United States
Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean

Race Point Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Popular Massachusetts beach near Provincetown.

Fresh water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.

Sea temperature now
17.6°Cmild
Fair
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

Race Point 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 17.6°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 Race Point's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Race Point swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
17.6°C
Water feels
Refreshing
Swimmable today
Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
Swim conditions score
64/100 · Fair
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 (September)
18.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 17.6°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 Race Point right now?

The sea at Race Point is currently 17.6°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 Race Point next week?

Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Race Point to sit close to 15.1°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 Race Point?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Race Point?

With water currently at 17.6°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 Race Point today?

The sea is currently 17.6°C — fair swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Massachusetts, United States (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.

3°C → 20°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Race Point

The sea in Race Point peaks in August, when the water averages around 20°C.

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

On average, 1 month a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

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

Outside peak season the water drops toward 8°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically February at around 3°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Race Point sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Race Point shows an annual mean sea temperature of 11°C, ranging from 3°C in winter to 20°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 17°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 Race Point, 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
4°C
Feb
3°C
Mar
4°C
Apr
6°C
May
10°C
Jun
15°C
Jul
19°C
Aug
20°C
Sep
18°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
10°C
Dec
6°C

Race Point sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Race Point?

August is the warmest month in Race Point, when the sea averages about 20°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Race Point?

The coldest month in Race Point is typically February, when the water averages around 3°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Race Point without a wetsuit?

The main swimming season in Race Point runs from August — about 1 month 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 Race Point?

Outside peak summer the water in Race Point drops toward 8°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 Race Point?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Race Point is about 11°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Race Point?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Race Point, 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: Aug

MonthSeaComfort
Jan4°CCold
Feb3°CCold
Mar4°CCold
Apr6°CCold
May10°CCold
Jun15°CBracing
Jul19°CPleasant
Aug ⭐20°CPleasant
Sep18°CPleasant
Oct14°CBracing
Nov10°CCold
Dec6°CCold

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.