South Padre Island Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Texas barrier-island resort beach.
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Location
South Padre Island on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Check live temperature
Live water temperature is loading — refresh in a moment for a precise recommendation.
Recommendation tuned for South Padre Island's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
South Padre Island swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
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- Water feels
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- Swimmable today
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- Swim conditions score
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- Wetsuit needed
- Check live temperature
- Air temperature
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- Waves
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- Wind
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- UV index
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- Warmest months to swim
- June, July, August
Live water temperature is loading — refresh in a moment for a precise recommendation. Live marine data updated hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at South Padre Island right now?
Live data is loading. Use the 7-day forecast above to plan your swim — conditions above 22°C are comfortable for most swimmers.
What will the sea temperature be at South Padre Island next week?
Based on long-term August averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around South Padre Island to sit close to 30.0°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 South Padre Island?
June – July – August are typically the warmest months to swim at South Padre Island, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Can I swim at South Padre Island today?
Live data is loading. In summer, this beach typically offers comfortable swimming conditions.
- • Located in Texas, United States (Gulf of Mexico).
- • 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 South Padre Island
The sea in South Padre Island peaks in July, when the water averages around 30°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.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 19°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 16°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
South Padre Island sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for South Padre Island shows an annual mean sea temperature of 24°C, ranging from 16°C in winter to 30°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 14°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 South Padre Island, 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.
South Padre Island sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in South Padre Island?
July is the warmest month in South Padre Island, when the sea averages about 30°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in South Padre Island?
The coldest month in South Padre Island is typically January, when the water averages around 16°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in South Padre Island without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in South Padre Island 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 South Padre Island?
Outside peak summer the water in South Padre Island 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 South Padre Island?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in South Padre Island is about 24°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in South Padre Island?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in South Padre Island, 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 | 16°C | Bracing |
| Feb | 16°C | Bracing |
| Mar | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Apr | 23°C | Warm |
| May | 26°C | Hot |
| Jun | 29°C | Hot |
| Jul ⭐ | 30°C | Hot |
| Aug | 30°C | Hot |
| Sep | 29°C | Hot |
| Oct | 26°C | Hot |
| Nov | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Dec | 18°C | Pleasant |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.