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 67°F. Is it cold? It's mild for most people, so plan on a spring suit (2mm).
Water temperature refreshed hourly from an observed station reading.
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.
67°F
Spring suit (2mm)
A spring suit or shorty wetsuit is ideal
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.
Loading map...
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
- Carmel-by-the-Sea water is 67°F today, which is mild for most people, so most surfers wear a spring suit (2mm). Wind, air temperature, and session length change how cold it feels.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea water is 67°F today. Readings differ from beach to beach and through the day, so check the per-beach temperatures on this page before you go.
- 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 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.
