Poplar Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Bluff-side Half-Moon-Bay beach.
Very warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Poplar 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.
No wetsuit
At 27.6°C the water is warm enough to swim and surf in just a swimsuit or boardshorts.
Recommendation tuned for Poplar Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Poplar Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 27.6°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
- July, August, September
At 27.6°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 Poplar Beach right now?
The sea at Poplar Beach is currently 27.6°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 Poplar Beach next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Poplar Beach to sit close to 25.6°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 Poplar Beach?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Poplar Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Poplar Beach?
With water currently at 27.6°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 Poplar Beach today?
The sea is currently 27.6°C — excellent swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.
- • Located in California, 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.
Best time to swim in Poplar Beach
The sea in Poplar Beach peaks in July, when the water averages around 28°C.
The main swimming season runs from April – November, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 8 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like March and December are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
The coldest month is typically January at around 18°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Poplar Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Poplar Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 23°C, ranging from 18°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 10°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 Poplar 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.
Poplar Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Poplar Beach?
July is the warmest month in Poplar Beach, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Poplar Beach?
The coldest month in Poplar Beach is typically January, when the water averages around 18°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Poplar Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Poplar Beach runs from April – November — about 8 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 Poplar Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Poplar Beach drops toward 19°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 Poplar Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Poplar Beach is about 23°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Poplar Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Poplar 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: 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 |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.