Good Harbor Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Popular Massachusetts beach near Gloucester.
Mild water with a light chop and a light breeze — comfortable conditions for most swimmers.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Good Harbor 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.
3/2mm fullsuit
At 18.2°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.
Recommendation tuned for Good Harbor Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Good Harbor Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 18.2°C
- Water feels
- Refreshing
- Swimmable today
- Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
- Swim conditions score
- 67/100 · Good
- Wetsuit needed
- 3/2mm fullsuit
- Air temperature
- —
- Waves
- —
- Wind
- —
- UV index
- —
- Average sea temperature (September)
- 18.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- July, August, September
At 18.2°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports. 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 Good Harbor Beach right now?
The sea at Good Harbor Beach is currently 18.2°C — fresh 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 Good Harbor Beach next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Good Harbor Beach to sit close to 15.1°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 Good Harbor Beach?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Good Harbor Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Good Harbor Beach?
With water currently at 18.2°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.
Can I swim at Good Harbor Beach today?
The sea is currently 18.2°C — good swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.
- • Located in Massachusetts, United States (Atlantic Ocean).
- • 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.
Best time to swim in Good Harbor Beach
The sea in Good Harbor Beach peaks in August, when the water averages around 20°C.
The main swimming season runs from August, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 1 month a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like July and September are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 8°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 3°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Good Harbor Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Good Harbor Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 11°C, ranging from 3°C in winter to 20°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 17°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 Good Harbor 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.
Good Harbor Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Good Harbor Beach?
August is the warmest month in Good Harbor Beach, when the sea averages about 20°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Good Harbor Beach?
The coldest month in Good Harbor Beach is typically February, when the water averages around 3°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Good Harbor Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Good Harbor Beach runs from August — about 1 month a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Good Harbor Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Good Harbor Beach drops toward 8°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 Good Harbor Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Good Harbor Beach is about 11°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Good Harbor Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Good Harbor 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
Best swim months: Aug
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C | Cold |
| Feb | 3°C | Cold |
| Mar | 4°C | Cold |
| Apr | 6°C | Cold |
| May | 10°C | Cold |
| Jun | 15°C | Bracing |
| Jul | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Aug ⭐ | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Sep | 18°C | Pleasant |
| Oct | 14°C | Bracing |
| Nov | 10°C | Cold |
| Dec | 6°C | Cold |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.