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San Luis Obispo is gorgeous year-round. However, it shines in different ways at different times depending on what you're hoping to see and experience. Like most destinations, San Luis Obispo has its unique peak and off-peak seasons. That means you'll need to consider your priorities when it comes to managing crowds and choosing indoor versus outdoor activities. Here's a guide to help you figure out the best time to visit San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo in the Spring
The spring travel season in San Luis Obispo runs from the beginning of April through the end of May. During this time of year, daytime temperatures stay near a very mild 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This leaves plenty of opportunities for activities like boating excursions or hiking without overheating. One major perk is that you can enjoy much smaller crowds than you'll see just a few weeks down the line, when the summer tourism season kicks in. The only downsides to San Luis Obispo in the spring are cooler nights and a higher chance of rain.
San Luis Obispo in the Summer
Like most of the country, San Luis Obispo experiences its peak tourist season during the summer months. Running from June through August, this peak season offers a long list of fun summer activities, including exploring Pismo Beach, hiking the volcanic slopes of Bishop's Peak, visiting farmers' markets, and taking surfing lessons. This is the best time to visit San Luis Obispo if you enjoy a beach spot with a slightly touristy vibe. Just be prepared for crowds to get thick during weekends in the summer. The relatively quaint nature of San Luis Obispo can make booking nature excursions or reservations at popular downtown restaurants important.
San Luis Obispo in the Fall
Fall is a magical and underrated time to visit San Luis Obispo. Daytime temperatures here in September and October still stay close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit before dropping to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. That makes conditions perfect for activities like morning sea kayaking and afternoon wine tastings.
San Luis Obispo in the Winter
Wintertime is pure magic in San Luis Obispo! While winter is generally a slow time for wildlife sightings in most of the country, cooler weather brings out some of the West Coast's most majestic creatures. First, winter is when monarch butterflies famously flutter into Butterfly Grove at Pismo State Beach Park. During a period lasting from November through February, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate into a special sanctuary area filled with eucalyptus trees. These trees provide a perfectly sheltered microclimate where monarchs can rest safely for the winter.
Winter is also the season of the gray whale in San Luis Obispo. The mighty gray whale begins heading south during December to spend the winter in the waters off San Luis Obispo. Generally, the whales will stay until the end of March. During March and parts of April, it's even common to see mothers and calves making the journey northward relatively close to the shore.
Be Charmed by California's Central Coast All Year Long
If you're interested in exploring San Luis Obispo, you should also consider making Morro Bay a part of the itinerary. Just 13 miles away, Morro Bay is a lovely fishing village known for a massive volcanic plug called Morro Rock, which stands prominently in the harbor from every angle. Morro Bay is also famed for its incredible seafood restaurants, abundant sea otters and seals, and an estuary perfect for kayaking. Fall is often considered the dreamiest time to visit Morro Bay for its quiet vibe and easy access to all the San Luis Obispo harvest events. When you make the trip, Blue Sail Inn is the perfect place to stay for a quaint, accommodating experience on a bluff overlooking Morro Rock and the village's famed Embarcadero.
