United Kingdom
Dorset · English Channel

Charmouth Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Dorset family beach.

Cold water with a light chop and a light breeze — tough conditions for unprotected swimming.

Sea temperature now
11.6°Ccool
Poor
Source: Open-Meteo Marine

Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?

Air temperature
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Wave height
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Wind
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UV index
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Location

Charmouth Beach on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.

7-day forecast

Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.

Wetsuit recommendation

5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves

At 11.6°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood.

  • + 5mm boots
  • + 3mm gloves
  • + Hood for extended sessions
Surf & watersports
Cold — winter conditions across most of northern Europe and North America. A 5/4mm hooded suit, 5mm boots and 3mm gloves are essential to avoid hypothermia and ice-cream headaches. Limit sessions to 45–60 minutes and warm up immediately after exiting.
Open-water swimming
Cold-water swim experience required; keep dips under 15 minutes.

Recommendation tuned for Charmouth Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Charmouth Beach swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
11.6°C
Water feels
Bracing
Swimmable today
Only with thermal protection
Swim conditions score
44/100 · Poor
Wetsuit needed
5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
Air temperature
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Waves
—
Wind
—
UV index
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Average sea temperature (November)
12.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 11.6°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood. Model estimate. Water, wave, wind and UV values are Open-Meteo marine/weather model estimates, refreshed hourly — not buoy measurements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I swim at Charmouth Beach right now?

The sea at Charmouth Beach is currently 11.6°C — very cold swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find the water comfortable when it's above 22°C; below 18°C feels fresh and a wetsuit is recommended.

What will the sea temperature be at Charmouth Beach next week?

Based on long-term November averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Charmouth Beach to sit close to 12.0°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.

When is the best month to swim at Charmouth Beach?

July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Charmouth Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.

Do I need a wetsuit at Charmouth Beach?

With water currently at 11.6°C: above 22°C no wetsuit needed; 18–22°C a shorty is comfortable for long swims; 14–18°C a 3/2mm full suit; below 14°C a 4/3mm or thicker.

Quick answer

Can I swim at Charmouth Beach today?

The sea is currently 11.6°C — poor swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Dorset, United Kingdom (English Channel).
  • • Family friendly with calm, accessible water.
  • • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.

Monthly sea temperature averages

Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.

8°C → 17°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Charmouth Beach

The sea in Charmouth Beach peaks in August, when the water averages around 17°C.

On average, 0 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Outside peak season the water drops toward 9°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically February at around 8°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Charmouth Beach sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Charmouth Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 12°C, ranging from 8°C in winter to 17°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 9°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.

Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Charmouth Beach, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.

Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.

Jan
9°C
Feb
8°C
Mar
8°C
Apr
9°C
May
11°C
Jun
14°C
Jul
16°C
Aug
17°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
10°C

Charmouth Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Charmouth Beach?

August is the warmest month in Charmouth Beach, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Charmouth Beach?

The coldest month in Charmouth Beach is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Charmouth Beach without a wetsuit?

The sea in Charmouth Beach rarely climbs above 20°C, so a wetsuit is recommended year-round for anything longer than a quick dip.

Do I need a wetsuit in Charmouth Beach?

Outside peak summer the water in Charmouth Beach drops toward 9°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.

What is the average sea temperature in Charmouth Beach?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Charmouth Beach is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Charmouth Beach?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Charmouth Beach, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.

Year-round sea temperature

MonthSeaComfort
Jan9°CCold
Feb8°CCold
Mar8°CCold
Apr9°CCold
May11°CCold
Jun14°CBracing
Jul16°CBracing
Aug ⭐17°CBracing
Sep16°CBracing
Oct14°CBracing
Nov12°CCold
Dec10°CCold

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.