Carmel in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Carmel

52°C (125°F) High Temp

34°C (94°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with 34°C (94°F) average temperatures and minimal rainfall of just 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) - ideal for outdoor activities and ocean sports
Low tourist season means 40-60% lower accommodation rates and uncrowded beaches, restaurants, and attractions throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea
Wine harvest season concludes with special tastings and cellar events at Carmel Valley wineries, offering exclusive access to new vintages
Monarch butterfly migration peaks at nearby Pacific Grove sanctuary with over 10,000 butterflies clustering in eucalyptus groves

Considerations

Occasional marine layer creates foggy mornings that can persist until 11am-1pm, limiting early morning photography and sunrise activities
Pacific Ocean temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F), requiring 3mm wetsuits for surfing and making casual swimming uncomfortable
Several galleries and boutiques reduce hours or close temporarily for renovations before holiday season, limiting shopping options

Best Activities in November

Carmel Beach Sunset Photography Walks

November's low-angle sun and dramatic marine layer create exceptional lighting conditions between 4:30-6:00pm. The beach faces west directly into sunset with minimal summer crowds blocking compositions. Variable weather produces dynamic cloud formations perfect for landscape photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no advance booking. Arrive by 4pm to scout locations. Photography workshops typically cost $120-180 per person and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Check current photography tour options in booking section below.

Point Lobos Nature Photography Tours

November brings migrating gray whales visible 800m-1.6km (0.5-1 mile) offshore, while sea lions gather in larger colonies for mating season. Clear post-storm days offer 16km (10 mile) visibility to capture dramatic coastline shots. Cooler temperatures make 6km (3.7 mile) hiking trails comfortable.

Booking Tip: State reserve requires advance parking reservations November-April ($10 vehicle fee plus $3 reservation fee). Guided nature tours cost $45-75 per person. Book parking 2-3 weeks ahead online. Photography tours available through certified naturalist guides - see current options in booking section.

Carmel Valley Wine Harvest Experiences

November marks the end of harvest season with special barrel tastings and crush pad tours unavailable other months. Daytime temperatures of 34°C (94°F) are perfect for vineyard walks, while evenings cool to 15°C (59°F) for outdoor dining. Many wineries offer harvest celebration dinners and exclusive wine club events.

Booking Tip: Harvest events require 2-3 weeks advance booking and cost $85-150 per person including tastings and small plates. Transportation services cost $200-300 for 4-6 hour tours covering 3-4 wineries. Book through licensed wine tour operators - current options available in booking section below.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Expeditions

November is peak migration season for gray whales heading south to Baja California breeding grounds. Calm post-storm conditions and reduced summer fog provide excellent visibility up to 24km (15 miles) offshore. Humpback whales and dolphins remain active in Monterey Canyon's deep waters.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as November is prime whale watching season. Tours cost $55-75 for adults, run 2.5-3 hours, and offer 90% wildlife sighting guarantees. Morning departures (9-10am) have calmer seas and better whale activity. Check current whale watching tours in booking section.

Big Sur Coastal Hiking Adventures

November's cooler temperatures make strenuous hikes like McWay Falls (1.6km/1 mile) and Julia Pfeiffer Burns trails comfortable. Recent winter storms clear summer haze, providing exceptional views 40km (25 miles) south along the coastline. Waterfalls run stronger after early season rains.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for self-guided hikes. Guided hiking tours cost $120-180 per person for full-day experiences including transportation from Carmel. Check road conditions on Highway 1 before departure - construction delays possible. Current guided hiking options available in booking section below.

Pebble Beach Golf Photography Tours

November's dramatic weather creates perfect conditions for photographing iconic golf holes like the 7th at Pebble Beach. Lower tourist numbers mean easier access to prime viewing spots along 17-Mile Drive. Professional golf tournaments conclude by October, leaving courses peaceful for photography.

Booking Tip: 17-Mile Drive costs $11.25 per vehicle and allows multiple stops for photography. Professional photography tours of golf courses cost $200-350 per person and require 1-2 weeks advance booking. Self-guided driving tours need no reservation. Check current photography tour availability in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Monarch Butterfly Migration Peak

Over 10,000 monarch butterflies cluster in Pacific Grove's eucalyptus groves during November migration. The sanctuary offers free viewing and guided walks every Saturday at 2pm. Best viewing times are warm afternoons between 1-4pm when butterflies are most active.

Late November

Carmel Bach Festival Wine Auction Preview

Annual wine auction preview featuring local vintners and classical music performances in preparation for the main festival. Intimate venue with 200-person capacity showcasing Carmel Valley wines paired with chamber music performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 15°C (59°F) with fog, afternoons reach 34°C (94°F) with full sun

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 combined with ocean reflection intensifies exposure

Light windbreaker or fleece for evening temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F) near the ocean

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - coastal trails can be slippery after morning marine layer moisture

Camera with weather protection - marine layer creates high humidity that can fog lenses

Water bottle (1 liter minimum) - dry conditions and warm afternoon temperatures increase dehydration risk

Light rain jacket - while rainfall averages only 2.5mm (0.1 inches), occasional November storms bring heavy downpours

Polarized sunglasses - essential for ocean glare and whale watching activities

Cash for parking meters and small establishments - many Carmel businesses still prefer cash transactions

Portable phone charger - you'll use GPS and camera extensively for coastline exploration

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early October - November is when many locals host family for holidays, reducing available vacation rentals by 60%

Visit Carmel Mission between 2-4pm when afternoon light illuminates the stone facade perfectly and tour groups have departed

Shop for groceries at Whole Foods in nearby Monterey rather than Carmel village stores - prices are 30-40% lower for identical items

Park at the Sunset Cultural Center lot ($2/hour) and walk 400m (0.25 miles) to Ocean Avenue - much cheaper than village metered parking at $2.50/hour

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming warm weather means no need for layers - marine layer can drop temperatures 10°C (18°F) within minutes

Booking whale watching tours for afternoon departures - morning tours have 40% higher success rates for whale sightings

Driving to Big Sur without checking road conditions - Highway 1 construction projects cause 30-60 minute delays during November maintenance season