Sunset Cliffs Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Cliff-cove surf area south of Ocean-Beach.
Pleasant water with a light chop and a light breeze — good swimming conditions.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Sunset Cliffs on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Shorty 2mm
At 21.7°C a 2mm shorty keeps surfers warm; lap swimmers can usually skip the neoprene.
Recommendation tuned for Sunset Cliffs's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Sunset Cliffs swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 21.7°C
- Water feels
- Pleasant
- Swimmable today
- Yes — comfortable for most swimmers
- Swim conditions score
- 83/100 · Excellent
- Wetsuit needed
- Shorty 2mm
- Air temperature
- —
- Waves
- —
- Wind
- —
- UV index
- —
- Average sea temperature (September)
- 21.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- July, August, September
At 21.7°C a 2mm shorty keeps surfers warm; lap swimmers can usually skip the neoprene. 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 Sunset Cliffs right now?
The sea at Sunset Cliffs is currently 21.7°C — good 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 Sunset Cliffs next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Sunset Cliffs to sit close to 20.3°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 Sunset Cliffs?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Sunset Cliffs, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Sunset Cliffs?
With water currently at 21.7°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 Sunset Cliffs today?
The sea is currently 21.7°C — excellent swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.
- • Located in Southern California, United States (Pacific Ocean).
- • Best suited to confident swimmers and watersports.
- • 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 Sunset Cliffs
The sea in Sunset Cliffs peaks in August, when the water averages around 22°C.
The main swimming season runs from July – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 4 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like June and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 15°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Sunset Cliffs sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Sunset Cliffs shows an annual mean sea temperature of 18°C, ranging from 15°C in winter to 22°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 Sunset Cliffs, 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.
Sunset Cliffs sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Sunset Cliffs?
August is the warmest month in Sunset Cliffs, when the sea averages about 22°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Sunset Cliffs?
The coldest month in Sunset Cliffs is typically January, when the water averages around 15°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Sunset Cliffs without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Sunset Cliffs runs from July – October — about 4 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 Sunset Cliffs?
Outside peak summer the water in Sunset Cliffs drops toward 15°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 Sunset Cliffs?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Sunset Cliffs is about 18°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Sunset Cliffs?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Sunset Cliffs, 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 – Oct
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C | Bracing |
| Feb | 15°C | Bracing |
| Mar | 15°C | Bracing |
| Apr | 16°C | Bracing |
| May | 17°C | Bracing |
| Jun | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Jul | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Aug ⭐ | 22°C | Warm |
| Sep | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Oct | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Nov | 17°C | Bracing |
| Dec | 16°C | Bracing |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.