Carmel is located just south of the majestic and pristine marine sanctuary of Monterey Bay. A stone’s throw from Pebble Beach and its famous golf courses, this idyllic resort community offers a moderate temperature throughout the year. Known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, the artisan city lies in the midst of a microclimate, being on a peninsula, surrounded by the ocean and backed by mountains and valleys. As a world-class coastal resort Carmel has unique and changeable weather patterns.
Crisp, clear winter days with blue skies give way to cold evenings that are warmed by a roaring fireplace, which is what to be expected at one of the many quaint inns in the village of Carmel. Spring can have windswept days of sunshine between rainstorms that end in rainbows over the bay. Summer’s coastline marine layer burns off by the afternoon transitioning to a cool, comfortable evening. Autumn’s sunny mornings and warm to hot afternoons are pleasantly refreshed by breezes from the surrounding valleys–definitely a favorite time to visit Carmel and its wineries.
Beaches
Carmel River Bay looks toward Point Lobos State Park and the Big Sur cliffs beyond. Beach weather can range from heavy fog to brilliant sunshine delivering rainbows and blue skies with large cumulus clouds. Being a beach resort, come prepared. It helps to keep a pair of shorts or a swimsuit in the trunk of your car along with a blanket, sunscreen, a towel, a fleece hoodie and a pair of long pants (for those forages into the dense redwood forests) to protect you from a variety of bugs and plants. Be sure to stay the paths down to the your favorite swimming spot.
Tide pooling and Marine Life
The white sands and dunes of Carmel Beach, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove have some of the most spectacular views of Pacific Ocean’s marine life. Because Monterey Bay is a marine sanctuary, seals, otters, dolphins and whales (killers and greys) are frequent guests to these turquoise and aqua shores. Tide pooling along Pebble Beach or Asilomar in Pacific Grove is a experience with nature’s delicate balance. Most beaches are pet-friendly, and remember to bring water and a leash along for your walks at Monastery ‘Carmel River’ Beach, the Garrapatta trail in Big Sur, Asilomar, Lovers Cove or Del Monte Beach in Monterey.
Pebble Beach is located just North of Carmel and has a more windward facing temperament. The white-capped ocean is spectacular, and you should always have a windbreaker or sweater when playing any of the top golf courses on the Monterey Peninsula. Temperatures range from 32 in the winter and spring to the 80’s, and sometimes into the 90’s, in late summer or fall. Fog is always to be a consideration, especially if the Central Valley of California is very hot. Pebble Beach seems to see more fog in mornings and late afternoons, especially along the immediate coastline and along the peaks of the coastal mountains.
Outdoor Sports
Golf, hiking, kayaking, sailing, surfing or swimming along the Monterey Bay can be exciting, but be sure and be prepared for changes in weather. Dress in layers and act responsibly when you’re close to the sea. High winds and strong surf are normal on the Peninsula. There are no lifeguards on any of the beaches, so it is always best to stay close to shore and have someone come along.
Carmel Spring: March, April & May
You can count on rain showers mixed with sunshine and fog throughout the spring season. Be prepared for a variety of weather temperatures. Keep an umbrella in the car as offshore storms can come through the peninsula quickly. Rainstorms usually give way to sunshine and some of the most beautiful double rainbows you’ll ever see. Temperatures can typically range from 32 to 70. This is the season that Carmel fields and meadows blossom with wild flowers, grasses and a variety of wildlife.
Carmel Summer: June, July & August
Carmel summers tend to be foggy and slightly cooler than inland central California (50-70’s) This is what makes the area a welcome getaway for visitors from Sacramento to Los Angeles. The fog can clear out by early afternoon giving way to exceptionally beautiful red and gold sunsets at the beach. When late August approaches, Carmel generally gets out its warmest days. It’s a season with fragrant breezes and when wine production and harvest is celebrated throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Rain is hardly ever a problem during summer, but bring a light jacket or shell for those marine-cooled summer nights with a magical cast of fog lingering over the ocean.
Carmel Fall: September, October & November
Autumn is a great time on the Peninsula, when one can really enjoy kayaking, hiking, biking, wine tasting, birding and many of the Peninsula’s outdoor events. The Tomatoe Festival, Art & Wine Weekends and Wine Harvests all occur during these months when you can enjoy warm, sunny days and pleasant balmy nights. Bring a blanket for the beach and bottled water when enjoying recreational activities so you stay hydrated in this clean, clear environment. If you do any wine tasting in the Carmel Valley, but sure to further complement the experience with some gourmet delights, then sit back and drink in the beauty of the season.
Carmel Winter: December, January & February
Everything from mystical and cloudy skies full of rain showers to bright sunny days are possible during winter in Carmel. Storms from Mexico and the Northwest can blow through the Peninsula and back out again quickly. The beaches are especially cool and breezy during these months, and golfers are always challenged by the weather. Visitors are wise to bring everything from a warm raincoat, and sweater to a bikini bathing suit during a holiday visit to Carmel, because you can experience it all during this wonderful time of the year.
What to Pack
A towel, beach shoes, sun block, a light sweater or fleece with shorts, a pair of long pants for hiking–a good variety of clothes for a visit the Monterey Peninsula. If you like a swim in the ocean, be sure to pack bottled water and sunscreen, as Carmel weather has no way to block out the sun’s rays and prevent sunburn or windburn. A good hat is always a must, and dressing in layers is a smart way to prepare for this exceptionally beautiful natural environment chock full of outdoor experiences.
