ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Big Sur vs Panama City Beach: weather in October
Panama City Beach edges out Big Sur for sun in October: 52% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 22-point gap). Panama City Beach also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (23% vs 8% of days). Both are viable — Panama City Beach is the safer bet.
Big Sur
CA
- Clear days, October
- 30%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 70°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 32%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 28%
- Rain frequency
- 8% of days
Panama City Beach
FL
- Clear days, October
- 52%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 80°F
- Early October (1st–15th)
- 59%
- Late October (16th–end)
- 46%
- Rain frequency
- 23% of days
Frequently asked
Is Big Sur or Panama City Beach warmer in October?
Panama City Beach runs warmer by day in October. Big Sur averages highs of 70°F (highs n=248 days); Panama City Beach averages highs of 80°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Big Sur or Panama City Beach in October?
Panama City Beach is measurably wetter than Big Sur. Days with measurable rain: Big Sur 8%, Panama City Beach 23% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in October, Big Sur or Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach edges out Big Sur for sun in October: 52% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 22-point gap). Panama City Beach also sees measurably more rain than Big Sur this month (23% vs 8% of days). Both are viable — Panama City Beach is the safer bet.
Compare Big Sur vs Panama City Beach in another month
All percentages are historical averages from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 8 full years (2018–2025). “Clear” means avg high ≥ 72 °F, precipitation < 1 mm, and a non-precipitation weather code. This is history, not a forecast. The live forecast for any destination is on its own page and may differ from the long-run average. Data from Open-Meteo.