Updated: January 17, 2026
Winter skydiving might not be the first season people associate with skydiving, but in Monterey, it is quietly one of the best times of year to jump. While much of the country is grounded by cold weather and unstable conditions, Monterey Bay stays warm, clear, and consistently jumpable.
Monterey has some of the most reliable winter skydiving conditions in the country with consistently moderate temperatures, clear skies and low and stable wind conditions.
Add fewer crowds and the dramatic winter scenery and winter skydiving in Monterey starts to look like a cheat code. Here is why winter is one of the best kept secrets for skydiving in Monterey Bay plus a few practical tips to make the most of it.
Winter skydiving conditions can vary widely around Northern California. Many inland skydiving locations near San Francisco often deal with winter fog and low cloud layers that can limit visibility and ground operations. Along the Central Coast, Monterey Bay tends to experience its clearest conditions of the year during winter, making it a more reliable option for jumping when fog affects other areas.
If you’re comparing locations, this guide to skydiving near San Francisco explains how coastal and inland weather patterns affect winter jump conditions and why Monterey Bay often stands out.
Although temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year in Monterey, a slight drop in winter provides some of the most spectacular conditions for skydiving.
Cooler water temperatures mean low occurrences of fog, producing consistently crisp and clear skies, vibrant turquoise ocean colors, and ultimately sharper contrast from altitude.
Although winter does bring some rain, we typically have mostly clear days. In 2025, 81% of winter days were jumpable. That occasional rain accentuates the supporting colors of the landscape.
The green valley, sparkling blue ocean, rugged beach dunes, and snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance make for the most contrasting and beautiful visuals possible for your first ever skydive!
On particularly clear days, visibility can stretch far beyond what is typical in summer. The absence of coastal haze makes winter some of the most visually striking skydives of the year.
For skydiving near San Francisco, Skydive Monterey Bay is known for some of the most consistent winter weather in California, along with year-round 18,000-foot skydives.
Monterey County sees minimal temperature variation throughout the year, with winter daytime highs typically in the low to mid 60s. Cooler seasonal conditions reduce atmospheric haze and fog compared to warmer months, contributing to clearer skies and more stable air.
In many parts of Northern California, especially inland locations, winter fog and low cloud layers can limit skydiving operations. Along the Central Coast, winter is often the clearest time of year, resulting in smoother air, more predictable wind patterns, and more consistently jumpable days than many other skydiving locations near San Francisco.
In 2025, more than 81% of winter days at Skydive Monterey Bay were jumpable, reinforcing why winter is one of the most reliable seasons for skydiving in this region.
Beginning in December, gray whales migrate north along the California coast. Monterey Bay sits directly along this route thanks to its deep underwater canyon. It is one of the best regions for whale watching because of its proximity to this migration.
During winter flights to altitude, you might be able to see gray whales breaching as they continue their path north, toward Santa Cruz and San Francisco. It is a perspective very few people ever experience and one that is uniquely seasonal.
If you miss them from the air, winter is also peak season for whale watching cruises, or visit a Monterey beach to watch for whales, dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions.
Few places on earth allow this kind of itinerary in a day: Surfing, skydiving and skiing. It’s the outdoor athlete’s Holy Grail.
In winter, Monterey becomes the perfect launch point for an all-time California day:
It is ambitious, time challenging, but so very California.
When winter shuts down skydiving across almost all the country, California doesn’t even blink.
California has more skydiving centers than any other state, the most diverse scenery, and some of the most reliable winter skydiving conditions, with Monterey at the top. For travelers coming from colder climates, winter skydiving here feels almost unfair.
Lots of New Year’s Resolution lists include some variation of “be more adventurous”. But New Year’s resolutions have a way of dissolving quietly by February.
Skydiving is not subtle. It forces commitment, presence, and perspective. If “be more adventurous” or “stop overthinking” made your list, winter is the perfect time to act on it.
At Skydive Monterey Bay, winter jumps still go to 18,000 feet every flight, every day. No seasonal downgrade. No waiting for summer. The World’s Highest Skydive sure checks the box of being more adventurous.
Winter holidays and vacations in Monterey do not look like they do in most places. While much of the country is bundled indoors, Monterey’s winter weather makes it easy to spend the holidays outside.
For many people, Christmas and family vacations start to blur together over the years. The same meals. The same photos. The same routines. Just repeated in different places.
Skydiving in Monterey during the winter holidays offers a clean break from routine and becomes the moment that anchors that one Christmas or that trip to California.
And if you do feel like leaning into the season, winter is also prime time for Christmas costumes, onesies, and questionable holiday fashion choices. It makes the photos better, the videos funnier, and your holiday card significantly harder to ignore.
Winter is calmer in Monterey Bay. Fewer crowds. Shorter waits. More breathing room.
That means:
• Faster check in
• Less waiting between loads
• A more relaxed overall experience
Pair a winter jump with Big Sur drives, wine tasting, or coastal hikes for the perfect winter Monterey adventure.
This one is not seasonal, but it matters. We’re the only California skydiving center that flies to 18,000 feet every flight next to the ocean.
Skydive Monterey Bay jumps from 18,000 feet every day, year-round. No rotating schedules. No occasional altitude upgrades. We offer the lowest published price for 18,000-foot tandem skydives in California, with a price-match guarantee if that ever changes.
Although winter daytime temperatures are typically low to mid 60s, we can occasionally get cooler temperatures at jump altitudes.
Generally the same recommendations for what to wear skydiving apply but for winter think layers, athletic clothing, and flexibility. Long sleeves and pants typically recommended while bringing a hoodie along with you. If it’s one of the nice mild winter days, you will have the option of layering down.
Dress like a high elevation hike:
Bring gloves if you are sensitive to cold. Wear socks that cover your ankles and closed toe athletic shoes.
The hangar is not heated. On cooler days, a beanie and a warm drink go a long way.
Winter temperatures in Monterey are mild by most standards, with daytime highs typically in the low to mid 60s. It is cooler at jump altitude than on the ground, but most winter days still provide comfortable conditions for skydiving. On colder mornings, proper layers and the gear we provide keep most people comfortable throughout the jump.
No. At Skydive Monterey Bay, winter often has fewer weather-related delays than summer due to reduced marine layer and more stable conditions along the Central Coast. Compared to other skydiving centers near San Francisco, Monterey tends to offer more consistent winter jump conditions.
Comfortable athletic clothing and various layers work best. Closed-toe shoes are required, and gloves are recommended in case you tend to get cold.
Yes. Winter skydiving fits naturally into California holiday trips, especially for travelers coming from colder climates looking for outdoor, coastal experiences with epic views.
Typically, yes. Winter is a quieter season, which often means shorter waits, a more relaxed pace, and easier scheduling.
Yes. At Skydive Monterey Bay, 18,000-foot tandem skydives are available year-round.
Absolutely. Winter is one of the most reliable times to skydive in Monterey thanks to mild temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer foggy days than other seasons. Many first time jumpers actually prefer winter skydiving because the views tend to be sharper, conditions are calmer, and the experience is less crowded overall. If it’s your first jump and you’re curious about how the day actually unfolds, here’s a breakdown of what to expect on your first tandem skydive so you know exactly how it works before you arrive.
Yes, winter skydiving in Monterey is slightly cooler than summer, but the difference is modest. Winter daytime temperatures are typically in the low to mid 60s, and while it is cooler at jump altitude, proper layers and provided gear keep most people comfortable year round.
Winter weather in Monterey does not impact or change skydiving safety. Winter skydiving in Monterey supports safe skydiving operations due to clearer skies, stable winds, and fewer fog-related delays. Winter doesn’t change our safety standards or decision making. Clearer skies and fewer fog delays often make winter operations more predictable, but we follow the same conservative safety standards year round.
Winter skydiving cancellations in Monterey are less common than many people expect. In 2025, more than 81% of winter days at Skydive Monterey Bay were jumpable, thanks to reduced fog and stable Central Coast weather patterns.
Skydiving in Monterey Bay is available year round, but many people consider late fall through early spring some of the best months due to clearer skies, fewer crowds, and more consistent conditions. Winter, in particular, is often one of the most reliable seasons for jumping along the Central Coast.
During winter months, gray whales migrate through Monterey Bay. While sightings are never guaranteed, winter offers one of the best chances to spot whales during the flight to altitude.
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