | 1.0 in | 4 | 40% | 54% | 9 mph | 14.2 h | 48 |
| Jun | 67°F | 51°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 50% | 53% | 9 mph | 14.7 h | 62 |
| Jul | 69°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 65% | 62% | 8 mph | 14.5 h | 63 |
| Aug | 71°F | 54°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 65% | 64% | 8 mph | 13.6 h | 68 |
| Sep | 71°F | 54°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 51% | 53% | 8 mph | 12.3 h | 74 |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 1.4 in | 5 | 28% | 36% | 8 mph | 11.1 h | 71 |
| Nov | 62°F | 47°F | 3.1 in | 7 | 18% | 28% | 9 mph | 10.1 h | 62 |
| Dec | 57°F | 44°F | 6.2 in | 10 | 17% | 37% | 10 mph | 9.6 h | 31 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
In summer, recent daily NOAA readings at Montara average about 9°F cooler than the 1991-2020 normals. The normals average over a wider area that also covers nearby terrain. Read the monthly highs as a rough range, and use the recent months below for what Montara has actually seen.
What makes Montara's weather different
Among the 163 San Francisco Bay Area towns we track, Montara has the 2nd-coolest summer afternoons and the 3rd-foggiest summer mornings. It also has the cloudiest summer middays.
- #2of 163
coolest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area towns
- #3of 163
foggiest summer morningsamong San Francisco Bay Area towns
- #1of 163
cloudiest summer middaysamong San Francisco Bay Area towns
When the fog burns off
72%of 9 AM hours foggy in July
Fog or low cloud covers Montara in 72% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
Wind
9 mphtypical afternoon wind, with no strong daily build-up
Montara has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 9 mph year-round, and February is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 12 mph.
Microclimate
+5°FHalf Moon Bay State Beach, 6 mi away, on summer afternoons
Half Moon Bay State Beach, 6 miles away, runs about 5°F warmer than Montara on summer afternoons.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Montara range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:31 PM, and in mid-December around 4:58 PM.
Seasons at Montara
- Warm seasonJul 7 – Oct 7 · highs 69°F+
The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jul 7 to Oct 7, when the average high is 69°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 71°F.
- Cool seasonDec 2 – Feb 27 · highs 59°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 2 to Feb 27, when the average high is 59°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 1, with an average low near 44°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 1 – Apr 15 · 87% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 1 to Apr 15, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 87% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Oct 23 and half of its annual total by Jan 24.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Montara averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 16 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 14 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 193 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Oct 16, 2026 (78°F) and the coldest night was Mar 14, 2025 (44°F). The wettest day was Nov 23, 2024 (2.68 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 59 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 16days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 14afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 193mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day78°FOct 16, 2026
- Coldest night44°FMar 14, 2025
- Wettest day2.68 inNov 23, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust59 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Montara's weather
Montara State Beach faces west toward open ocean, and Point Montara and Devil's Slide do little to shelter it. Northwest swell and spring afternoon winds hit it more squarely than the sheltered water inside Pillar Point. That is why the beach suits surfers more than swimmers.
The height of Montara Mountain cuts both ways. Some days the marine layer of ocean cloud is shallow. Then hikers on the McNee Ranch trails can climb out of the gray into sunshine with the fog spread below. On deeper days the cloud swallows the whole mountain. In winter, storms rising over the mountain wring out more rain than falls on the flat coastal towns to the south.
September brings Montara's warmest afternoons, though fog still covers many of its mornings. By October, offshore winds push the fog away more often, and the mountain stands out against blue sky.
Tips for visiting Montara
Use the bluff staircases
Montara State Beach has two access points from the bluff. One is across from Second Street, and the other is about a half mile north.
Keep dogs on a short leash
Montara State Beach allows dogs on a leash no longer than six feet.
Bring your own water
The park has parking and restrooms but no drinking water.
Respect the rip currents
State Parks warns the water is very cold year-round and strong rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers offshore.
Climb McNee Ranch on a shallow-fog day
When the marine layer is shallow, the McNee Ranch trails climb above the fog. The two-mile Pedro Mountain Trail links McNee Ranch to trails toward Montara Beach and Gray Whale Cove.
Montara through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring brings green slopes on Montara Mountain and strong northwest afternoon winds on the beach. Clear mornings are best for hiking.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is the foggiest time of year. The village and beach often stay gray and damp all day, while the upper mountain may break into sun.
- Fall (September–October)
- September has the warmest afternoons and lighter winds, though fog still covers many mornings. October brings more clear days as the fog season ends.
- Winter (November–February)
- Storms bring rain and the year's biggest surf. Bluff staircases and mountain trails can be slick after heavy rain.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Surfing at Montara State Beach: State Parks lists surfing here. Calm mornings with light wind are cleanest. The water is cold year-round, and the offshore Half Moon Bay buoy reports current water temperature.
- Hiking Montara Mountain from McNee Ranch: A clear day is best for the coastal views State Parks describes. With a shallow marine layer you may rise above the fog.
- Beachcombing and shore fishing: Low swell and light wind make the beach most comfortable. Collecting shells or driftwood is not allowed.
Official sources and current conditions
- California State Parks: Montara State Beach
- NOAA tide predictions: Pillar Point Harbor
- NOAA buoy 46012: Half Moon Bay
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 73 | 58.1° / 52.1° | 6.2h | 6d | 4.31" | 11 |
| December 2024 | 69 | 58.5° / 52.7° | 5.2h | 8d | 5.85" | 11 |
| January 2025 | 79 | 56.7° / 49.7° | 6.9h | 3d | 0.18" | 20 |
| February 2025 | 67 | 56.7° / 49.3° | 5.6h | 10d | 6.94" | 8 |
| March 2025 | 72 | 56.2° / 48.8° | 6.6h | 8d | 2.04" | 11 |
| April 2025 | 71 | 55.9° / 49.4° | 7.3h | 18d | 0.39" | 5 |
| May 2025 | 71 | 57° / 50.1° | 8.8h | 21d | 0.17" | 5 |
| June 2025 | 67 | 56.9° / 51.3° | 5.9h | 24d | 0" | 3 |
| July 2025 | 65 | 59.4° / 54.5° | 3.4h | 31d | 0" | 1 |
| August 2025 | 70 | 61.5° / 55.6° | 5.4h | 27d | 0.01" | 4 |
| September 2025 | 73 | 64.3° / 58.2° | 5.9h | 26d | 0.13" | 3 |
| October 2025 | 78 | 62.5° / 56.2° | 6.9h | 10d | 1" | 17 |
| November 2025 | 73 | 60.8° / 53.9° | 5.7h | 9d | 3.4" | 11 |
| December 2025 | 71 | 60.2° / 53.2° | 5.1h | 7d | 4.46" | 15 |
| January 2026 | 78 | 61.4° / 55.2° | 6.4h | 3d | 4.75" | 20 |
| February 2026 | 72 | 59.9° / 53.2° | 5.8h | 4d | 4.12" | 12 |
| March 2026 | 82 | 60.7° / 51.6° | 9.1h | 7d | 0.03" | 17 |
| April 2026 | 75 | 59.1° / 53.1° | 7.7h | 8d | 3.55" | 13 |
| May 2026 | 72 | 57.2° / 51.7° | 7.5h | 19d | 0.36" | 10 |
| June 2026 | 71 | 59.3° / 53.7° | 6.4h | 22d | 0" | 7 |
| July 2026 | 70 | 60.8° / 55.4° | 5.3h | 25d | 0.01" | 7 |
| August 2026 | 67 | 61.3° / 56.2° | 3.4h | 30d | 0.02" | 1 |
| September 2026 | 76 | 63° / 57.5° | 6.4h | 18d | 0.05" | 13 |
| October 2026 | 80 | 62.6° / 55.9° | 7.4h | 9d | 0.17" | 20 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Montara climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Montara, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Montara. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Montara, the warmest typical hour is 8 PM in September (61°F). The coldest is 6 AM in April (52°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Montara in 72% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
- Wind: Montara has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 9 mph year-round, and February is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 12 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Montara (28% average cloud cover), and August middays are the cloudiest (64%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Montara comes at 1 PM in April, averaging 661 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Montara
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Montara changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Montara. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Montara through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Montara for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Montara by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Montara
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Montara averaged a high of 63°F, about the same as October 2025 (63°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.7 in. of rain to Montara, 73% of the 29.9 in. normal.
Location Details
Montara weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Montara
What is the weather like at Montara today?
It's 57°F at Montara right now, with a comfort score of 79 (great). Monday's forecast high at Montara is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. The best window today is 11 AM to 2 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
What is the best month to visit Montara?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Montara are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August. The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jul 7 to Oct 7, when the average high is 69°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 71°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Montara?
September is the warmest month at Montara, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F.
When does the fog burn off at Montara?
Fog or low cloud covers Montara in 72% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
How much rain does Montara get?
December is the wettest month (6.2 in.), out of about 29.9 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 1 to Apr 15, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 87% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.7 in. of rain to Montara, 73% of the 29.9 in. normal.
How does Montara weather compare with Half Moon Bay State Beach?
Half Moon Bay State Beach, 6 miles away, runs about 5°F warmer than Montara on summer afternoons.
What kind of place is Montara?
Montara is a small unincorporated village on the coastal shelf just south of Devil's Slide, where Montara Mountain rises almost straight up from the back of town. Below the bluffs, Montara State Beach is a stretch of sand reached by staircase and popular with surfers and beachcombers. Across Highway 1, the state's McNee Ranch trails climb onto the mountain. California State Parks describes Montara Mountain as the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat along more than 100 miles of coastline.
What is Montara weather like in November?
November at Montara averages a high of 62°F and a low of 47°F, with 3.1 in. of rain over about 7 rainy days. About 18% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 9 mph.
More about Montara weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- California State Parks, Montara State Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
- NOAA National Data Buoy Center, Station 46012 (Half Moon Bay) (accessed 2026-10-27)
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