Devon sea temperature — United Kingdom beaches

Devon

35 tracked beaches in Devon, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.

Sea

Celtic Sea

Avg sea temp now

16.0°C

Best months

Warmest August

Devon is a coastal area of United Kingdom on the Celtic Sea, with 35 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 8°C in the coolest month to 17°C at the summer peak, with roughly 0 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.

Best time to swim in Devon

The sea in Devon 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.

Devon sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Devon 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 Devon, 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.

Devon sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Devon?

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

When is the sea coldest in Devon?

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

When can you swim in Devon without a wetsuit?

The sea in Devon 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 Devon?

Outside peak summer the water in Devon 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 Devon?

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

How do I check the current sea temperature in Devon?

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

Swimming in the Devon — FAQ

How warm is the sea in the Devon in September?

The Celtic Sea off the Devon averages about 16.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.

When is the best time to swim in the Devon?

The Devon 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 the Devon?

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

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Devon?

The sea in the Devon 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.