Where is the sea coldest in South America in May?

Playa Bristol in Argentina has the coldest sea in South America in May, averaging about 16.0 °C. Pinamar (16.0 °C) and Villa Gesell are the next coolest.

How many beaches in South America are warm enough to swim in May?

None of the top 25 ranked beaches in South America 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 South America in May

Where the sea is coolest across South America during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Playa Bristol (Buenos Aires, Argentina) is the coolest at around 16°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
Playa Bristol
Buenos Aires · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
2
Pinamar
Buenos Aires · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
3
Villa Gesell
Buenos Aires · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
4
Necochea
Buenos Aires · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
5
Las Grutas
Río Negro · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
6
Puerto Madryn
Chubut · Argentina · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
7
Praia do Forte
Bahia · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
8
Morro de Sao Paulo
Bahia · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
9
Praia do Espelho
Bahia · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
10
Praia dos Carneiros
Pernambuco · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
11
Porto de Galinhas
Pernambuco · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
12
Praia de Pajucara
Alagoas · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
13
Praia de Canoa Quebrada
Ceara · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
14
Praia do Futuro
Ceara · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
15
Praia de Cumbuco
Ceara · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
16
Praia da Pipa
Rio Grande do Norte · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
17
Praia de Jurere
Santa Catarina · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
18
Praia de Bombinhas
Santa Catarina · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
19
Balneario Camboriu
Santa Catarina · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
20
Praia de Buzios
Rio de Janeiro · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
21
Praia Vermelha
Rio de Janeiro · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
22
Praia do Forno
Rio de Janeiro · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
23
Prainha Beach Rio
Rio de Janeiro · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
24
Praia da Ferradura
Rio de Janeiro · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average
25
Porto da Barra Beach
Bahia · Brazil · Atlantic Ocean
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
16°C
May average

Coldest sea in May elsewhere

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South America in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in South America in May?: Playa Bristol in Argentina has the coldest sea in South America in May, averaging about 16.0 °C. Pinamar (16.0 °C) and Villa Gesell are the next coolest.
How many beaches in South America are warm enough to swim in May?: None of the top 25 ranked beaches in South America 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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