Sea temperature in Chile
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 8 beaches on the Chile coast.
Best time to swim in Chile
The sea in Chile peaks in July, when the water averages around 23°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 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Chile sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Chile shows an annual mean sea temperature of 21°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 23°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 Chile, 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.
Chile sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Chile?
July is the warmest month in Chile, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Chile?
The coldest month in Chile is typically January, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Chile without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Chile 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 Chile?
Outside peak summer the water in Chile drops toward 20°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 Chile?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Chile is about 21°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Chile?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Chile, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Warmest beaches in Chile right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viña del Mar Reñaca | Valparaíso | — | — |
| Viña del Mar Caleta Abarca | Valparaíso | — | — |
| La Serena | Coquimbo | — | — |
| Bahía Inglesa | Atacama | — | — |
| Iquique Playa Cavancha | Tarapacá | — | — |
| Anakena | Valparaíso | — | — |
| Algarrobo | Valparaíso | — | — |
| Pichilemu | O'Higgins | — | — |