Smathers Beach — Sea temperature now
Popular Florida Keys beach near Key West.
Very warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Smathers Beach on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Smathers Beach
The sea in Smathers Beach peaks in July, when the water averages around 30°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 23°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Smathers Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Smathers Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 27°C, ranging from 23°C in winter to 30°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 7°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 Smathers Beach, 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.
Smathers Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Smathers Beach?
July is the warmest month in Smathers Beach, when the sea averages about 30°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Smathers Beach?
The coldest month in Smathers Beach is typically January, when the water averages around 23°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Smathers Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Smathers Beach 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 Smathers Beach?
Smathers Beach 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 Smathers Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Smathers Beach is about 27°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Smathers Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Smathers Beach, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C | Warm |
| Feb | 23°C | Warm |
| Mar | 24°C | Warm |
| Apr | 26°C | Hot |
| May | 28°C | Hot |
| Jun | 29°C | Hot |
| Jul ⭐ | 30°C | Hot |
| Aug | 30°C | Hot |
| Sep | 30°C | Hot |
| Oct | 29°C | Hot |
| Nov | 26°C | Hot |
| Dec | 24°C | Warm |