74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
73
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.
14.4ft waves · NWS alert active · 74°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 74, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 3 to 8 mph.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 67°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- 14.4ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 8:42am pst until november 9 at 3:00pm pst by nws san francisco ca
73 /100
great
19 Swim
84 Sunbathe
86 Walk
83 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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 November 7 at 8:42AM PST until November 9 at 3:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 20 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
74°F
Clear
Wind
3 to 8 mph
NW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
36 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Carmel Valley
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
73°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
67°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
9:52 PM
4.0 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
14.4 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.08 inHg
1019 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:37 AM
Sunset
5:05 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 8:28 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:52 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:47 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 9:52 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 4:17 AM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 4:51 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:49 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 5:30 AM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:35 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
73°
Sunny
0%
82
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
74°
Sunny
0%
82
75°
Sunny
0%
84
72°
Mostly Sunny
12%
79
69°
Chance Light Rain
31%
61
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 67°F
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