Southend Beach — Sea temperature now
Essex family beach.
Fresh water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.
Location
Southend 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 Southend Beach
The sea in Southend Beach 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.
Southend Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Southend Beach 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 Southend 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.
Southend Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Southend Beach?
August is the warmest month in Southend Beach, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Southend Beach?
The coldest month in Southend Beach is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Southend Beach without a wetsuit?
The sea in Southend Beach 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 Southend Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Southend Beach 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 Southend Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Southend Beach is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Southend Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Southend 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
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | Cold |
| Feb | 8°C | Cold |
| Mar | 8°C | Cold |
| Apr | 9°C | Cold |
| May | 11°C | Cold |
| Jun | 14°C | Bracing |
| Jul | 16°C | Bracing |
| Aug ⭐ | 17°C | Bracing |
| Sep | 16°C | Bracing |
| Oct | 14°C | Bracing |
| Nov | 12°C | Cold |
| Dec | 10°C | Cold |