Sea temperature in Saudi Arabia
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 2 beaches on the Saudi Arabia coast.
Best time to swim in Saudi Arabia
The sea in Saudi Arabia peaks in June, when the water averages around 28°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 24°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Saudi Arabia sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Saudi Arabia shows an annual mean sea temperature of 26°C, ranging from 24°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 4°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 Saudi Arabia, 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.
Saudi Arabia sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Saudi Arabia?
June is the warmest month in Saudi Arabia, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Saudi Arabia?
The coldest month in Saudi Arabia is typically January, when the water averages around 24°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Saudi Arabia without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Saudi Arabia is about 26°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Saudi Arabia?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Saudi Arabia, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Saudi Arabia sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Saudi Arabia for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| May | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June ⭐ | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| December | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Saudi Arabia right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Beach Jeddah | Makkah | 27.7°C | Excellent |
| Half Moon Bay | Eastern Province | 27.2°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Saudi Arabia — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Saudi Arabia in September?
The sea off Saudi Arabia averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is warmest in June (around 28.0°C) and coldest in January (around 24.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Saudi Arabia?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Saudi Arabia averages about 26.3°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Saudi Arabia?
In peak season (around June, ~28.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 24.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.
Which beach in Saudi Arabia has the warmest sea right now?
Pure Beach Jeddah typically has the warmest sea in September, while Half Moon Bay is the coolest of the featured beaches. Live readings for every beach are listed on this page.