The rugged coast along the Pacific Ocean is an incredible destination, no matter the season. Still, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Mendocino. Once you decide which season is perfect for your vacation in Mendocino county, you can check out our activities page. We’ve created this page to help you discover the best things to do in the town of Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and beyond. 

Depending on your interests, you can narrow down your options to decide the best time of year to go on a Mendocino vacation. Some things to consider are weather, crowds, and whale watching season. Here are the pros and cons of traveling to the town of Mendocino in spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

You’re in for a treat if you’re coming to the town of Mendocino during the spring months. The Mendocino coast is gorgeous when all the flowers begin to bloom. You can see beautiful flowers as they come back to life all over the county, including along the Mendocino Headlands State Park or in our beautiful gardens at Cottages at Little River Cove!

Spring is also a great time to visit because you can attend our Annual Mendocino Whale Festivals in March!

If you love sunny days, you’ll love Mendocino in the summer. Between June and August, our area only sees about a day or less of rain per month. However, with the clear skies and warm temperatures also come the crowds. The summer months are the busiest time of the year in Mendocino.

Even with the crowds, there are still ways to venture out on your own path and away from the people. Hike a nature trail at Mendocino National Forest, walk the dog on a private beach at Buckhorn Cove or Big River Beach, or rent a bike or canoe from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too. There are so many things to do during the summer months in Mendo!

Mendocino County is absolutely stunning during the crisp fall months. It’s best to layer up during this time because the mornings can get as chilly as 50 degrees while the afternoons might reach 80. This gives you the perfect opportunity to put on your cute and cozy fall sweaters for photo ops in front of beautiful scenery!

Speaking of gorgeous scenery, one of the sights you should add to your itinerary is the towering tunnel of trees along the Navarro River in Anderson Valley! It’s just one of many picturesque landscapes of Mendo. Fall is also the best season to avoid the touristy crowds!

Escape the monstrous blizzards, icy roads, and horrible traffic, and make your way to the nature-filled, snowless, Northern Mendocino Coast! Our area is just cold enough to get you in the holiday spirit, but it rarely snows. 

Winter is one of the best times to visit Mendocino because it’s right in the middle of the whale watching season in northern California. Between November and April, you can go on a whale watching tour and see the gray whales as they migrate! It’s a magnificent experience you don’t want to miss.

Stay in the most relaxing accommodations in Mendocino, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek and Spa for a peaceful getaway on the rugged coast.