Carmel-by-the-Sea, on California’s central coast, enjoys a cool Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures and abundant marine fog. The town experiences little seasonal variation, with comfortable days, cool nights, and moderate rainfall mostly in winter. Its unique blend of sun, mist, and ocean breezes makes Carmel a year-round destination for coastal walks, art, and relaxation.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Carmel-by-the-Sea features a cool-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb), shaped by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures are remarkably stable throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 15°C in December and January to 22°C in September and October. Nighttime lows hover between 6°C and 12°C. The town is often enveloped in marine fog, especially in summer, which keeps days cool and lends a mystical quality to the landscape. September and October are typically the sunniest and warmest months, while June to August brings frequent morning fog that usually clears by afternoon.
Annual rainfall averages 415–517 mm, with nearly all precipitation falling between November and April. December is the wettest month, averaging 85–106 mm of rain over 11 days, while August is the driest, with less than 1 mm. Snow is virtually unknown. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 7–15 km/h, with stronger gusts possible during winter storms. The area enjoys about 269–300 sunny days per year, with daylight ranging from 9 hours in winter to 15 hours in midsummer. The ocean remains cool year-round, and powerful waves make swimming risky, though the beaches are ideal for walking and sunset views.
Spring and autumn are transitional, with blooming flowers, crisp air, and vibrant foliage. The climate’s consistency supports lush gardens, dog-friendly beaches, and a lively outdoor café scene. Carmel’s weather is famously changeable – layers are always recommended.
| Average climate data for Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 21 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 53 | 49 | 52 | 22 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 32 | 63 | 303 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 9 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 69 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 71 | 75 | 77 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 78 | 78 | 76 | 72 | 71 | 72 | 75 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 29 | 30 | 34 | 28 | 27 | 16 | 13 | 17 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 34 | 24 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
The best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea is from September to early November, when the weather is sunniest and warmest, crowds are smaller, and outdoor activities are at their best. This period, known as the "secret season," offers ideal conditions for beach walks, art events, and exploring the scenic coastline.
The least favourable time to visit is from December to March, when rain is most frequent and mornings can be misty or damp. While the climate remains mild, some outdoor activities may be limited by wet weather, though winter offers tranquillity and opportunities for whale watching and cosy fireside retreats.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a cool Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures, abundant marine fog, and little seasonal variation. Summers are cool and misty, winters are mild and damp, and rainfall is concentrated from November to April.
The best time to visit is September to early November, when days are sunniest and warmest, crowds are smaller, and outdoor activities like beach walks and festivals are at their peak.
Rainfall averages 415–517 mm per year, with most rain falling from November to April. December is the wettest month, while summers are very dry. Rain is usually light to moderate, with few heavy storms.
The Pacific Ocean remains cool year-round, with water temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C. Waves are powerful, making swimming risky, but the beaches are ideal for walking, tide pooling, and sunset views.
Yes, marine fog is common, especially in summer. Mornings are often misty but usually clear by afternoon, creating a unique and atmospheric coastal environment.
Pack layers, including jumpers and a light rain jacket, as weather can change quickly. Even in summer, evenings are cool. Bring sturdy shoes for beach walks and a camera for the stunning sunsets.
Carmel is perfect for beach walks, picnics, and sunsets, but the ocean is too cold and waves too strong for most swimming. The beaches are dog-friendly and great for relaxation and scenic views.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is September (20.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (13.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 17 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is September (13 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (8.3 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 10.5 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is September (14.5 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is April (12 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 13.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (63.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (1 mm). Over the whole year there are 303.1 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (12.2 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (1.3 days). Over the whole year there are 69.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is June (78.9 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is January (70.9 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 75.3 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is May (13.6 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (10.1 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 11.8 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is March (33.8 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (12.8 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 23.6 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 11.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 5.1 h). Over the whole year there are 8.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index: 5). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.2.
