Monterey Bay provides a natural shelter from heavy Pacific swells, most of which are generated by the prevailing westerly winds over the North Pacific. The waters of the Bay are usually characterized by long gentle swells, often with a short chop generated by local breezes. The area has a benign, cool temperature profile with only a small variation from summer to winter. Mean high daytime temperature in the summer months averages 69.08 F., while in winter it is 61.98 F. Winds are usually from the west and northwest and daytime wind speed averages 10.5 mph through the summer at the NOAA buoy off Monterey. Winter breezes average 11.25 mph. and are less predictable. Southerly winds usually precede periods of rain. Many winter days have only very gentle breezes. Strong winds are rare in summer and only blow occasionally during the winter. Some of the nicest sailing is between November and March, though this is the time of year when we get almost all our rain. Normal rainfall is about 17 inches. Our warmest, most gentle weather is usually in September and October. Thunderstorms are rare; hurricanes and tornadoes never reach this area.