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Sea temperature in United Kingdom

Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 409 beaches on the United Kingdom coast.

Best time to swim in United Kingdom

The sea in United Kingdom peaks in August, when the water averages around 17°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 8°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

United Kingdom sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for United Kingdom shows an annual mean sea temperature of 12°C, ranging from 8°C in winter to 17°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 9°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 United Kingdom, 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
9°C
Feb
8°C
Mar
8°C
Apr
9°C
May
11°C
Jun
14°C
Jul
16°C
Aug
17°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
10°C

Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.

United Kingdom sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in United Kingdom?

August is the warmest month in United Kingdom, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in United Kingdom?

The coldest month in United Kingdom is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in United Kingdom without a wetsuit?

The sea in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

Outside peak summer the water in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

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

How do I check the current sea temperature in United Kingdom?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in United Kingdom, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.

United Kingdom sea temperature by month

Average sea temperatures around United Kingdom for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.

Monthly average sea temperature in United Kingdom
MonthAverage sea
January9.0°C
February8.0°C
March8.0°C
April9.0°C
May11.0°C
June14.0°C
July16.0°C
August ⭐17.0°C
September16.0°C
October14.0°C
November12.0°C
December10.0°C

Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?

Coastal regions of United Kingdom

Region hubs with live sea temperatures, swim conditions and a beach directory.

Cornwall
76 beaches
76 tracked beaches in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Devon
35 beaches
35 tracked beaches in Devon, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Sussex
22 beaches
22 tracked beaches in Sussex, United Kingdom, with live English Channel temperatures.
North Wales
21 beaches
21 tracked beaches in North Wales, United Kingdom, with live Irish Sea temperatures.

Warmest beaches in United Kingdom right now

BeachRegionSea
WoolacombeDevon12.7°C
Three Cliffs BayWales12.7°C
Exmouth BeachDevon12.7°C
Ringstead BayDorset12.7°C
Mudeford SandbankHampshire12.7°C
Folkestone Sunny SandsKent12.7°C
Hythe BeachKent12.7°C
Robin Hoods BayYorkshire12.7°C
Tynemouth LongsandsTyne and Wear12.7°C
Swansea BaySouth Wales12.7°C
Poppit SandsPembrokeshire12.7°C
Watergate BayCornwall12.6°C
SandbanksDorset & South Coast12.6°C
Trevaunance CoveCornwall12.6°C
Housel BayCornwall12.6°C
Carlyon BayCornwall12.6°C
Kingsand BeachCornwall12.6°C
Harlyn BayCornwall12.6°C
Treyarnon BayCornwall12.6°C
Mattiscombe SandsDevon12.6°C
Oddicombe BeachDevon12.6°C
Wildersmouth BeachNorth Devon12.6°C
Hayling Island BeachHampshire12.6°C
Steephill CoveIsle of Wight12.6°C
Worthing BeachSussex12.6°C
Bognor Regis BeachSussex12.6°C
Deal BeachKent12.6°C
Marsden BeachTyne and Wear12.6°C
Silverdale BeachLancashire12.6°C
Tenby South BeachPembrokeshire12.6°C
Tywyn BeachNorth Wales12.6°C
Rhos-on-SeaNorth Wales12.6°C
Elie BeachScotland East12.6°C
Sandwood BayScotland North12.6°C
CamusdarachHebrides12.6°C
Bournemouth BeachDorset & South Coast12.5°C
BamburghEast Coast12.5°C
Crantock BeachCornwall12.5°C
Porthgwidden BeachCornwall12.5°C
Marazion BeachCornwall12.5°C
Coverack BeachCornwall12.5°C
Gyllyngvase BeachCornwall12.5°C
Widemouth BayCornwall12.5°C
Slapton SandsDevon12.5°C
Preston SandsDevon12.5°C
Barricane BeachNorth Devon12.5°C
Southbourne BeachDorset12.5°C
Totland BayIsle of Wight12.5°C
Birling GapSussex12.5°C
Pett LevelSussex12.5°C
Herne Bay BeachKent12.5°C
West Kirby BeachMerseyside12.5°C
Tenby North BeachPembrokeshire12.5°C
New Quay BeachCeredigion12.5°C
Harlech BeachNorth Wales12.5°C
Aberdaron BeachNorth Wales12.5°C
Colwyn BayNorth Wales12.5°C
Belhaven BayScotland East12.5°C
Traigh BhanHebrides12.5°C
Praa SandsCornwall12.4°C
WhitesandsWales12.4°C
Lusty GlazeCornwall12.4°C
Carbis BayCornwall12.4°C
Pedn VounderCornwall12.4°C
Hope CoveDevon12.4°C
West Bay BeachDorset12.4°C
Lyme Regis BeachDorset12.4°C
Colwell BayIsle of Wight12.4°C
Littlehampton BeachSussex12.4°C
Hastings BeachSussex12.4°C
Whitstable BeachKent12.4°C
Hunstanton BeachNorfolk12.4°C
Happisburgh BeachNorfolk12.4°C
Filey BeachYorkshire12.4°C
Sandhaven BeachTyne and Wear12.4°C
Whitley Bay BeachTyne and Wear12.4°C
Blyth South BeachNorthumberland12.4°C
Alnmouth BeachNorthumberland12.4°C
Seahouses BeachNorthumberland12.4°C
New Brighton BeachMerseyside12.4°C
Porth NeigwlNorth Wales12.4°C
Red Wharf BayNorth Wales12.4°C
Talisker BayHebrides12.4°C
St Ninians IsleShetland12.4°C
Downhill BeachNorthern Ireland12.4°C
StudlandDorset & South Coast12.3°C
HolkhamEast Coast12.3°C
Portreath BeachCornwall12.3°C
Polurrian CoveCornwall12.3°C
Pentewan SandsCornwall12.3°C
Trebarwith StrandCornwall12.3°C
Sidmouth BeachDevon12.3°C
Putsborough SandsNorth Devon12.3°C
Seatown BeachDorset12.3°C
Ryde BeachIsle of Wight12.3°C
Ventnor BeachIsle of Wight12.3°C
Bracklesham BaySussex12.3°C
Gorleston BeachNorfolk12.3°C
Aldeburgh BeachSuffolk12.3°C
Skegness BeachLincolnshire12.3°C
Chapel St LeonardsLincolnshire12.3°C
Beadnell BayNorthumberland12.3°C
Allonby BeachCumbria12.3°C
Caswell BayGower12.3°C
Benllech BeachNorth Wales12.3°C
Sandend BayScotland North12.3°C
Clachtoll BeachScotland North12.3°C
Halaman BayHebrides12.3°C
Waulkmill BayOrkney12.3°C
Portrush East StrandNorthern Ireland12.3°C
White Rocks BeachNorthern Ireland12.3°C
Ballyholme BeachNorthern Ireland12.3°C
Grouville BayChannel Islands12.3°C
Vazon BayChannel Islands12.3°C
Shell Beach HermChannel Islands12.3°C
Durdle DoorDorset & South Coast12.2°C
Weymouth BeachDorset & South Coast12.2°C
Cromer BeachEast Coast12.2°C
BeesandsDevon12.2°C
Paignton SandsDevon12.2°C
Beer BeachDevon12.2°C
Calshot BeachHampshire12.2°C
Sandown BeachIsle of Wight12.2°C
Climping BeachSussex12.2°C
Kingsgate BayKent12.2°C
Kingsdown BeachKent12.2°C
St Margarets BayKent12.2°C
Littlestone BeachKent12.2°C
Sheringham BeachNorfolk12.2°C
Thorpeness BeachSuffolk12.2°C
Clacton BeachEssex12.2°C
Sutton on SeaLincolnshire12.2°C
Sandsend BeachYorkshire12.2°C
Saltburn BeachYorkshire12.2°C
Druridge BayNorthumberland12.2°C
St Annes BeachLancashire12.2°C
Lytham BeachLancashire12.2°C
Oxwich BayGower12.2°C
Bracelet BayGower12.2°C
Saundersfoot BeachPembrokeshire12.2°C
Nefyn BeachNorth Wales12.2°C
Llandudno North ShoreNorth Wales12.2°C
Balmedie BeachScotland East12.2°C
Nairn BeachScotland North12.2°C
Machrihanish BeachScotland West12.2°C
Uisken BeachHebrides12.2°C
Portstewart StrandNorthern Ireland12.2°C
Benone BeachNorthern Ireland12.2°C
Cobo BayChannel Islands12.2°C
Petit Bot BayChannel Islands12.2°C
BanthamDevon12.1°C
Blackpool SandsDevon12.1°C
WhitbyEast Coast12.1°C
Marloes SandsWales12.1°C
PorthchapelCornwall12.1°C
Gunwalloe Church CoveCornwall12.1°C
Trebah BeachCornwall12.1°C
Summerleaze BeachCornwall12.1°C
South Milton SandsDevon12.1°C
Maidencombe BeachDevon12.1°C
Jacobs LadderDevon12.1°C
Branksome ChineDorset12.1°C
Saltdean BeachSussex12.1°C
Eastbourne BeachSussex12.1°C
Margate Main SandsKent12.1°C
Old Hunstanton BeachNorfolk12.1°C
Overstrand BeachNorfolk12.1°C
Mablethorpe BeachLincolnshire12.1°C
Bridlington SouthYorkshire12.1°C
Fleetwood BeachLancashire12.1°C
Langland BayGower12.1°C
Rhyl BeachNorth Wales12.1°C
Prestatyn BeachNorth Wales12.1°C
Murlough BeachNorthern Ireland12.1°C
PorthminsterCornwall12.0°C
Camber SandsDorset & South Coast12.0°C
Brighton BeachDorset & South Coast12.0°C
BarafundleWales12.0°C
LlanddwynWales12.0°C
Great Western BeachCornwall12.0°C
Nanjizal BeachCornwall12.0°C
Cadgwith CoveCornwall12.0°C
Polkerris BeachCornwall12.0°C
Ballard DownDorset12.0°C
Kimmeridge BayDorset12.0°C
Eype BeachDorset12.0°C
Seaford BeachSussex12.0°C
Botany BayKent12.0°C
Tankerton BeachKent12.0°C
Cayton BayYorkshire12.0°C
Morecambe BeachLancashire12.0°C
Southport BeachMerseyside12.0°C
Silecroft BeachCumbria12.0°C
Whitmore Bay BarrySouth Wales12.0°C
Broad Haven SouthPembrokeshire12.0°C
PorthdinllaenNorth Wales12.0°C
Rhosneigr BeachNorth Wales12.0°C
Redpoint BeachScotland West12.0°C
Kildonan BeachHebrides12.0°C
Traigh EaisHebrides12.0°C
Skara Brae BeachOrkney12.0°C
Helens BayNorthern Ireland12.0°C
PorthcurnoCornwall11.9°C
AchmelvichScotland11.9°C
Gwithian BeachCornwall11.9°C
Long Rock BeachCornwall11.9°C
Porthpean BeachCornwall11.9°C
Lantic BayCornwall11.9°C
Mawgan PorthCornwall11.9°C
Daymer BayCornwall11.9°C
Duckpool BeachCornwall11.9°C
HallsandsDevon11.9°C
Sugary CoveDevon11.9°C
Shoalstone BeachDevon11.9°C
Seaton BeachDevon11.9°C
Lee-on-the-SolentHampshire11.9°C
Hove BeachSussex11.9°C
Lancing BeachSussex11.9°C
Wells-next-the-SeaNorfolk11.9°C
Winterton-on-SeaNorfolk11.9°C
Walberswick BeachSuffolk11.9°C
Southend BeachEssex11.9°C
Seaburn BeachTyne and Wear11.9°C
Boulmer BeachNorthumberland11.9°C
Ross Back SandsNorthumberland11.9°C
Ainsdale BeachMerseyside11.9°C
Crosby BeachMerseyside11.9°C
Aberystwyth North BeachCeredigion11.9°C
Black Rock SandsNorth Wales11.9°C
Portobello BeachScotland East11.9°C
Lunan BayScotland East11.9°C
Gairloch BeachScotland West11.9°C
Ganavan SandsScotland West11.9°C
Machir BayHebrides11.9°C
Ballycastle BeachNorthern Ireland11.9°C
Cushendun BeachNorthern Ireland11.9°C
Tyrella BeachNorthern Ireland11.9°C
Bouley BayChannel Islands11.9°C
Sennen CoveCornwall11.8°C
Scarborough South BayEast Coast11.8°C
Towan BeachCornwall11.8°C
Hayle TowansCornwall11.8°C
Swanpool BeachCornwall11.8°C
Castle BeachCornwall11.8°C
Hannafore BeachCornwall11.8°C
Trevone BayCornwall11.8°C
Bossiney CoveCornwall11.8°C
Crooklets BeachCornwall11.8°C
Bigbury-on-SeaDevon11.8°C
Combesgate BeachNorth Devon11.8°C
Rockham BeachNorth Devon11.8°C
Church Ope CoveDorset11.8°C
Milford on SeaHampshire11.8°C
Highcliffe BeachHampshire11.8°C
Compton BayIsle of Wight11.8°C
Brancaster BeachNorfolk11.8°C
Southwold BeachSuffolk11.8°C
Seaton CarewYorkshire11.8°C
Roker BeachTyne and Wear11.8°C
Newbiggin BeachNorthumberland11.8°C
Warkworth BeachNorthumberland11.8°C
Aberdovey BeachNorth Wales11.8°C
St Andrews West SandsScotland East11.8°C
St Andrews East SandsScotland East11.8°C
Dornoch BeachScotland North11.8°C
Silver Sands of MorarScotland West11.8°C
St Ouens BayChannel Islands11.8°C
West WitteringDorset & South Coast11.7°C
Calgary BayScotland11.7°C
Godrevy BeachCornwall11.7°C
Porthleven SandsCornwall11.7°C
Loe BarCornwall11.7°C
Downderry BeachCornwall11.7°C
Cawsand BeachCornwall11.7°C
Porthcothan BayCornwall11.7°C
Port Isaac BeachCornwall11.7°C
Goodrington SandsDevon11.7°C
Ladram BayDevon11.7°C
Shell BayDorset11.7°C
Swanage BeachDorset11.7°C
Lulworth CoveDorset11.7°C
Southsea BeachHampshire11.7°C
Hill Head BeachHampshire11.7°C
Beachy HeadSussex11.7°C
St Leonards BeachSussex11.7°C
Winchelsea BeachSussex11.7°C
Greatstone BeachKent11.7°C
Great Yarmouth BeachNorfolk11.7°C
Scarborough North BayYorkshire11.7°C
Runswick BayYorkshire11.7°C
Southerndown BeachSouth Wales11.7°C
Llandudno West ShoreNorth Wales11.7°C
Yellowcraig BeachScotland East11.7°C
Broughty Ferry BeachScotland East11.7°C
Westport BeachScotland West11.7°C
Kiloran BayHebrides11.7°C
Traigh MhorHebrides11.7°C
Portrush West StrandNorthern Ireland11.7°C
Whitepark BayNorthern Ireland11.7°C
Waterfoot BeachNorthern Ireland11.7°C
Millisle BeachNorthern Ireland11.7°C
Fistral BeachCornwall11.6°C
Kynance CoveCornwall11.6°C
PorthmeorCornwall11.6°C
Croyde BayDevon11.6°C
Salcombe South SandsDevon11.6°C
Babbacombe BeachDevon11.6°C
Sandy Bay ExmouthDevon11.6°C
Combe Martin BeachNorth Devon11.6°C
Lynmouth BeachNorth Devon11.6°C
Chesil BeachDorset11.6°C
Charmouth BeachDorset11.6°C
Barton on SeaHampshire11.6°C
Freshwater BayIsle of Wight11.6°C
Yaverland BeachIsle of Wight11.6°C
Rottingdean BeachSussex11.6°C
Horsey BeachNorfolk11.6°C
Walton-on-the-NazeEssex11.6°C
Aberavon BeachSouth Wales11.6°C
Aberaeron BeachCeredigion11.6°C
Borth BeachCeredigion11.6°C
Montrose BeachScotland East11.6°C
Big Sand BeachScotland West11.6°C
Saligo BayHebrides11.6°C
Newcastle BeachNorthern Ireland11.6°C
Plemont BayChannel Islands11.6°C
PerranporthCornwall11.5°C
Saunton SandsDevon11.5°C
LuskentyreScotland11.5°C
Talland BayCornwall11.5°C
Salcombe North SandsDevon11.5°C
BroadsandsDevon11.5°C
Elberry CoveDevon11.5°C
Instow BeachNorth Devon11.5°C
Westward Ho!North Devon11.5°C
Knoll BeachDorset11.5°C
Shanklin BeachIsle of Wight11.5°C
Shoreham BeachSussex11.5°C
Selsey BeachSussex11.5°C
Joss BayKent11.5°C
Minnis BayKent11.5°C
Dymchurch BeachKent11.5°C
Frinton BeachEssex11.5°C
Staithes BeachYorkshire11.5°C
Cullercoats BeachTyne and Wear11.5°C
Formby BeachMerseyside11.5°C
Rest BaySouth Wales11.5°C
Manorbier BeachPembrokeshire11.5°C
Aberporth BeachCeredigion11.5°C
Barmouth BeachNorth Wales11.5°C
North Berwick BeachScotland East11.5°C
Sinclairs BayScotland North11.5°C
Scarista BeachHebrides11.5°C
Coral Beach SkyeHebrides11.5°C
PolzeathCornwall11.4°C
Tolcarne BeachCornwall11.4°C
Chapel PorthCornwall11.4°C
PorthtowanCornwall11.4°C
Porthkidney SandsCornwall11.4°C
Poldhu CoveCornwall11.4°C
Par SandsCornwall11.4°C
Readymoney CoveCornwall11.4°C
Bedruthan StepsCornwall11.4°C
Rock BeachCornwall11.4°C
Meadfoot BeachDevon11.4°C
Breakwater BeachDevon11.4°C
Boscombe BeachDorset11.4°C
East Wittering BeachSussex11.4°C
Cuckmere HavenSussex11.4°C
Bexhill BeachSussex11.4°C
Westbrook BayKent11.4°C
Bridlington NorthYorkshire11.4°C
Redcar BeachYorkshire11.4°C
Embleton BayNorthumberland11.4°C
Blackpool BeachLancashire11.4°C
Hoylake BeachMerseyside11.4°C
St Bees BeachCumbria11.4°C
Port Eynon BayGower11.4°C
Coney BeachSouth Wales11.4°C
Freshwater WestPembrokeshire11.4°C
Broad Haven BeachPembrokeshire11.4°C
Newgale BeachPembrokeshire11.4°C
Ynyslas BeachCeredigion11.4°C
Dinas DinlleNorth Wales11.4°C
Trearddur BayNorth Wales11.4°C
Aberdeen BeachScotland East11.4°C
Cullen BeachScotland North11.4°C
Meal BeachShetland11.4°C
St Brelades BayChannel Islands11.4°C
Rhossili BayWales11.3°C
Holywell BayCornwall11.3°C
Kennack SandsCornwall11.3°C
Maenporth BeachCornwall11.3°C
Whitsand BayCornwall11.3°C
Constantine BayCornwall11.3°C
Crackington HavenCornwall11.3°C
Sandymouth BeachCornwall11.3°C
Anstey's CoveDevon11.3°C
Budleigh SaltertonDevon11.3°C
Tunnels BeachesNorth Devon11.3°C
Broadstairs BeachKent11.3°C
Ramsgate SandsKent11.3°C
Mundesley BeachNorfolk11.3°C
Felixstowe BeachSuffolk11.3°C
Cleveleys BeachLancashire11.3°C
Amroth BeachPembrokeshire11.3°C
Abersoch BeachNorth Wales11.3°C
Rosemarkie BeachScotland North11.3°C
Cranfield BeachNorthern Ireland11.3°C

Sea temperature in United Kingdom — FAQ

How warm is the sea in United Kingdom in November?

The sea off United Kingdom averages about 12.0°C in November, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.

When is the best time to swim in United Kingdom?

United Kingdom is warmest in August (around 17.0°C) and coldest in February (around 8.0°C). There are typically 0 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.

What is the average yearly sea temperature in United Kingdom?

Across all twelve months, the sea in United Kingdom averages about 12.0°C.

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in United Kingdom?

The sea in United Kingdom stays below 22°C even at its warmest (~17.0°C in August), so a 3/2mm or thicker wetsuit is recommended for longer swims year-round.