Updated on California, Central Coast, Destinations, USA

The Best Time to Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Quick Guide

Generally speaking, the early fall is often considered to be the best time to visit Carmel due to fewer crowds and beautiful, sunny weather. That said, I’m a strong believer that there’s no bad time to vacation in this charming coastal town – you just need to know what to expect during each season! Here is my quick guide on what you should know to plan the best trip for your needs. 

The Best Time to Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Season-by-Season Breakdown

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea during each season. I’ve also included any major events happening during these seasons that you should be aware of as you plan your trip. 

Visiting in the Summer

While summers in California are often associated with hot, sunny days, things are a bit different in Carmel. On average, daytime temperatures can range from the mid-60s to barely breaking into the 70s – so summers are definitely mild! In the evenings, those temperatures dip into the low 50s (don’t forget to bring a jacket!). 

Carmel also experiences coastal fog during the summer. This fog can impact visibility, which is especially relevant if you plan on visiting Big Sur or hiking at Point Lobos. It often burns off by mid-morning, but it can linger throughout the day. 

Another big factor to consider: crowds. As you might’ve expected, the summer is the most popular time for tourists looking to enjoy some of the many fun Carmel-by-the-Sea activities. This can make it harder to make last-minute reservations, and also means accommodations are pricier. 

After my most recent trip to Carmel in July, I can confirm: the town definitely gets busy in the summer! That said, it was still a beautiful time to visit – we experienced mostly sunny skies (with fog typically clearing by the late morning), and the weather hit the low 70s for a few days. 

Events in the Summer:

The shoreline at Carmel Beach on a sunny day
A tall white building with a steep roof and purple flowers on the side
Trees amidst the fog in the background, with waves rolling onto a beach surrounded by coastal cliffs in the foreground

Visiting in the Fall

As mentioned, the early fall (late September to mid October) is one of the best times to plan a trip to Carmel. The weather is at its peak during this time, with daytime temperatures hitting the low 70s. You’re also less likely to deal with as much coastal fog during this time of year. Just note that you will still need some layers for the evenings – temperatures can reach the low 50s. 

This clear, warm, and sunny weather makes these months especially popular for visitors wanting to swim in the ocean. The fall is the perfect time to spend a weekend in Carmel hanging out outside and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. 

Of course, another big draw of visiting in the early fall is that the summer crowds die down. You can enjoy amazing weather and the beauty of Carmel without too much chaos (and you’ll potentially get better hotel rates than in the summer). 

The later fall can also be a great time to visit – just be prepared for cooler and potentially wetter weather. By November, average temperatures tend to reach the mid-60s during the day and the high-40s at night. This is also the start of the rainy season, so you may run into some showers. 

Events in the Fall:

  • Great Sandcastle Contest (One Day Mid-September)
  • Taste of Carmel Food & Wine Event (One Night Early October)
  • Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk (One Day Early/Mid-October)
  • City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade (October 31st)

Visiting in the Winter

Generally speaking, the winter isn’t the most popular time to visit, beyond an uptick in visitors around the holidays. That all said, this can be a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds – and potentially snag better deals on accommodations! 

Winters in Carmel are chilly but still mild. Daytime temperatures barely reach into the low 60s, and drop into the mid-40s at night. Keep in mind that December through March is the rainy season, so make sure to pack a raincoat. While you definitely won’t want to jump in the water, it can still be a beautiful time of year for a bundled up beach walk (when it’s not raining!). 

One huge perk of visiting Carmel in the winter: this is a prime time to see gray whales! The best time to see them is December through April, with the peaks being in January and March. 

Events in the Winter:

  • Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration (One Day Early December)
  • AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Five Days in Late January/Early February)
A small beach between the coastal cliffs in Point Lobos
A flower-lined passageway with different storefronts in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Waves rolling in on the rocky coast on a sunny day in Carmel

Visiting in the Spring

The spring is a beautiful time for a Carmel trip. The weather is mild but pleasant, with daytime temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 60s, and nighttime temperatures dropping into the mid-40s. This is also a great time to visit before the early summer fog starts to roll in. 

Just keep in mind that you may still experience some rain, particularly when visiting in the early spring. The good news: those rain showers lead to beautiful wildflowers in bloom throughout town and the surrounding area! 

The generally good weather and abundance of wildflowers makes the spring a great time for visitors looking to drive the 17-Mile Drive, explore Big Sur, or spend time at Point Lobos. 

The area does start to get a bit busier after the winter slump. That said, it’s still generally calmer than it is in the summer. 

Events in the Spring:

Here are additional travel guides to check out as you plan your trip to Carmel: 

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Posted In: California, Central Coast, Destinations, USA

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Kyra is the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. As a type A traveler who loves to extensively research destinations to create the perfect vacation itinerary, she’s here to help readers so that their travel planning process is as easy as possible. In addition to running this site, she is a professional content writer in the wellness and skincare spaces, and also works as an actress.

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