Dillon Beach Through the Seasons: When to Visit and What to Expect

One of the most common questions we get from guests is simple: “When is the best time to visit Dillon Beach?” The honest answer is that every season has something worth coming for. The Northern California coast doesn’t follow the same rules as the rest of the state — our best weather comes in fall, our foggiest days are in summer, and winter brings some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever see.

Here’s what to expect in each season, so you can plan the trip that’s right for you.

Summer (June – August)

If you’re imagining hot, sunny California beach days, adjust your expectations. Dillon Beach summers are defined by fog. The marine layer rolls in most mornings and often doesn’t burn off until afternoon — or sometimes not at all. Daytime highs hover around 60–65°F. Locals joke that the foggiest month of the year is July.

That said, summer is still the most popular season. School is out, vacations are booked, and the parking lot at Dillon Beach Resort fills up by mid-morning on weekends. If you’re coming in summer, arrive early or plan to visit during the week for a more relaxed experience.

What to do in summer

• Boogie boarding and body surfing — water temps peak around 54–56°F (wetsuit required)
• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Tomales Bay — calm mornings are ideal
• Bioluminescence kayak tours (July and August are peak season)
• Sandcastle building on the wide, flat beach
• Evening bonfires at Lawson’s Landing

Pack layers. A warm morning can turn into a 55°F foggy afternoon in minutes. Bring a windbreaker and long pants even if the inland forecast says 90°F.

Fall (September – November)

Fall is the local secret. September and October are consistently the warmest, clearest months on the Sonoma and Marin coast. The fog retreats, daytime highs reach into the upper 60s and occasionally the low 70s, and the light turns golden. If you want classic beach weather at Dillon Beach, this is when to come.

Crowds thin out dramatically after Labor Day. You’ll have long stretches of beach to yourself on weekdays, and even weekends feel relaxed compared to summer.

What to do in fall

• Surfing — the best conditions of the year, with cleaner swells and offshore winds
• Hiking the Tomales Point Trail with clear views of the coast and Farallon Islands
• Tule elk rutting season in Point Reyes (September–October) — bulls bugling and sparring
• Dungeness crab season opens the first Saturday of November
• Fall bird migration brings raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds through the area

Late October brings the first significant rain, and November can be wet. But between the storms, fall days on this coast are hard to beat.

Winter (December – February)

Winter at Dillon Beach is not for everyone — but it rewards those who come. Pacific storms sweep in from the northwest, pounding the coast with heavy surf, dramatic skies, and rain that can last for days. Daytime highs drop to the low 50s. The beach is wild, empty, and magnificent.

Storm watching from a warm rental with a fire going and waves crashing outside is one of the great pleasures of staying here. Between storms, the air is washed clean and the visibility is extraordinary.

What to do in winter

• Gray whale migration — southbound whales pass close to shore from December through January
• Elephant seal pupping at Chimney Rock in Point Reyes (January–February)
• Dungeness crabbing at Lawson’s Landing — peak season is November through January
• Tide pooling on the lowest tides of the year — winter minus tides fall during daylight hours
• Storm watching from the bluffs or your rental’s windows
• Uncrowded trails and easy restaurant reservations

Roads can flood briefly during heavy storms, and power outages happen occasionally in the area. Check conditions before you drive out, and bring groceries — you won’t want to leave once you’re settled in.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is renewal season on the coast. Wildflowers erupt across the headlands — lupine, California poppies, and Douglas iris blanket the hillsides along the Tomales Point and Kehoe Beach trails. The hills are electric green from winter rain, and the days are getting longer.

Weather is variable. March is still rainy, April is a mix of sun and showers, and May starts to settle into the dry season. Temperatures climb into the low 60s. Fog is less persistent than summer but still shows up, especially in the mornings.

What to do in spring

• Wildflower hikes at Kehoe Beach, Abbotts Lagoon, and Tomales Point
• Gray whale northbound migration with cow-calf pairs passing close to shore (March–April)
• Harbor seal pupping on Tomales Bay (March–May)
• Tide pooling — spring minus tides often fall in the early morning
• Clam digging season opens in February and runs through spring
• Bodega Head whale watch volunteers staff the overlooks on weekends through Mother’s Day

Spring weekends can get busy around Easter and Memorial Day, but overall it’s a quiet season with beautiful conditions for hiking and wildlife watching.

Year-Round Activities

Some things at Dillon Beach are good no matter when you come:

• Beach walks. The mile-long beach is open every day of the year.
• Oyster farms. Hog Island, The Marshall Store, and Tomales Bay Oyster Company operate year-round.
• Hiking. Point Reyes trails are open daily (some close during elephant seal season for wildlife protection).
• Stargazing. Minimal light pollution makes for outstanding night skies in every season.
• Cooking in. Most rentals have full kitchens — pick up fresh seafood and local produce and make a meal at home.

The Bottom Line

If we had to pick one window, we’d say late September through mid-October for the best overall combination of weather, light, empty beaches, and fall activities. But honestly, we love every season here. Winter storms are thrilling, spring wildflowers are magical, and even foggy summer days have their own quiet beauty. Come when you can — you won’t be disappointed.