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Is it too cold to swim in Carmel-by-the-Sea today?
The latest reading is 67°F (19.3°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 8:30 AM PST at Monterey. That is cold water.
Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards.
How cold is too cold to swim?Water temperature this week
Hourly water temperature at Monterey
Water temperature through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in September.
Average ocean temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 53°F | 57°F |
| February | 54°F | 53°F | 56°F |
| March | 54°F | 52°F | 56°F |
| April | 54°F | 52°F | 56°F |
| May | 55°F | 52°F | 57°F |
| June | 56°F | 54°F | 57°F |
| July | 58°F | 56°F | 59°F |
| August | 59°F | 57°F | 61°F |
| September | 60°F | 58°F | 63°F |
| October | 59°F | 56°F | 61°F |
| November | 57°F | 54°F | 59°F |
| December | 56°F | 53°F | 59°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 67°F | 0.5 mi | Nov 3 |
| Monterey Canyon Outer, CA (156) buoy | 66°F | 14 mi | 2 h ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Carmel-by-the-Sea today?
The latest reading is 67°F (19.3°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 8:30 AM PST at Monterey. That is cold water. Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards. How cold is too cold?
When is the water warmest at Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in September (average 60°F) and coldest in April (average 54°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From Monterey, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 4.1 mi away. See the methodology.
Sources: NOAA National Data Buoy Center; NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All California water temperatures · Methodology