Last updated: February 24, 2025
Experience the enchanting December weather of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where temperatures range from a pleasant 21°C (69°F) at their peak to a cozy 8°C (47°F) during the evenings. With an average temperature of 12°C (54°F), this coastal town invites visitors to enjoy its serene vibes. However, December is also the rainy season, boasting 105 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 10 days, contributing to the lush landscape. The humidity sits at a comfortable 80%, ensuring a refreshing coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or exploring the charming streets, December in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a magical blend of cool weather and the soft kiss of ocean air.
In December, Carmel-by-the-Sea experiences a gentle transition into winter, with temperatures ranging from a mild 8°C (47°F) at night to a comfortable 21°C (69°F) during the day. The average temperature settles around 12°C (54°F), maintaining the coastal charm that the area is known for. As the year comes to a close, December’s temperatures mirror the mildness seen in previous months, particularly when compared to the cooler conditions of January and February. This consistency invites visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and festive atmosphere, while the lingering warmth during the day provides a delightful respite from the brisk coastal breezes. Overall, December embodies a serene winter warmth, making it an ideal time to explore all that this picturesque town has to offer.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, December marks a significant shift in the weather, as the region experiences 105 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. This increase aligns with the general trend of late fall and winter months when rainfall intensifies, particularly when compared to the preceding months. Notably, December's precipitation is a substantial build-up from October's 21 mm (0.8 in) and November's 42 mm (1.7 in), showcasing a clear transition into the wetter season. As the year wraps up, residents can expect the comforting sight of rain nourishing the scenic landscapes, a stark contrast to the dry summer months, which saw little to no precipitation. This seasonal rhythm not only enhances the natural beauty of the coastal town but also supports its vibrant flora and fauna.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, December ushers in a slight increase in humidity, resting at 80%. This marks a shift from the drier summer months of July and August, where humidity levels dipped to their lowest at 58% and 54%, respectively. As the year progresses, humidity gradually rises, particularly noticeable in the transition from the freshness of autumn in November with its 78% humidity. This trend suggests a return to the coastal moisture characteristic of the region, setting the stage for the cooler, wetter winter months ahead. December’s humidity encapsulates this cyclical dance of coastal climate, reaffirming the area's charming allure during the festive season.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, December marks the gradual decline of the UV Index, dropping to a moderate level of 3. This trend reflects a seasonal shift, as the year begins with moderate exposure levels in January and February, transitioning to very high levels in spring and summer. The peak months, from May to August, experience an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As the year wanes, the index decreases again, providing a welcome respite for residents and visitors alike, who can enjoy a 30-minute burn time without immediate concern. As the colder months approach, it’s a reminder to remain vigilant about sun protection, even during milder winter days. For more details on sun safety and protection, check the full report on the Carmel-by-the-Sea UV Index.
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December in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a delightful retreat with 210 hours of sunshine, while days are shorter and cooler. Although this is a dip compared to the vibrant summer months, where sunshine peaks at 377 hours in July, December still provides ample opportunity to enjoy the coastal charm. The year starts with relatively less sun, with January basking in only 164 hours, but as spring approaches, numbers steadily climb, reaching their zenith in May and June. The gentle decline from the sunniest months into winter illustrates a seasonal rhythm that enchants visitors year-round, making each visit in December a cozy experience filled with the promise of warmth and beauty amid the ebbing light.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, December presents a 43% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a trend of cooler and cloudier conditions as the year concludes. Notably, this month follows a gradual dip in sunshine likelihood, starting from a peak of 62% in October. Despite this decline, December's chances are not atypical for the season, which has previously shown a fluctuating pattern in sunshine, where February shines at 58% and November offers 57%. This trend highlights the balance of seasonal variation, positioning December as one of the less sunny months, yet still inviting for those seeking a cozy winter escape by the coast.
As the year winds down, December in Carmel-by-the-Sea sees daylight lingering for about 9 hours each day. This marks a gentle decline from November's 10 hours, reflecting the seasonal shift toward winter. Observing the trend throughout the year, daylight duration begins at a modest 9 hours in January, gradually increasing to a peak of 14 hours in both May and June. The sun’s arc then starts to diminish, leading us back down through the golden hues of summer into the shorter days of fall and winter. As nature prepares for its rest, the twilight embraces Carmel, inviting cozy evenings and serene seaside strolls beneath the glowing winter sky.
As December arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea, visitors can expect a notable increase in wind speed, with averages reaching 5.3 m/s (12 mph). This marks the strongest winds of the year, signifying a shift from the mild breezes typical of summer and early fall. Throughout the year, wind speeds tend to fluctuate, peaking in December after a gradual ascent from the calmer months of July and August, where speeds drop to 3.8 m/s (9 mph) and 3.4 m/s (8 mph) respectively. The winter months, particularly December, bring a refreshing gustiness that invigorates the coastal landscape, offering a vibrant contrast to the tranquil summer atmosphere. Embrace the brisk December winds as they sweep through this charming coastal town, enhancing the experience of its stunning natural beauty.
The weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Carmel-by-the-Sea and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit similar weather patterns, with both months featuring mild temperatures and notable precipitation. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F), while January sees slightly cooler conditions with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). Both months average 12°C (54°F), but January experiences a bit more precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) compared to December's 105 mm (4.1 in), despite both having rain on approximately 10 days. Additionally, humidity remains high in both months, with January recording a slight increase at 82% compared to December's 80%. For a more detailed look at January weather, you can check this link: Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in January.
When comparing the weather between December and February, both months exhibit mild temperatures and considerable precipitation. December tends to be slightly warmer, with minimum temperatures around 8°C (47°F) and maximums reaching 21°C (69°F), while February sees slightly cooler temperatures with minimums of 6°C (44°F) and maximums of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with December recording 105 mm (4.1 in) and February just slightly higher at 106 mm (4.2 in), both occurring over approximately 10 days. Additionally, February experiences a bit higher humidity at 84%, compared to December's 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in February.
December weather shows a slightly wider temperature range, with minimums around 8°C (47°F) and maximums reaching up to 21°C (69°F), making it warmer than March overall. In contrast, March experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Both months see significant precipitation, but December has slightly more at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 10 days, compared to March's 93 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels in both months are relatively similar, hovering around 80% in December and 82% in March. For a detailed overview of March conditions, you can check Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F) and an overall average of 12°C (54°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 10 days, resulting in higher humidity levels at 80%. In contrast, April brings slightly cooler temperatures with an average of 11°C (53°F), a maximum of 19°C (67°F), and a minimum still at 8°C (47°F). Rainfall is much less pronounced in April at 35 mm (1.4 in) over approximately 6 days, along with slightly lower humidity at 78%. For more detailed information about April weather in Carmel, you can visit Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in April.
When comparing the weather in December and May, we notice several distinct differences. December typically has a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum reaching up to 21°C (69°F), while May's temperatures are slightly milder, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; December sees about 105 mm (4.1 in) spread over 10 days, indicating a wetter month, whereas May experiences only 26 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over just 4 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in December at 80%, compared to a cooler 71% in May. For a detailed look at what to expect during this month, check out Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in May.
In December, the weather is relatively mild but cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 10 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, June offers a more pleasant climate, featuring slightly warmer temperatures that range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Additionally, June boasts a much drier atmosphere with only 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, accompanied by lower humidity at 64%. For more details about the June climate, you can check Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather patterns in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In December, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). This month sees substantial precipitation, with about 105 mm (4.1 in) falling over 10 days and humidity levels at 80%, creating a damp environment. In contrast, July offers cooler temperatures, peaking at only 16°C (61°F), with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Significantly drier than December, July experiences minimal precipitation of just 4 mm (0.2 in) across 0 days and lower humidity at 58%. For a detailed look at July's pleasant conditions, check out Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in July.
When comparing the weather between December and August, several key differences emerge. December typically features a milder temperature range, with minimums around 8°C (47°F) and maximums reaching up to 21°C (69°F), while August presents a slightly warmer environment, with minimums of 12°C (54°F) and a comparable maximum of 21°C (70°F). However, December is notably wetter, experiencing about 105 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 10 days, in stark contrast to August's dry conditions, which see just 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain and no precipitation days at all. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 80%, compared to August's more comfortable 54%. For more detailed information, you can check out Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, several distinctions arise. December typically experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while September offers warmer conditions, with lows of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, September boasts a significant increase in temperature during the day, with maximums reaching up to 29°C (84°F), compared to December's maximum of 21°C (69°F). Precipitation patterns also differ dramatically; December sees about 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain over 10 days, making it a much wetter month, whereas September is remarkably dry, recording just 4 mm (0.2 in) without any rainy days. Furthermore, the humidity in December averages around 80%, while September’s humidity is more comfortable at 55%. For more specific insights into September's climate, you can check Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in September.
The weather in December is generally cooler and wetter compared to October. While December sees minimum temperatures around 8°C (47°F) and averages of 12°C (54°F), October offers slightly warmer conditions with minimums of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, October boasts more sunny days, with only 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over 2 days, whereas December experiences higher precipitation of 105 mm (4.1 in) spread over 10 days, contributing to a much more humid atmosphere at 80% compared to October's 62%. For more details about October weather specifics, check out Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in October.
Comparing the weather in December and November reveals some notable differences. December tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures dropping from November's 14°C (57°F) to 12°C (54°F). Both months share a minimum temperature of around 8°C (46°F), but December has a marginally higher maximum temperature of 21°C (69°F) compared to November's 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in December, accumulating to 105 mm (4.1 in) over about 10 days, while November records only 42 mm (1.7 in) over 5 days, resulting in a wetter atmosphere with a humidity of 80% in December, slightly up from 78% in November. For a detailed look at November's climate, you can visit Carmel-by-the-Sea weather in November.
December in Carmel-by-the-Sea brings a refreshing shift in weather as the crisp air settles in, making it notably cooler compared to the warmer months. With an average temperature around 12°C (54°F), residents and visitors can expect to enjoy the charming coastal atmosphere while donning their cozy jackets. While pre-winter rains add to the scenery, the 80% humidity tends to make the air feel brisk, contrasting sharply with the drier summer climate. The month usually sees about 10 days of rain, contributing to the season's lush landscapes. For those looking to understand how Carmel's December weather compares to the rest of the year, more details can be found here: Carmel-by-the-Sea Climate.