Carmel-by-the-Sea in April

April through October gives you the best weather, but each season brings trade-offs. Summer means crowds and $500 hotel rooms, but also warm beach days and clear skies for sunset watching at Carmel Beach. May and September offer the sweet spot — fewer tourists, better hotel rates, and weather that's still warm enough for beach walks. The marine layer burns off by noon most days, revealing those postcard-perfect blue skies. Winter brings rain and empty streets, which some people love. Hotel rates drop to $200-300 per night, restaurants take walk-ins, and you get the village mostly to yourself. But expect gray skies and temperatures in the 50s. Pack layers. Avoid July 4th weekend and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February unless you book months ahead. The Bach Festival in July draws classical music lovers but also jacks up prices across town.