Carmel-by-the-Sea in September
Great time to visit
September might be Carmel's secret best month - stellar weather with crowds starting to thin. Locals call this the 'second summer' for good reason.
Weather
September often delivers Carmel's best weather as the marine layer retreats further and temperatures remain warm without summer's peak heat. Clear, sunny days become the norm while evenings stay comfortable for outdoor dining.
23°C high12°C low1 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$290/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Monterey Jazz Festival
September Tips
- •Still book ahead but slightly easier than peak summer months
- •Perfect weather for hiking Point Lobos and Big Sur
- •Ocean water reaches yearly warmth peak - best swimming conditions
All Months
April through October gives you the best weather, but each season brings trade-offs. Summer means crowds and $500 hotel rooms, but also warm beach days and clear skies for sunset watching at Carmel Beach.
May and September offer the sweet spot — fewer tourists, better hotel rates, and weather that's still warm enough for beach walks. The marine layer burns off by noon most days, revealing those postcard-perfect blue skies.
Winter brings rain and empty streets, which some people love. Hotel rates drop to $200-300 per night, restaurants take walk-ins, and you get the village mostly to yourself. But expect gray skies and temperatures in the 50s. Pack layers.
Avoid July 4th weekend and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February unless you book months ahead. The Bach Festival in July draws classical music lovers but also jacks up prices across town.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
8/10
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