Sea temperature in Puerto Rico
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 18 beaches on the Puerto Rico coast.
Best time to swim in Puerto Rico
The sea in Puerto Rico 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.
Puerto Rico sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico, 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.
Puerto Rico sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Puerto Rico?
July is the warmest month in Puerto Rico, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Puerto Rico?
The coldest month in Puerto Rico is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Puerto Rico without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Puerto Rico is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Puerto Rico?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Puerto Rico, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Puerto Rico sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condado Beach | San Juan | 29.7°C | Excellent |
| Playa Sucia | Cabo Rojo | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Sandy Beach Rincon | West Coast Puerto Rico | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Tamarindo Beach Culebra | Vieques & Culebra | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Boqueron Beach | Southwest | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Luquillo Beach | Luquillo | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Buye Beach | Southwest | 29.3°C | Excellent |
| Zoni Beach | Vieques & Culebra | 29.2°C | Excellent |
| Flamenco Beach | Culebra | 29.1°C | Excellent |
| Sun Bay Vieques | Vieques & Culebra | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| Playa Crash Boat | Aguadilla | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Isla Verde Beach | San Juan Metro | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Ocean Park Beach | San Juan Metro | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Escambron Beach | San Juan Metro | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Domes Beach Rincon | West Coast Puerto Rico | 28.6°C | Excellent |
| Jobos Beach Isabela | West Coast Puerto Rico | 28.4°C | Excellent |
| Playa La Chiva | Vieques & Culebra | 28.4°C | Excellent |
| Playa Caracas | Vieques & Culebra | 28.3°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Puerto Rico — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Puerto Rico in September?
The sea off Puerto Rico averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Puerto Rico averages about 27.7°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Puerto Rico?
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.