Portugal
Silver Coast · Atlantic Ocean

Praia de Santa Cruz Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Silver Coast family beach.

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

Sea temperature now
18.6°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

Praia de Santa Cruz 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 18.6°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 Praia de Santa Cruz's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Praia de Santa Cruz swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
18.6°C
Water feels
Refreshing
Swimmable today
Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
Swim conditions score
69/100 · 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 (October)
19.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 18.6°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 Praia de Santa Cruz right now?

The sea at Praia de Santa Cruz is currently 18.6°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 Praia de Santa Cruz next week?

Based on long-term October averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Praia de Santa Cruz to sit close to 19.0°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 Praia de Santa Cruz?

July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Praia de Santa Cruz, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.

Do I need a wetsuit at Praia de Santa Cruz?

With water currently at 18.6°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.

Quick answer

Can I swim at Praia de Santa Cruz today?

The sea is currently 18.6°C — good swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Silver Coast, Portugal (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 → 21°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Praia de Santa Cruz

The sea in Praia de Santa Cruz peaks in August, when the water averages around 21°C.

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

On average, 3 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

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

Outside peak season the water drops toward 14°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.

Praia de Santa Cruz sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Praia de Santa Cruz shows an annual mean sea temperature of 18°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 21°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 7°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 Praia de Santa Cruz, 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
17°C
Jun
19°C
Jul
20°C
Aug
21°C
Sep
21°C
Oct
19°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
16°C

Praia de Santa Cruz sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Praia de Santa Cruz?

August is the warmest month in Praia de Santa Cruz, when the sea averages about 21°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Praia de Santa Cruz?

The coldest month in Praia de Santa Cruz is typically February, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Praia de Santa Cruz without a wetsuit?

The main swimming season in Praia de Santa Cruz runs from July – September — about 3 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 Praia de Santa Cruz?

Outside peak summer the water in Praia de Santa Cruz drops toward 14°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 Praia de Santa Cruz?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Praia de Santa Cruz is about 18°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Praia de Santa Cruz?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Praia de Santa Cruz, 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: Jul – Aug – Sep

MonthSeaComfort
Jan15°CBracing
Feb14°CBracing
Mar15°CBracing
Apr16°CBracing
May17°CBracing
Jun19°CPleasant
Jul20°CPleasant
Aug ⭐21°CPleasant
Sep21°CPleasant
Oct19°CPleasant
Nov18°CPleasant
Dec16°CBracing

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.