63°
Sunny
0%
59
Monterey County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Carmel Beach
Ocean Ave at Scenic Rd, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
A wide crescent of fine white sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea — backed by cypress trees and the village. Dramatic Monterey Pines, harbor seals on the southern rocks, and one of the West Coast's great sunset beaches. Off-leash dogs are a Carmel cultural fixture.
Today's Conditions
Great day for photography.
NWS alert active · 63°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 63, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northwest wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Weather
- 63°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 60°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — gale warning issued june 3 at 8:32am pdt until june 4 at 9:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
60 /100
good
4 Swim
55 Sunbathe
74 Walk
80 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Gale/Storm Gale Warning
Gale Warning issued June 3 at 8:32AM PDT until June 4 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...Until 9 AM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
63°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 10 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
60°F
Cold
Wave Height
5.6 ft
16s · SW swell
Barometer
30.06 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 5mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:50 AM
Sunset
11:21 PM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:41 AM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 3:09 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| 6:27 PM | Low | 3.1 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Mostly Sunny
1%
59
68°
Mostly Sunny
0%
67
64°
Sunny
0%
59
64°
Mostly Sunny
0%
59
66°
Partly Sunny
5%
67
67°
Partly Sunny
8%
67
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 60°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free street parking in the village; lots up the Ocean Avenue hill.
Dogs
Dogs allowed off-leash year-round — one of the few off-leash beaches on the California coast.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Ocean Ave at Scenic Rd, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Carmel Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Carmel Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Carmel Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed off-leash year-round — one of the few off-leash beaches on the California coast.
Is there an entry fee at Carmel Beach?
Entry to Carmel Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Carmel Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Carmel Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Carmel Beach?
Amenities at Carmel Beach include restrooms (at the top of Ocean Ave), restaurants in village, no formal facilities.
When is the water warmest at Carmel Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Carmel Beach located?
Carmel Beach is in Monterey County, CA, at Ocean Ave at Scenic Rd, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS