Carmel in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Carmel

21°C (70°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic storm watching season - powerful Pacific swells create spectacular wave displays at Point Lobos and Pescadero Point, with 4-6 m (13-20 ft) waves visible from safe viewing areas
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - luxury hotels offer 40-60% discounts compared to summer peak, with oceanview rooms at premium properties averaging $200-350 vs $500-800 in July
Whale migration peak season - gray whales pass closest to shore (within 1.6 km/1 mile) during their southbound journey, visible from Carmel Beach and Point Lobos without boat tours
Authentic local atmosphere - restaurants and galleries operate on relaxed winter schedules, offering intimate experiences with locals and longer conversations with shop owners

Considerations

Marine layer fog persists until 2-3pm most days, obscuring ocean views and creating damp conditions that make morning beach walks less appealing
Many outdoor patios close by 7pm due to 10°C (50°F) evening temperatures, limiting al fresco dining options that define Carmel's summer charm
Several art galleries and boutiques operate reduced hours (closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays), requiring careful planning to visit specific shops

Best Activities in February

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking

February's cool temperatures and dramatic lighting create ideal conditions for the reserve's 11 km (6.8 miles) of coastal trails. Morning fog burns off to reveal crystal-clear views of sea lions, harbor seals, and migrating whales. The Cypress Point Trail and Sea Lion Point Trail are particularly impressive when winter storms create powerful surf displays.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking online 2 weeks ahead - only 150 vehicles allowed daily. Entry costs $10 per vehicle. Best visited 11am-3pm when fog clears but before afternoon winds pick up. See current tour options in the booking section below for guided nature walks.

Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

February is harvest celebration season in Carmel Valley, 24 km (15 miles) inland where temperatures reach 18°C (65°F) and sunshine breaks through coastal fog. Tasting rooms offer intimate experiences with winemakers present, and many feature cozy fireplaces. The valley's 40+ wineries offer special winter releases and vertical tastings.

Booking Tip: Tastings range $15-25 per person, waived with purchase. Book designated driver services ($80-120 for 6-hour tours) or join small group tours through licensed operators. Many tasting rooms close Tuesdays in February, so plan accordingly.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Winter Exhibits

February features the aquarium's least crowded period with special jellyfish exhibitions coinciding with their natural bloom season. The 20-minute drive from Carmel offers indoor refuge during foggy mornings, and the kelp forest exhibit showcases winter marine life behaviors not visible in summer months.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets required, typically $40-50 for adults. Purchase 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend visits. Best visited 10am-noon before afternoon crowds, or after 3pm. Current tour packages available in booking section below often include aquarium admission.

Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive Storm Watching

Winter Pacific storms create the most dramatic scenery along this famous coastal drive. February offers the perfect balance - powerful surf without dangerous conditions. The Seal Point and Bird Rock viewpoints showcase massive wave action, while Lone Cypress appears particularly striking against stormy skies.

Booking Tip: Entry fee $11.25 per vehicle, valid all day for re-entry. Best timing is 1-4pm when fog lifts but dramatic lighting remains. Allow 3-4 hours for full loop with photo stops. Guided driving tours typically cost $120-180 per person and handle navigation.

Carmel Mission Basilica and Historic Walking

February's soft, diffused lighting creates perfect conditions for photographing the 1771 mission's stone architecture. Cool temperatures make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) historic Carmel-by-the-Sea walking loop comfortable, visiting fairy-tale cottages and courtyards without summer's crowds or heat.

Booking Tip: Mission admission $5 for adults, open 9:30am-5pm daily. Self-guided tours work well, but small group walking tours ($25-35 per person) provide architectural and historical context. Tours typically last 90 minutes and operate regardless of light rain.

Big Sur Scenic Drive to McWay Falls

February delivers Big Sur's most dramatic atmosphere - misty redwood forests, powerful coastal surf, and McWay Falls at peak flow from winter rains. The 45 km (28 mile) drive south on Highway 1 showcases the coast at its most moody and romantic, though some sections may close during storms.

Booking Tip: Check Caltrans road conditions before departure - winter storms occasionally close sections of Highway 1. Allow full day trip with stops. Guided tours ($180-250) handle road conditions and include multiple viewpoints. Gas up in Carmel as services are limited.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Carmel International Film Festival Winter Series

Monthly screening series featuring independent films and documentary premieres at intimate local venues. February showcases award season films with post-screening discussions led by filmmakers and local critics.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning fog at 85% humidity requires light rain jacket, but afternoon sun calls for t-shirts. Pack 3-4 thin layers rather than heavy coats

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - coastal trails become slippery with morning dew and occasional rain on 12 days average

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers are brief but can be sudden, especially inland in Carmel Valley

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with sun reflection off wet surfaces

Warm evening jacket rated for 10°C (50°F) - essential for sunset dining or evening gallery walks

Binoculars for whale watching - gray whales visible from shore but 8x42 magnification enhances the experience significantly

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use camera frequently in dramatic lighting

Cash for parking meters - many Carmel locations still use coin-operated meters, especially near Carmel Beach

Light scarf or neck warmer - ocean winds pick up in afternoon, making neck protection valuable for beach walks

Waterproof camera case - misty conditions and ocean spray can damage electronics during coastal hiking

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants serve prix fixe winter menus February-March with 25-30% savings - ask servers about 'local winter specials' not advertised to tourists

Free parking becomes available after 6pm on Ocean Avenue - save $2-4 per hour by timing dinner reservations strategically

Carmel Library offers free WiFi and impressive ocean views from reading areas - perfect refuge during morning fog with better views than many paid cafes

Many art galleries host 'First Friday' wine receptions in February with free tastings and artist meet-and-greets from 5-7pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting beach weather - February averages only 21°C (70°F) highs, making swimwear inappropriate and beach lounging uncomfortable for most visitors

Planning outdoor activities before 11am - marine layer fog obscures views and creates damp conditions until midday, wasting prime sightseeing time

Not checking restaurant hours - many establishments close Mondays/Tuesdays in February, and some galleries operate weekend-only schedules