Carmel in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Carmel

185°F (85°C) High Temp

151°F (66°C) Low Temp

0.2 inches (5mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Morning marine layer creates dramatic photography conditions and comfortable hiking temperatures of 60-65°F (15-18°C) until 11am
Peak wildflower season at Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park with lupines and poppies in full bloom
Ideal whale watching conditions - blue and humpback whales migrate closest to shore in July, visible from land
Perfect golf weather with minimal wind and temperatures staying under 75°F (24°C) most afternoons on oceanside courses

Considerations

Morning fog can delay outdoor plans until 11am-noon, reducing effective daylight hours for activities
Peak summer pricing with hotel rates 40-60% higher than winter months
Crowded beaches and downtown areas, especially weekends - parking fills by 10am at popular spots

Best Activities in July

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Hiking

July offers the perfect combination of cool morning fog for comfortable hiking and afternoon sun for wildlife viewing. Sea otters are most active in the calmer July waters, and harbor seals have pups visible on the beaches. The Cypress Point Trail and Bird Rock Trail provide spectacular whale watching opportunities during peak migration season.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking passes online 8 weeks ahead through California State Parks - spots sell out daily in July. Entry typically costs $10 per vehicle. Arrive by 8am to secure parking and enjoy hiking in the cool morning fog. See current tour options in the booking section below for guided nature walks.

17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Golf Experience

July provides ideal golf conditions with minimal coastal wind and temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F (24°C). Morning fog creates mystical conditions for the scenic drive, lifting by noon to reveal spectacular ocean views. This is peak season for golf with courses in perfect condition.

Booking Tip: Book tee times 60-90 days ahead for public courses, 6 months for resort courses. Green fees range from $50-595 depending on course prestige. 17-Mile Drive gate fee is $11.25 per vehicle. Play early morning rounds (7-9am starts) for cooler conditions and better fog photography.

Carmel Mission Basilica and Historic Walking Tours

July's mild temperatures make extended walking comfortable, and the mission's gardens are at their most lush. The historic adobe buildings stay naturally cool even on warmer afternoons. This is an ideal activity for foggy mornings when beach activities are less appealing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $9 for adults. Guided historical walking tours of Carmel-by-the-Sea typically run $25-35 per person and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead in July. Tours usually run 90-120 minutes and are perfect for 9-11am when it's cool but fog is lifting.

Big Sur Coastal Drive and McWay Falls

July offers the clearest views along Highway 1 with minimal rain and maximum visibility once afternoon fog clears. McWay Falls flows at moderate levels - not the torrent of winter but still impressive. The 80-foot (24m) waterfall is most photogenic in afternoon light between 2-5pm.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for roadside viewpoints. Parking at McWay Falls overlook is free but limited to 15-20 cars. Visit Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Budget 4-5 hours for the full Big Sur experience from Carmel. Gas up before leaving - stations are sparse and expensive.

Carmel Beach and Scenic Bluff Walk

July brings the calmest ocean conditions for beach walking and tide pooling. The white sand beach extends for 1 mile (1.6km) and is dog-friendly. Morning fog creates dramatic seascapes, while afternoon sun is perfect for beach activities. Water temperature reaches its annual peak of 58-60°F (14-15°C).

Booking Tip: Free access with street parking (arrive before 10am on weekends). The Scenic Road bluff walk is a free 1.5-mile (2.4km) paved path perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls. Bring layers - temperature can drop 20°F (11°C) when fog rolls in.

Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row

Perfect indoor backup for foggy July mornings, and the aquarium's outdoor Great Tide Pool area is ideal when afternoon sun appears. July is feeding season for many exhibits, making animal viewing optimal. The kelp forest exhibit showcases local marine life at its most active summer period.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed tickets online 2-4 weeks ahead - July regularly sells out. Adult admission is $49.95. Morning slots (9-11am) are less crowded and perfect for foggy days. Allow 3-4 hours for full visit. this destination shopping and dining requires no reservations but restaurants fill quickly 7-9pm.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Carmel Bach Festival

The world-renowned classical music festival featuring baroque and classical performances in intimate venues throughout Carmel. Features internationally acclaimed musicians and unique programming you won't find elsewhere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with t-shirt, add sweater, top with light jacket. Temperature swings from 55°F (13°C) at 8am to 78°F (26°C) at 3pm

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and coastal reflection intensifies exposure

Light waterproof jacket - not for rain but for sudden fog that can drop temperatures 20°F (11°C) in minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Carmel's fairy-tale streets are uneven cobblestone and can be slippery when damp from fog

Warm sleepwear - even luxury hotels can feel chilly at night as temperatures drop to 55°F (13°C)

Camera with good low-light capability - morning fog creates moody conditions but requires higher ISO settings

Cash for parking meters - many lots are $2-4 per hour and don't all accept cards

Light scarf or wrap - essential for evening dining on restaurant patios

Binoculars - July whale watching from shore is exceptional, and many whales visible from Scenic Road

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is important even in mild temperatures, and Carmel has excellent tap water

Insider Knowledge

Locals start their beach walks at 7:30am before tourists arrive and while the fog creates mystical photography conditions

Free parking secret: residential streets east of San Carlos Street (6+ blocks from downtown) have unrestricted parking and it's a pleasant 10-minute walk through Carmel's fairy-tale cottages

The marine layer typically lifts between 11am-1pm moving from south to north - start at Point Lobos in the morning and work your way north to Carmel Beach as the sun emerges

July is 'second spring' for many Carmel gardens - the Hansel and Gretel cottages have peak blooms that most tourists miss because they only visit in actual spring

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach activities before 11am - you'll likely encounter thick fog and temperatures in the 50s°F (10-13°C)

Underdressing for evening - even if it's 75°F (24°C) at 4pm, it will drop to 55°F (13°C) by 8pm when fog returns

Not booking dinner reservations - July is peak season and restaurants fill up, especially those with ocean views and patio seating