Can I swim at Pfeiffer Beach right now?

The sea at Pfeiffer Beach is currently 12.5°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 Pfeiffer Beach next week?

Based on long-term June averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Pfeiffer Beach to sit close to 27.4°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 Pfeiffer Beach?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Pfeiffer Beach?

With water currently at 12.5°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.

United States

California · Pacific Ocean

Pfeiffer Beach

Purple-sand Big Sur cove.

Cool water with a moderate swell and a moderate breeze — tough conditions for unprotected swimming.

View on map OpenStreetMap Directions

Sea temperature now

12.5°Ccool

Poor

Updated just now · Source: Open-Meteo Marine

Air temperature

12.2°C

Wave height

1.8 m

Wind

21.7 km/h

UV index

0.0 UV index

Location

Pfeiffer 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 12.5°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 Pfeiffer Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Quick answer

Can I swim at Pfeiffer Beach today?

The sea is currently 12.5°C — poor swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways

• Located in California, United States (Pacific Ocean).
• 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.

Jan18°C Feb18°C Mar19°C Apr21°C May23°CBest Jun26°CBest Jul28°CBest Aug28°CBest Sep27°CBest Oct25°CBest Nov22°CBest Dec19°C

18°C → 28°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Year-round sea temperature

Best swim months: Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov

Month	Sea	Comfort
Jan	18°C	Pleasant
Feb	18°C	Pleasant
Mar	19°C	Pleasant
Apr	21°C	Pleasant
May	23°C	Warm
Jun	26°C	Hot
Jul ⭐	28°C	Hot
Aug	28°C	Hot
Sep	27°C	Hot
Oct	25°C	Warm
Nov	22°C	Warm
Dec	19°C	Pleasant