Carmel-by-the-Sea Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square-mile village on the south side of the Monterey Peninsula. Ocean Avenue runs downhill through art galleries, inns and restaurants to a white-sand beach on Carmel Bay. The city manages Carmel Beach and the Scenic Pathway above it, reached by stairways off Scenic Road. Just south, the Carmel River meets the sea at Carmel River State Beach, with Monastery Beach and the Big Sur coast beyond.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Carmel-by-the-Sea weather today and through the year
It's 54°F at Carmel-by-the-Sea right now (feels like 50°F), with 4 mph wind and a comfort score of 77. Monday's forecast high at Carmel-by-the-Sea is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 12 mph wind (comfort 71).
September is the warmest month at Carmel-by-the-Sea, with an average high of 70°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. January is the wettest month (4.5 in.), out of about 21.7 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Carmel-by-the-Sea are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 11 AM to 2 PM in October.
Carmel faces west straight onto Carmel Bay and the open Pacific, with nothing to break the onshore flow. In summer, cold water that wells up from the deep ocean along the Big Sur and Monterey coast chills the air above it. That forms the marine layer, a sheet of cool, damp air and fog that covers the town on many summer mornings. It usually clears in the afternoon, but on some summer days the beach stays cool and gray.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Carmel-by-the-Sea in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Best time to go
The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 12 mph wind (comfort 71).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a 58°F high and midday comfort near 73. Thursday looks weakest (47).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (63%, about 0.33 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Carmel-by-the-Sea right now
Overcast and 54° at Carmel-by-the-Sea right now.
About the live weather map for Carmel-by-the-Sea
The map centers on Carmel-by-the-Sea and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Carmel-by-the-Sea climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Carmel-by-the-Sea with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Carmel-by-the-Sea departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Carmel-by-the-Sea weather by month
September is the warmest month at Carmel-by-the-Sea, with an average high of 70°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F. January is the wettest month (4.5 in.), out of about 21.7 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 42% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 17% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Carmel-by-the-Sea are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 11 AM to 2 PM in October.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61°F | 43°F | 4.5 in | 9 | 6% | 26% | 7 mph | 9.9 h | 64 |
| Feb | 61°F | 44°F | 4.3 in | 9 | 8% | 24% | 8 mph | 10.8 h | 62 |
| Mar | 62°F | 45°F | 3.4 in | 8 | 11% | 29% | 9 mph | 11.9 h | 63 |
| Apr | 63°F | 46°F | 1.5 in | 5 | 16% | 32% | 9 mph | 13.1 h | 66 |
| May | 64°F | 48°F | 0.6 in | 3 | 21% | 43% | 9 mph | 14.1 h | 64 |
| Jun | 66°F | 50°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 31% | 43% | 9 mph | 14.6 h | 74 |
| Jul | 67°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 42% | 49% | 8 mph | 14.4 h | 73 |
| Aug | 69°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 39% | 42% | 8 mph | 13.5 h | 81 |
| Sep | 70°F | 53°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 28% | 32% | 7 mph | 12.3 h | 85 |
| Oct | 69°F | 50°F | 1.0 in | 4 | 17% | 21% | 7 mph | 11.1 h | 80 |
| Nov | 64°F | 46°F | 2.2 in | 6 | 8% | 17% | 6 mph | 10.1 h | 77 |
| Dec | 60°F | 43°F | 3.9 in | 8 | 10% | 25% | 7 mph | 9.7 h | 63 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea's weather different
When the fog burns off
1 PMwhen July fog usually thins (52% foggy at 2 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Carmel-by-the-Sea in 52% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 1 PM, but 16% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (6%).
When the wind picks up
noonwhen afternoon wind builds, March–September
From March through September, wind at Carmel-by-the-Sea typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 6% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
Daylight
9.7–14.6 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Carmel-by-the-Sea range from about 9.7 hours in December to 14.6 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:26 PM, and in mid-December around 4:59 PM.
Seasons at Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Warm seasonAug 3 – Oct 27 · highs 68°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.8 months, from Aug 3 to Oct 27, when the average high is 68°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 70°F.
- Cool seasonDec 4 – Feb 25 · highs 61°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 4 to Feb 25, when the average high is 61°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 43°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 16 – Apr 4 · 80% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 16 to Apr 4, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 80% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Nov 1 and half of its annual total by Jan 27.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Carmel-by-the-Sea averaged 1 day a year at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 15 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 4 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 102 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (93°F) and the coldest night was Feb 10, 2025 (35°F). The wettest day was Feb 14, 2025 (1.92 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 57 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 1day at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 15days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 4afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 102mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day93°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night35°FFeb 10, 2025
- Wettest day1.92 inFeb 14, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust57 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Carmel-by-the-Sea's weather
The contrast with Carmel Valley is the local weather lesson. A few miles up the Carmel River, the hills of the Santa Lucia Range block the marine air. The valley is often sunny and much warmer while the village is still in fog.
Fall is the season locals wait for. Once the summer sea-breeze pattern weakens in September and October, the fog backs off, and Carmel gets its sunniest, warmest days of the year with cool nights.
Winter in Carmel is mild and is the wettest season, with sunny spells between storms. Those storms also bring the biggest surf to the beach.
Tips for visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea
Pack layers, even in summer
Summer mornings usually start under the marine layer, and the coast stays cool. Visit Carmel recommends layers in summer and a light rain jacket in spring.
No lifeguards on Carmel Beach
The city warns visitors to stay aware of waves, undertow, and rip currents.
Only propane fires on the beach
Wood fires and bonfires are banned. Safety-certified propane devices are allowed year-round south of 10th Avenue.
Dogs can run off leash on the sand
Dogs may be off leash on Carmel Beach under voice control but must be leashed on the Scenic Pathway and everywhere else in town.
Find parking on Scenic Road
Besides the lot at the foot of Ocean Avenue, Scenic Road between 8th Avenue and Martin Way has no time limit from 5 a.m. to midnight. Vehicles over 7.5 feet tall or 20 feet long can't park there.
Stay out of the water at Carmel River
State Parks warns that swimming, wading, or walking near the lagoon sanctuary at Carmel River State Beach can be extremely dangerous.
Carmel-by-the-Sea through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring is cool and often sunny before the summer fog sets in.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is peak visitor season and peak fog season. Mornings are often gray, and the marine layer clears by afternoon on most days.
- Fall (September–October)
- Locals call it the secret season. It is the sunniest time of year in Carmel, with warm, clear days and cool nights.
- Winter (November–February)
- Winter is cooler and quieter but still mild, with rain coming in storms. It is a good time for gallery browsing and dining without crowds.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Beach walks with the dog: Beach walks are pleasant in any dry weather. Fall afternoons bring the best sun, while summer mornings are often gray and damp.
- Propane fires on the beach: Calm, clear evenings are best. Wind off the bay makes fires and picnics uncomfortable on breezy nights.
- Gallery and village strolling: Strolling the village is a fine plan on foggy or rainy days, since most galleries and shops are within walking distance.
- Diving and snorkeling at Monastery Beach: Dive only when the surf is small and conditions are calm. Monastery Beach is part of Carmel River State Beach and popular with scuba divers.
Official sources and current conditions
- City of Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel Beach rules
- Visit Carmel: Weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- California State Parks: Carmel River State Beach
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 83 | 63.6° / 46.5° | 7h | 1d | 2.72" | 21 |
| December 2024 | 79 | 62.5° / 48° | 5.9h | 4d | 3.12" | 16 |
| January 2025 | 86 | 61.3° / 43.1° | 7.2h | 0d | 0.19" | 25 |
| February 2025 | 80 | 61.9° / 45.7° | 7.4h | 1d | 5.14" | 19 |
| March 2025 | 80 | 60.2° / 46.4° | 8.4h | 1d | 3.47" | 18 |
| April 2025 | 82 | 60° / 48.7° | 8.8h | 8d | 0.81" | 19 |
| May 2025 | 86 | 62.2° / 50.3° | 10.2h | 6d | 0.09" | 26 |
| June 2025 | 82 | 61.5° / 52° | 9.9h | 16d | 0" | 18 |
| July 2025 | 82 | 63.6° / 54.9° | 8.8h | 17d | 0.01" | 19 |
| August 2025 | 87 | 67.5° / 56.3° | 9.5h | 13d | 0.04" | 23 |
| September 2025 | 86 | 69.2° / 58.6° | 8.6h | 8d | 0.17" | 23 |
| October 2025 | 89 | 67.4° / 53.2° | 8.3h | 4d | 1.06" | 26 |
| November 2025 | 82 | 65.3° / 50.7° | 7h | 4d | 3.72" | 20 |
| December 2025 | 82 | 65.7° / 50.1° | 5.9h | 3d | 2.71" | 21 |
| January 2026 | 83 | 65.4° / 49.1° | 6.8h | 3d | 4.49" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 80 | 65.1° / 49.5° | 7h | 1d | 5.77" | 20 |
| March 2026 | 93 | 70.7° / 51.9° | 9.7h | 2d | 0" | 29 |
| April 2026 | 87 | 65.3° / 50.4° | 9.6h | 2d | 2.99" | 25 |
| May 2026 | 85 | 63.1° / 52.3° | 9.8h | 8d | 0.59" | 23 |
| June 2026 | 84 | 65.5° / 55.7° | 9.5h | 14d | 0.01" | 20 |
| July 2026 | 84 | 66.4° / 56.8° | 9.7h | 15d | 0" | 20 |
| August 2026 | 81 | 66.7° / 57.4° | 7.7h | 20d | 0" | 19 |
| September 2026 | 90 | 69.3° / 55.5° | 9.3h | 3d | 0" | 27 |
| October 2026 | 89 | 69° / 54.9° | 7.9h | 3d | 0.42" | 26 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Carmel-by-the-Sea climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Carmel-by-the-Sea, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Carmel-by-the-Sea, the warmest typical hour is 1 PM in October (67°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (48°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Carmel-by-the-Sea in 52% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 1 PM, but 16% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (6%).
- Wind: From March through September, wind at Carmel-by-the-Sea typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 6% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Carmel-by-the-Sea (17% average cloud cover), and July middays are the cloudiest (49%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Carmel-by-the-Sea comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 810 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Carmel-by-the-Sea
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Carmel-by-the-Sea changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Carmel-by-the-Sea through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Carmel-by-the-Sea for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Carmel-by-the-Sea by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Carmel-by-the-Sea
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Carmel-by-the-Sea averaged a high of 69°F, close to the 1991-2020 normal of 69°F. It brought 0.42 in. of rain, compared with a normal of 0.96 in.
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.3 in. of rain to Carmel-by-the-Sea, 98% of the 21.7 in. normal.
Location Details
Carmel-by-the-Sea weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea
What is the weather like at Carmel-by-the-Sea today?
It's 54°F at Carmel-by-the-Sea right now, with a comfort score of 77 (great). Monday's forecast high at Carmel-by-the-Sea is 56°F, 8°F below the mid November normal of 64°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 61°F with a 12 mph wind (comfort 71).
What is the best month to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Carmel-by-the-Sea are September, August, and October. The best hours are usually 11 AM to 2 PM in September, noon to 3 PM in August, and 11 AM to 2 PM in October. The warm season lasts about 2.8 months, from Aug 3 to Oct 27, when the average high is 68°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 70°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Carmel-by-the-Sea?
September is the warmest month at Carmel-by-the-Sea, with an average high of 70°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 43°F.
When does the fog burn off at Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Fog or low cloud covers Carmel-by-the-Sea in 52% of 2 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 1 PM, but 16% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. January mornings are the least foggy (6%).
When is it windiest at Carmel-by-the-Sea?
From March through September, wind at Carmel-by-the-Sea typically builds after noon. In April it peaks around 3 PM, averaging 10 mph with 6% of those hours windy, while mornings average 5 mph.
How much rain does Carmel-by-the-Sea get?
January is the wettest month (4.5 in.), out of about 21.7 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 16 to Apr 4, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 80% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 21.3 in. of rain to Carmel-by-the-Sea, 98% of the 21.7 in. normal.
What kind of place is Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square-mile village on the south side of the Monterey Peninsula. Ocean Avenue runs downhill through art galleries, inns and restaurants to a white-sand beach on Carmel Bay. The city manages Carmel Beach and the Scenic Pathway above it, reached by stairways off Scenic Road. Just south, the Carmel River meets the sea at Carmel River State Beach, with Monastery Beach and the Big Sur coast beyond.
What is Carmel-by-the-Sea weather like in November?
November at Carmel-by-the-Sea averages a high of 64°F and a low of 46°F, with 2.2 in. of rain over about 6 rainy days. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Carmel-by-the-Sea weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach rules (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Visit Carmel, Weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Visit Carmel (official travel site) (accessed 2026-10-27)
- California State Parks, Carmel River State Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
Rendered 2026-11-15T12:16:21.630Z.