Ready Reference Files

Monterey Bay Facts

The entrance to the bay is slightly over 19 miles in length. The greatest length is approximately 22 1/2 miles and the widest point about 9 miles. Although most of the bay is relatively shallow with depths not over 300 to 360 feet, the largest submarine canyon along the California coast forms a trench in the floor and reaches a depth of about 3000 feet below sea level at the entrance to Monterey Bay.

The ocean temperature along the southern shore of the Bay averages 59 degrees F during the warmest summer months and 52 degrees F during the coolest winter months.

Source: Staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Library, 2-1-2000

Verified by: CM, 2/00

Disclaimer:
While the Library has verified the information presented in these files in what it considers to be reliable and authoritative sources, it cannot take responsibility for nor guarantee the accuracy of the information presented.