Can I swim at Sunset Cliffs right now?

The sea at Sunset Cliffs is currently 20.8°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 July averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Sunset Cliffs to sit close to 21.0°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 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 20.8°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.

United States

Southern California · Pacific Ocean

Sunset Cliffs

Cliff-cove surf area south of Ocean-Beach.

Mild water with a moderate swell and a moderate breeze — good swimming conditions.

View on map OpenStreetMap Directions

Sea temperature now

20.8°Cwarm

Good

Updated just now · Source: Open-Meteo Marine

Air temperature

19.7°C

Wave height

1.1 m

Wind

15.3 km/h

UV index

4.0 UV index

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.

Wetsuit recommendation

Shorty 2mm

At 20.8°C a 2mm shorty keeps surfers warm; lap swimmers can usually skip the neoprene.

Surf & watersports

Pleasant but not warm. A short-arm short-leg ("shorty") wetsuit traps body heat through the core while leaving arms and legs free. Open-water swimmers training for 30–60 minutes can usually go without; longer sessions benefit from a thin swim wetsuit.

Open-water swimming

Most swimmers fine to 60 minutes without; consider a 2mm swim suit beyond.

Recommendation tuned for Sunset Cliffs's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Quick answer

Can I swim at Sunset Cliffs today?

The sea is currently 20.8°C — good swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find it pleasant.

Key takeaways

• 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.

Jan15°C Feb15°C Mar15°C Apr16°C May17°C Jun19°C Jul21°C Aug22°CBest Sep21°C Oct20°C Nov17°C Dec16°C

15°C → 22°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

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

Can you swim here? — Sunset Cliffs