Water temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Water temperatures refreshed hourly from NOAA buoys and forecast models.

Pack the right rubber and you'll extend your sessions in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

54°F4° this week
4/3mm fullsuit

Thicker suit needed for cold water

Recommended extras: booties recommended

7-Day Temperature Trend

Data from Carmel River State Beach · Updated hourly

Beach Water Temperatures

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

Carmel River State Beach

56°F

4/3mm fullsuit

Garrapata State Beach (southern coves)

53°F

5/4mm fullsuit

Next steps

Keep planning Carmel-by-the-Sea

Water temperature answers the gear question. Use the live spot list, best-window guide, and tide page to pick the actual session.

Check live Carmel-by-the-Sea spotsSee the local breaks and jump into current surf conditions.Open pageFind the best surf windowMatch the seasonal call with the days worth watching.Open pageWatch the tide windowPair the water temperature with the next useful tide shift.Open page

Surf spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Featured Beaches(2)

Carmel River State Beach

Intermediate

South-facing cove with shifting bars at the Carmel River mouth.

Garrapata State Beach (southern coves)

Intermediate

Series of coves offering angle variety on open-coast Big Sur.

Spot guide for Carmel-by-the-Sea

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

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-by-the-Sea

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-by-the-Sea

Water temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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-by-the-Sea 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-by-the-Sea 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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