Carmel water temperature today

Carmel, California

Carmel water temperature today is 57°F. Most surfers should plan around 4/3mm fullsuit.

Water temperatures refreshed hourly from NOAA buoys and forecast models.

Pack the right rubber and you'll extend your sessions in Carmel by an hour. Temps swing from upwelling lows to summer peaks, and the difference between a 3/2 and a 4/3 day can come overnight.

57°F
4/3mm fullsuit

Thicker suit needed for cold water

Recommended extras: booties recommended

7-Day Temperature Trend

Data from Monastery Beach / San Jose Creek Beach · Updated hourly

Beach Water Temperatures

Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.

Monastery Beach / San Jose Creek Beach

57°F

4/3mm fullsuit

Surf spots in Carmel

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Featured Beaches(4)

Carmel Beach

Intermediate

Main Carmel-by-the-Sea surf zone with several shifting beach-break peaks along the white-sand beach. Better for research as the core local spot, but conditions can change quickly with sandbars, tide, and wind.

Carmel River State Beach

Intermediate

A hazardous Carmel-area rivermouth and sandbar zone at Carmel River State Beach. Include for research completeness, but this is not a casual surf recommendation.

Garrapata State Beach (southern coves)

Intermediate

Remote, exposed beach-break zone on the north Big Sur coast. Garrapata is a coastal state park surf zone with meaningful rips, undertow, rocks, and shark risk.

Monastery Beach / San Jose Creek Beach

Intermediate to expert

Monastery Beach is included only as an expert and hazard research entry. Reliable public sources emphasize scuba use and dangerous water conditions more than ordinary surf use.

Spot guide for Carmel

Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.

Monastery Beach / San Jose Creek Beach
beach
expert

Monastery Beach is included only as an expert and hazard research entry. Reliable public sources emphasize scuba use and dangerous water conditions more than ordinary surf use.

What to know about water temperature

  • Weekly temperature trends and seasonal averages
  • Gear recommendations for dawn patrol versus midday
  • Upwelling signals that drop temps overnight
  • Health and recovery tips for long cold sessions

Surf Guides for Carmel

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
Best early morning sessions
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
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Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Carmel

Water temperatures in Carmel typically range from 55-72°F. For summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is recommended. In winter, you'll want 4/3mm. Spring and fall may require adjusting based on your cold tolerance.
Water temperatures in Carmel vary by season, ranging from 55-72°F. Check Quiver's live water temperature data for real-time readings at specific surf spots. Temperatures are typically warmest around August-September and coldest in January-February.
Water temperatures in Carmel range from 55-72°F, so most surfers wear at least spring suit or 3/2mm even in summer. A wetsuit is recommended year-round for longer sessions and early morning surfs.

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