United Kingdom
Dorset · English Channel

Kimmeridge Bay Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Dorset wild cove.

Cool water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.

Sea temperature now
15.9°Cmild
Fair
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

Kimmeridge Bay 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

4/3mm fullsuit

At 15.9°C you need a 4/3mm fullsuit, and many surfers add neoprene boots.

  • + Optional 3mm boots
Surf & watersports
Cool water — the classic UK/Atlantic spring or Pacific Northwest summer range. A 4/3mm sealed-seam suit keeps you in the water for 90+ minutes. Boots prevent foot pain on rocky entries and extend session length.
Open-water swimming
Acclimatised swimmers manage 30 minutes; a thicker swim wetsuit (3/2) helps.

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

Kimmeridge Bay swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
15.9°C
Water feels
Refreshing
Swimmable today
Only with thermal protection
Swim conditions score
57/100 · Fair
Wetsuit needed
4/3mm fullsuit
Air temperature
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Waves
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Wind
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UV index
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Average sea temperature (September)
16.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 15.9°C you need a 4/3mm fullsuit, and many surfers add neoprene boots. 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 Kimmeridge Bay right now?

The sea at Kimmeridge Bay is currently 15.9°C — 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 Kimmeridge Bay next week?

Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Kimmeridge Bay to sit close to 14.6°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 Kimmeridge Bay?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Kimmeridge Bay?

With water currently at 15.9°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 Kimmeridge Bay today?

The sea is currently 15.9°C — fair swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Dorset, United Kingdom (English Channel).
  • • Best suited to confident swimmers and watersports.
  • • 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 Kimmeridge Bay

The sea in Kimmeridge Bay 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.

Kimmeridge Bay sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Kimmeridge Bay 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 Kimmeridge Bay, 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

Kimmeridge Bay sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Kimmeridge Bay?

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

When is the sea coldest in Kimmeridge Bay?

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

When can you swim in Kimmeridge Bay without a wetsuit?

The sea in Kimmeridge Bay 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 Kimmeridge Bay?

Outside peak summer the water in Kimmeridge Bay 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 Kimmeridge Bay?

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

How do I check the current sea temperature in Kimmeridge Bay?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Kimmeridge Bay, 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.