Where is the sea coldest in California in May?

East Beach Santa Barbara in United States has the coldest sea in California in May, averaging about 13.0 °C. Butterfly Beach (13.0 °C) and Refugio State Beach are the next coolest.

How many beaches in California are warm enough to swim in May?

None of the top 25 ranked beaches in California reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.

How are these May sea temperatures calculated?

Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

Seasonal ranking

Coldest sea temperature in California in May

Where the sea is coolest across California during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. East Beach Santa Barbara (Central California, United States) is the coolest at around 13°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
East Beach Santa Barbara
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
2
Butterfly Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
3
Refugio State Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
4
Pismo Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
5
Avila Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
6
Morro Bay Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
7
Cayucos Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
8
Carmel Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
9
Monterey State Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
10
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
11
Capitola Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
12
Pfeiffer Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
13
Stinson Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
14
Baker Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
15
Half Moon Bay
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
16
Carmel River State Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
17
Moonstone Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
18
Grover Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
19
Oceano Dunes
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
20
Jalama Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
21
Rincon Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
22
Silver Strand Beach Ventura
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
23
Ventura Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
24
La Conchita Beach
Central California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cold — wetsuit strongly recommended
13°C
May average
25
Coronado Beach
Southern California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
17°C
May average

Coldest sea in May elsewhere

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California in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in California in May?: East Beach Santa Barbara in United States has the coldest sea in California in May, averaging about 13.0 °C. Butterfly Beach (13.0 °C) and Refugio State Beach are the next coolest.
How many beaches in California are warm enough to swim in May?: None of the top 25 ranked beaches in California reach 22 °C in May, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.
How are these May sea temperatures calculated?: Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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