Sea temperature in US Virgin Islands
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 11 beaches on the US Virgin Islands coast.
Best time to swim in US Virgin Islands
The sea in US Virgin Islands peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
US Virgin Islands sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for US Virgin Islands shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°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 US Virgin Islands, 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.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
US Virgin Islands sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in US Virgin Islands?
July is the warmest month in US Virgin Islands, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in US Virgin Islands?
The coldest month in US Virgin Islands is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in US Virgin Islands without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in US Virgin Islands runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in US Virgin Islands?
US Virgin Islands stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in US Virgin Islands?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in US Virgin Islands is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in US Virgin Islands?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in US Virgin Islands, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
US Virgin Islands sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around US Virgin Islands for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in US Virgin Islands right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buck Island Beach | St Croix | 29.7°C | Excellent |
| Magens Bay | St Thomas | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Cinnamon Bay | St Thomas & St John | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Coki Beach | St Thomas & St John | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Maho Bay | St Thomas & St John | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Hawksnest Bay | St Thomas & St John | 29.3°C | Excellent |
| Lindquist Beach | St Thomas & St John | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Trunk Bay | St John | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Sapphire Beach | St Thomas | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Sandy Point St Croix | St Croix | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Cane Bay | St Croix | 28.6°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in US Virgin Islands — FAQ
How warm is the sea in US Virgin Islands in September?
The sea off US Virgin Islands averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in US Virgin Islands?
US Virgin Islands is warmest in July (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 26.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in US Virgin Islands?
Across all twelve months, the sea in US Virgin Islands averages about 27.7°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in US Virgin Islands?
In peak season (around July, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 26.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.