Climate and monthly weather forecast
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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Magnificent surroundings of luxurious homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea Town, California
Magnificent surroundings of luxurious homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea Town, California

The climate of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California is nestled on the Pacific Coast with a warm Mediterranean climate, also known by the Köppen climate classification as Csb. This charming city experiences mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers, characteristics typical of a Mediterranean climate.

Throughout the year, the city experiences temperature lows from 46.9°F (8.3°C) to highs of 69.6°F (20.9°C). The hotter months, from June to September, see a peak average of above 65°F (18.3°C), while the colder periods, November through March, witness average lows below 50°F (10°C). Humidity oscillates between 70% and 79%, marginally heightening during the warmer months.

Rainfall is scarce during the temperate summer months with levels as low as 0.04" (1mm) and climbs to more substantial amounts during winter months - up to 2.48" (63mm). The number of rainy days follows a similar pattern, ranging from a high of 12.3 days in March to a low of 1.3 days in August. The highest sea temperature, 58.1°F (14.5°C), matches the peak months of July and September when the warmest land temperatures are also observed.

The best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

The optimal period for a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea typically revolves around the period from July to September. During these months, both land and sea temperatures reach their peak, with averages from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 69.6°F (20.9°C) and 56.8°F (13.8°C) to 58.1°F (14.5°C) respectively. These sunny days average around 11 to 11.9 hours of sunshine paired with clear skies - 14.4 to 14.6 hours of daylight and a cloud cover decreasing from 16% to 13%.

The worst time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

On the contrary, Carmel-by-the-Sea may seem less inviting from December to February due to the cool and wet weather conditions. With the temperature lows dropping to 46.9°F (8.3°C) in December and high rainfall levels of up to 2.48" (63mm) in December, outdoor activities can become quite limited. More so, these months pack the highest number of rainy days, reaching up to 9.8 days in December.

Spring weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea greets spring with a lovely balance of warm temperatures and minimal rain. This period, from March to May, experiences average highs of 58.5°F (14.7°C) to 61.9°F (16.6°C) and lows of 47.7°F (8.7°C) to 50°F (10°C). Rainfall is relatively low, from 2.05" (52mm) in March to 0.47" (12mm) in May. This delightful spring weather enjoys plentiful sunlight, running from 13.2 to 14.1 hours of daylight.

Summer weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Unsurprisingly, summer in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a spectacular affair. From June through August, average temperatures lie between 65.1°F (18.4°C) and 68.4°F (20.2°C), and the city encounters the lowest rainfall quantities, going down to a minimal 0.04" (1mm) in August. This season also features the most extended daylight ranging from 14.4 hours to 14.6 hours and the highest amount of sun exposure, reaching up to 11.9 hours.

Autumn weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Autumn in Carmel-by-the-Sea spans from September through November, bringing slight temperature drops with highs fluctuating from 69.6°F (20.9°C) to 61.9°F (16.6°C) and low ranges between 55.4°F (13°C) and 50.9°F (10.5°C). Rainfall increases yet remains moderate from 0.08" (2mm) in September up to 1.26" (32mm) in November. Despite declining daylight hours, there is a respectable 10.2 to 12.4 hours of daylight.

Winter weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Winter in Carmel-by-the-Sea is acknowledged for the low temperatures and rain. Average highs go from 66.7°F (19.3°C) in December to 57°F (13.9°C) in February while lows drop from 54.3°F (12.4°C) to 46.9°F (8.3°C). December sees the highest rainfall, 2.48" (63mm) that cascade over a 9.8 day period. The shorter daylight hours of 9.7 to 10.2 and the increased cloud coverage of 30% to 33% attribute to the melancholic charm of winters in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Weather in January

January weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea is characterized by moderate temperatures, with the highest temperature recorded at 58.5°F (14.7°C) and the lowest at 47.7°F (8.7°C). The month witnesses higher rainfall levels compared to the rest of the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Carmel-by-the-Sea has relatively consistent weather conditions compared to January, with the highest temperature at 57.6°F (14.2°C) and the lowest at 47.1°F (8.4°C). However, the accumulation of rainfall decreases slightly from the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March is fairly similar to February in terms of weather patterns, yet it is the month with the highest number of rainfall days i.e. 12.3 days. The temperatures continue to remain moderate, and the humidity tends to rise as the precipitation increases. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By the time it’s April, rainfall in Carmel-by-the-Sea significantly drops to 0.87" (22mm). This month marks the start of the drier season in the area. As a result, outdoor activities become more appealing. Sunshine hours sharply rise, and sea temperatures remain mild throughout the month. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signifies the transition from spring to summer in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The highest temperature is 61.9°F (16.6°C) while the minimum temperature is 50°F (10°C). An increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall mark the onset of the warmer months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings about warmer weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea. However, the temperature comes with minimal humidity, hence it feels comfortable rather than stifling. With the increase in temperatures, sea temperatures also rise to 54.4°F (12.4°C). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the warmest month in Carmel-by-the-Sea with temperatures peaking at 67.6°F (19.8°C). The weather remains dry, with sporadic rainfall witnessed throughout the month. Taking advantage of the warm sea temperatures, many residents and tourists engage in water activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains the heat of July with a slight increase in the highest temperature to 68.4°F (20.2°C). As the month progresses, daylight hours gradually reduce, marking the slow transition towards autumn. However, this does not affect the ample sunshine hours the city receives. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, Carmel-by-the-Sea experiences a slight drop in maximum temperature to 69.6°F (20.9°C). This coincides with the start of the downward trend toward more fall-like weather conditions. However, the sunshine hours and daylight are still abundant, making it a pleasant time to visit the city. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October witnesses a significant decrease in maximum temperatures, with a high of 66.7°F (19.3°C) and a low temperature of 54.3°F (12.4°C). This marks the onset of autumn in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Rainfall is minimal but gradually starts picking up towards November. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks the beginning of cooler weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea. However, there is a sharp rise in rainfall amounts compared to the previous month, with 1.26" (32mm) recorded. The rainfall signals the imminent arrival of winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December is the coldest month in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with the lowest temperature recorded at 46.9°F (8.3°C). This month also receives the highest rainfall in the year at 2.48" (63mm), marking the onset of winter. Despite the chilly temperatures, the sea temperature is mild enough to allow certain water activities. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 15, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain?

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, during the entire year, the rain falls for 70 days and collects up to 11.93" (303mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

When is the ocean coldest?

April is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 53.8°F (12.1°C).

When are the longest days?

With an average of 14h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June through September, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 79%, August is the most humid month.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 1.3 days and typically collects 0.04" (1mm) of precipitation.

What are the months with the warmest ocean in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

August and September, with an average ocean temperature of 58.1°F (14.5°C), are months with the warmest seawater.

What is the hottest time of year?

September, recording an average high temperature of 69.6°F (20.9°C) and a low temperature of 55.4°F (13°C), is Carmel-by-the-Sea's warmest month.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 70%, November is the least humid month.

What are the coldest months?

December, noted for its average high-temperature of 57°F (13.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 46.9°F (8.3°C), is considered the coldest month.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 9.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.48" (63mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.9h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 3, December is the month with the lowest UV index.

Average temperature
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average temperature - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is September (69.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (57°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is September (55.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (46.9°F).

Average pressure
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average pressure - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June, August and September (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average wind speed - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (6.2mph).

Average humidity
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average humidity - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The month with the highest relative humidity is August (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (70%).

Average rainfall
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average rainfall - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (2.48").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (0.04").

Average rainfall days
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average rainfall days - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (12.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (1.3 days).

Average sea temperature
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average sea temperature - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are August and September (58.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is April (53.8°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average sunshine days - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The month with the most sunshine days is August (27.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (17.3 days).

Average UV index
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average UV index - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The months with the highest UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 3).

Average visibility
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Average visibility - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA

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