Spain
Fuerteventura · Atlantic Ocean

Playa El Cotillo Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Canary Islands beach near La Oliva.

Mild water with a light chop and a light breeze — comfortable conditions for most swimmers.

Sea temperature now
18.3°Cmild
Good
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

Playa El Cotillo 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

3/2mm fullsuit

At 18.3°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.

Surf & watersports
Spring/autumn conditions in temperate seas. A 3/2mm full wetsuit (3mm torso, 2mm limbs) is the most versatile thickness — warm enough for 2-hour sessions, flexible enough for paddling. Open-water swimmers should wear a triathlon-cut swim wetsuit.
Open-water swimming
A triathlon-style swim wetsuit keeps you warm for 45–60 minutes.

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

Playa El Cotillo swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
18.3°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
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Waves
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Wind
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UV index
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Average sea temperature (November)
18.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 18.3°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 Playa El Cotillo right now?

The sea at Playa El Cotillo is currently 18.3°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 Playa El Cotillo next week?

Based on long-term November averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Playa El Cotillo to sit close to 18.0°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 Playa El Cotillo?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Playa El Cotillo?

With water currently at 18.3°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 Playa El Cotillo today?

The sea is currently 18.3°C — good swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Fuerteventura, Spain (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.

14°C → 26°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Playa El Cotillo

The sea in Playa El Cotillo peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.

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

On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Shoulder months like May and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.

Outside peak season the water drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically February at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Playa El Cotillo sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Playa El Cotillo shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 12°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 Playa El Cotillo, 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
15°C
Feb
14°C
Mar
15°C
Apr
16°C
May
18°C
Jun
22°C
Jul
25°C
Aug
26°C
Sep
24°C
Oct
21°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
16°C

Playa El Cotillo sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Playa El Cotillo?

August is the warmest month in Playa El Cotillo, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Playa El Cotillo?

The coldest month in Playa El Cotillo is typically February, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Playa El Cotillo without a wetsuit?

The main swimming season in Playa El Cotillo runs from June – October — about 5 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 Playa El Cotillo?

Outside peak summer the water in Playa El Cotillo drops toward 16°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 Playa El Cotillo?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Playa El Cotillo is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Playa El Cotillo?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Playa El Cotillo, 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: Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct

MonthSeaComfort
Jan15°CBracing
Feb14°CBracing
Mar15°CBracing
Apr16°CBracing
May18°CPleasant
Jun22°CWarm
Jul25°CWarm
Aug ⭐26°CHot
Sep24°CWarm
Oct21°CPleasant
Nov18°CPleasant
Dec16°CBracing

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.