83°
Mostly Sunny
1%
71
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 59°F water · 83°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny. High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West northwest wind around 5 mph.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 9:34am pdt until september 11 at 3:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
71 /100
great
9 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 9:34AM PDT until September 11 at 3:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 10 to 20 kt expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...From 3 PM Thursday to 3 AM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Clear
Wind
7 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
77°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
59°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:47 PM
5.9 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.04 inHg
1017 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:55 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:26 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
77°
Mostly Sunny
2%
81
73°
Mostly Sunny
0%
79
70°
Mostly Sunny
0%
68
67°
Sunny
0%
66
67°
Mostly Sunny
0%
71
65°
Partly Sunny
2%
70
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Carmel Beach today?
Carmel Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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