Ireland
County Donegal · Atlantic Ocean

Tullagh Bay Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Blue Flag swimming strand on the Wild Atlantic coast near Clonmany.

Cold water with a light chop and a light breeze — tough conditions for unprotected swimming.

Sea temperature now
11.5°Ccool
Poor
Source: Open-Meteo Marine

Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?

Air temperature
—
Wave height
—
Wind
—
UV index
—

Location

Tullagh Bay 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

5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves

At 11.5°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood.

  • + 5mm boots
  • + 3mm gloves
  • + Hood for extended sessions
Surf & watersports
Cold — winter conditions across most of northern Europe and North America. A 5/4mm hooded suit, 5mm boots and 3mm gloves are essential to avoid hypothermia and ice-cream headaches. Limit sessions to 45–60 minutes and warm up immediately after exiting.
Open-water swimming
Cold-water swim experience required; keep dips under 15 minutes.

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

Tullagh Bay swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
11.5°C
Water feels
Bracing
Swimmable today
Only with thermal protection
Swim conditions score
44/100 · Poor
Wetsuit needed
5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
Air temperature
—
Waves
—
Wind
—
UV index
—
Average sea temperature (November)
12.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
July, August, September

At 11.5°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood. 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 Tullagh Bay right now?

The sea at Tullagh Bay is currently 11.5°C — very cold 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 Tullagh Bay next week?

Based on long-term November averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Tullagh Bay to sit close to 12.0°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 Tullagh Bay?

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

Do I need a wetsuit at Tullagh Bay?

With water currently at 11.5°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 Tullagh Bay today?

The sea is currently 11.5°C — poor swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in County Donegal, Ireland (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.

9°C → 16°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Tullagh Bay

The sea in Tullagh Bay peaks in August, when the water averages around 16°C.

On average, 0 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Outside peak season the water drops toward 9°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically February at around 9°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Tullagh Bay sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Tullagh Bay shows an annual mean sea temperature of 12°C, ranging from 9°C in winter to 16°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 Tullagh Bay, 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
10°C
Feb
9°C
Mar
9°C
Apr
10°C
May
11°C
Jun
13°C
Jul
15°C
Aug
16°C
Sep
15°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
11°C

Tullagh Bay sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Tullagh Bay?

August is the warmest month in Tullagh Bay, when the sea averages about 16°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Tullagh Bay?

The coldest month in Tullagh Bay is typically February, when the water averages around 9°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Tullagh Bay without a wetsuit?

The sea in Tullagh Bay rarely climbs above 20°C, so a wetsuit is recommended year-round for anything longer than a quick dip.

Do I need a wetsuit in Tullagh Bay?

Outside peak summer the water in Tullagh Bay drops toward 9°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 Tullagh Bay?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Tullagh Bay is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Tullagh Bay?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Tullagh Bay, 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

MonthSeaComfort
Jan10°CCold
Feb9°CCold
Mar9°CCold
Apr10°CCold
May11°CCold
Jun13°CCold
Jul15°CBracing
Aug ⭐16°CBracing
Sep15°CBracing
Oct14°CBracing
Nov12°CCold
Dec11°CCold

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.