Carmel Beach
Beach break · Monterey · Beginner → Advanced
Carmel Beach surf today
Forecast for Wednesday 14 October
Intermediate : Dark out. Tomorrow looks good — aim for 7h.
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner —
- Intermediate 85
- Advanced 100
- Waves 1.8 m · 13 s period
- Wind NE 9 km/h (gusts 19 km/h)
- Tides: ▲ 02:00 · ▽ 06:00 · ▲ 12:00 · ▽ 20:00
About this spot
Sandbar peaks all along Carmel beach. Best at medium to high tide on small, clean, wedgy swells.
Spot photos
Carmel Beach in detail
Beginner → Advanced
Ideal for starting out or longboarding. Mellow waves, little current, surf school usually nearby.
Access & landmarks
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
Safety
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Frequently asked about Carmel Beach
What tide is best for surfing Carmel Beach?
At Carmel Beach, tide isn't a deciding factor: the spot stays surfable across most tide states. Focus on the swell and the wind instead.
Is Carmel Beach suitable for beginners?
Carmel Beach is rather accessible to beginners when the waves stay small and the wind is light. Still, check currents, tide and local guidelines before entering.
What wind is ideal for Carmel Beach?
The ideal wind at Carmel Beach comes broadly from East: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Carmel Beach?
Around Carmel Beach, you can also check conditions at Asilomar, Monterey State Beach, Marina State Beach. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.