Carmel in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Carmel
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 5.1 mm (0.2 inches) over the month means outdoor activities rarely get interrupted by weather
- Spring wildflower season transforms Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park into busy displays of lupine, poppies, and Indian paintbrush - peak blooming typically occurs mid-April
- Gray whale migration viewing at its absolute peak from Cypress Point and Pescadero Point - mothers with calves pass closest to shore during April's northbound journey
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Easter weekend - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to peak summer months while weather remains excellent
Considerations
- Morning marine layer can persist until 11am-1pm, limiting early morning photography and requiring flexible scheduling for outdoor activities
- Weekend crowds from United States and Silicon Valley increase significantly, with Scenic Drive backing up 1.6 km (1 mile) on Saturday afternoons
- Strong afternoon winds averaging 24-32 km/h (15-20 mph) can make beach activities uncomfortable and affect outdoor dining on restaurant patios
Best Activities in April
Point Lobos Nature Reserve Hiking
April offers the perfect combination of wildflower blooms and clear post-marine layer conditions for exploring the reserve's 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of coastal trails. Sea lions are most active during pupping season, and the Cypress Point Trail provides unobstructed whale watching opportunities. Morning marine layer clears by noon, creating ideal lighting conditions for the Bird Rock and Sea Lion Point overlooks.
Scenic Drive Photography Tours
April's combination of blooming cypress trees, minimal fog, and dramatic spring light creates optimal conditions for capturing Carmel's iconic coastline. The famous Lone Cypress is backlit perfectly during 4pm-6pm golden hour, while Pescadero Point offers unobstructed sunrise shots. Marine layer adds mystical elements to morning shots before clearing for crisp afternoon landscapes.
Whale Watching Expeditions
Gray whale migration peaks in April as mothers with newborn calves make their northbound journey to Alaska feeding grounds. Boats depart Monterey Harbor and encounter whales within 3.2 km (2 miles) of shore - closer than any other time of year. Calm morning seas before afternoon winds make for comfortable viewing conditions and better photography opportunities.
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting
April marks the beginning of outdoor tasting season in Carmel Valley, with perfect temperatures for patio tastings and vineyard walks. Spring pruning is complete, and new growth creates photogenic vineyard landscapes. The valley's microclimate means afternoon temperatures reach comfortable 21-24°C (70-75°F) while coastal areas remain cool and windy.
Carmel Mission and Historic Walking Tours
April's mild weather and longer daylight hours make exploring Carmel's mission heritage ideal. The restored Carmel Mission gardens are in full spring bloom, and comfortable temperatures allow for extended walking through the fairytale cottage district. Morning marine layer creates atmospheric lighting for historic building photography.
Beach Activities and Coastal Walks
April offers the year's most comfortable beach weather with minimal wind in morning hours and temperatures perfect for long coastal walks. Carmel Beach's famous white sand contrasts beautifully with spring wildflowers on the bluffs above. Low tide pools at Pescadero Point are most accessible, revealing sea anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs.
April Events & Festivals
Carmel Art Festival
Local artists showcase work throughout downtown galleries with special exhibitions featuring plein air paintings of spring landscapes. Many galleries offer artist meet-and-greets and painting demonstrations during extended evening hours.