Sea temperature in Bahamas
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 16 beaches on the Bahamas coast.
Best time to swim in Bahamas
The sea in Bahamas peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°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.
Bahamas sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Bahamas shows an annual mean sea temperature of 27°C, ranging from 24°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 5°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 Bahamas, 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.
Bahamas sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Bahamas?
July is the warmest month in Bahamas, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Bahamas?
The coldest month in Bahamas is typically January, when the water averages around 24°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Bahamas without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Bahamas 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 Bahamas?
Bahamas 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 Bahamas?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Bahamas is about 27°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Bahamas?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Bahamas, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Bahamas sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Bahamas 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 ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Bahamas right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Beach Eleuthera | Eleuthera & Harbour Island | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Gold Rock Beach | Grand Bahama | 29.5°C | Excellent |
| Treasure Cay Beach | Abaco | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Tahiti Beach | Abaco | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Pig Beach | Exumas | 29.3°C | Excellent |
| Cable Beach | New Providence | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| Tahiti Beach | Abaco | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| Pig Beach | Exuma | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Taino Beach | Grand Bahama | 28.9°C | Excellent |
| Cabbage Beach | New Providence | 28.7°C | Excellent |
| Tahiti Beach Abaco | Abaco | 28.7°C | Excellent |
| Love Beach | Nassau & Paradise Island | 28.7°C | Excellent |
| Tropic of Cancer Beach | Exuma | 28.5°C | Excellent |
| Junkanoo Beach | New Providence | 28.4°C | Excellent |
| French Leave Beach | Eleuthera & Harbour Island | 28.4°C | Excellent |
| Pink Sands Beach | Eleuthera | 28.3°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Bahamas — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Bahamas in September?
The sea off Bahamas averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Bahamas?
Bahamas is warmest in July (around 29.0°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 Bahamas?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Bahamas averages about 26.8°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Bahamas?
In peak season (around July, ~29.0°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.