When to dive in Monterey?

[Wijbrandus]

My uncle lives in Seaside. He keeps inviting me to come out and visit, and my wife and I can dive in Monterey. He doesn't dive himself, but is willing to play Mr. Ramada.

When is the best time of year to dive in the area? When is the water the warmest? My wife really wants to do the kelp forests, but right now we both dive wet.

 

[bedmund]

In my opinion, the best time to dive Monterey just passed - the winter months are the best. Others may disagree however.

-Bill

 

[mossym]

kelp is bigger at the end of summer, but water temps were high (57) for the last few weeks..couple of recent storms kicked stuff up..so viz was not great..water temp doesn't change that much year round, so that shouldn't really be a factor..

 

[Ishie]

It's getting into colder water. I think the coldest dive we've gotten (48 degrees) was in late May. I think this time of year is when the water calms down but hasn't gone too green yet, right? With kelp, but not choked with it?

 

[Wijbrandus]

That seems strange. The water is warmer in the winter there? Well, I think I'll plan a winter getaway there for the next time then.

Any particular month to shoot for? Or is January good enough?

 

[mossym]

monterey water is never warm...just warmer..

 

[Wristshot]

Yes, the water temps in Monterey tend to be warmer in the winter than in the summer. It has to do with the currents. Cold currents come down the coast in the summer, and warmer currents come up the coast in the winter.

The warmest dives I have had in Monterey were October and November, ranging from 53 - 57 degrees F. The coldest was May with 47 degrees F. My August dives were all 51 - 53 degrees F. Of course, YMMV.

Naturally the ambient air temps are warmer in the summer, but the crowds are also much larger. Easier to find parking in the winter. Few sunbathers taking up beachfront spots in the winter.

In addition, with the shorter days, having less sunlight, the visibility is usually better in the winter than in the summer. The kelp grows more in the summer, and in the winter the storms tear out more of the kelp, so it is definitely thicker in the summer. However, that is not really a big deal. You just learn how to enjoy the kelp without letting it get in the way or hamper your diving.

Just my opinions, and only because you asked.



Wristshot

 

[Ishie]

I think I had a 60-62 (surface) dive in November... positively balmy. Then went back to 57-58 which is really good. 48 was not fun. That was the get in the water, get out of the water, get hood, go back in water, realize face was numb anyway dive.

 

[coreypenrose]

monterey water is never warm...just warmer..

Yeah, keep an eye on this site:

http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/swell/wamglance.html#Scripps

and go when the water is calm. Don't wait for it to get warm, just rent or buy better gear.