Carmel

Carmel

Monterey, California, USA
MapWhere to Stay

Wave Quality

Regional Classic

Wave Type

Sand-bar

Swell Direction

NorthWest, West, SouthWest

Best Wind

East

Best Tide

Mid tide

Carmel Weather Forecast

Live Webcams Near Carmel

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About

Carmel Beach, a gem nestled in Monterey, California, offers rippable waves that dance upon a sandy bottom, catering to both right and left riders. Best approached at mid tide, the swell from the northwest, west, and southwest begins to roll in at a modest 3 to 5 feet, holding strong up to 8 feet or more when conditions align. The winds from the east complement the scene, where surfers are greeted by the iconic backdrop of cypress trees and coastal cliffs. As the sun dips, the crowd swells, but the thrill of the wave makes the journey worth every moment.

Wave Characteristics

Wave QualityRegional Classic
Wave TypeSand-bar
Wave DirectionRight and left
Wave Powerrippable
BottomSandy
Swell SizeStarts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 2.5m+ / 8ft+

Ideal Conditions

Swell DirectionNorthWest, West, SouthWest
Best WindEast
Best Tide PositionMid tide
Best Tide MovementRising and falling tides

Location & Access

AddressCarmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
City / AreaMonterey
Zip Code93921
StateCalifornia
CountryUSA

Data validated from official sources and surf reports but may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify local conditions before heading out.

Where to stay

Lodging near Carmel

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FAQ

Carmel Questions

What kind of wave is Carmel?

Carmel is a sand-bar break with right and left waves over a sandy bottom.

How good is the surf at Carmel?

Carmel is rated regional classic for wave quality.

What swell works best at Carmel?

Carmel works best on a northwest, west, southwest swell. Swell size: starts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 2.5m+ / 8ft+.

What wind is best for Carmel?

The best wind for Carmel is east.

What tide is best for surfing Carmel?

Carmel works best at mid tide on rising and falling tides.

Where can I stay near Carmel?

The lodging map on this page shows hotels and vacation rentals near Carmel, with prices for your dates.

Where is Carmel?

Carmel is a surf spot in Monterey, California, USA.