Hawaii · Pacific Ocean

Papohaku Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Coastal beach near Molokai.

Very warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.

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Sea temperature now

27.7°Ctropical

Excellent

Source: Open-Meteo Marine

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

Plan your next swim

Find a warmer beach nearbyCompare nearby water temperatures today. 27.0°C Compare with the closest beachSee both swim conditions side by side.Check the best month hereSee the warmest seasonal water outlook. June

Air temperature

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Wave height

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Wind

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UV index

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Location

Papohaku 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

No wetsuit

At 27.7°C the water is warm enough to swim and surf in just a swimsuit or boardshorts.

Surf & watersports

Tropical-feel conditions. Most swimmers stay comfortable for an hour or more without thermal protection. UV exposure is the bigger risk — sunscreen and a rash vest are worth packing.

Open-water swimming

Open-water swims of 60+ minutes feel comfortable with no neoprene.

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

Papohaku Beach swimming conditions summary

Water temperature: 27.7°C
Water feels: Bath-warm
Swimmable today: Yes — comfortable for most swimmers
Swim conditions score: 90/100 · Excellent
Wetsuit needed: No wetsuit
Air temperature: —
Waves: —
Wind: —
UV index: —
Average sea temperature (September): 27.0 °C
Warmest months to swim: June, July, August

At 27.7°C the water is warm enough to swim and surf in just a swimsuit or boardshorts. 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 Papohaku Beach right now?

The sea at Papohaku Beach is currently 27.7°C — excellent 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 Papohaku Beach next week?

Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Papohaku Beach to sit close to 27.0°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 Papohaku Beach?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Papohaku Beach?

With water currently at 27.7°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 Papohaku Beach today?

The sea is currently 27.7°C — excellent swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.

Key takeaways

• Located in Hawaii, United States (Pacific 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.

Jan24°CBest Feb24°CBest Mar24°CBest Apr25°CBest May26°CBest Jun27°CBest Jul27°CBest Aug27°CBest Sep27°CBest Oct27°CBest Nov26°CBest Dec25°CBest

24°C → 27°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Papohaku Beach

The sea in Papohaku Beach peaks in June, when the water averages around 27°C.

The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.

On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

The coldest month is typically January at around 24°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Papohaku Beach sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Papohaku Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 26°C, ranging from 24°C in winter to 27°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 3°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 Papohaku 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

24°C

Feb

24°C

Mar

24°C

Apr

25°C

May

26°C

Jun

27°C

Jul

27°C

Aug

27°C

Sep

27°C

Oct

27°C

Nov

26°C

Dec

25°C

Papohaku Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Papohaku Beach?

June is the warmest month in Papohaku Beach, when the sea averages about 27°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Papohaku Beach?

The coldest month in Papohaku Beach is typically January, when the water averages around 24°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Papohaku Beach without a wetsuit?

The main swimming season in Papohaku Beach runs from January – December — about 12 months 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 Papohaku Beach?

Papohaku Beach stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.

What is the average sea temperature in Papohaku Beach?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Papohaku Beach is about 26°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

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

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