Carmel Beach
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-by-the-Sea water temperature today
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea water temperature today is 63°F. Most surfers should plan around 3/2mm fullsuit.
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.
63°F1° this week
3/2mm fullsuit
Standard fullsuit for mild conditions
7-Day Temperature Trend
Data from Carmel Beach · Updated hourly
Beach Water Temperatures
Current water temperatures at each surf spot. Temperatures can vary based on local conditions, currents, and depth.
Surf spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Featured Beaches
3 spots
Carmel Beach
IntermediateMain 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
IntermediateA 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)
IntermediateRemote, 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.
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Featured Beaches(3)
Spot guide for Carmel-by-the-Sea
Break types, ratings, and local tips for each beach.
Carmel River State Beach
river-mouth
lower-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)
beach
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.
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
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.
Make the next surf call sharper
Check the forecast, surf the session, log what happened, and help Quiver keep tuning your local calls.
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