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Sea temperature in United Kingdom

Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 409 beaches on the United Kingdom coast.

Best time to swim in United Kingdom

The sea in United Kingdom 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.

United Kingdom sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom, 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.

Jan
9°C
Feb
8°C
Mar
8°C
Apr
9°C
May
11°C
Jun
14°C
Jul
16°C
Aug
17°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
10°C

Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.

United Kingdom sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in United Kingdom?

August is the warmest month in United Kingdom, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in United Kingdom?

The coldest month in United Kingdom is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in United Kingdom without a wetsuit?

The sea in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

Outside peak summer the water in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in United Kingdom is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in United Kingdom?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in United Kingdom, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.

United Kingdom sea temperature by month

Average sea temperatures around United Kingdom for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.

Monthly average sea temperature in United Kingdom
MonthAverage sea
January9.0°C
February8.0°C
March8.0°C
April9.0°C
May11.0°C
June14.0°C
July16.0°C
August ⭐17.0°C
September16.0°C
October14.0°C
November12.0°C
December10.0°C

Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?

Coastal regions of United Kingdom

Region hubs with live sea temperatures, swim conditions and a beach directory.

Cornwall
76 beaches
76 tracked beaches in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Devon
35 beaches
35 tracked beaches in Devon, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Sussex
22 beaches
22 tracked beaches in Sussex, United Kingdom, with live English Channel temperatures.
North Wales
21 beaches
21 tracked beaches in North Wales, United Kingdom, with live Irish Sea temperatures.

Warmest beaches in United Kingdom right now

BeachRegionSea
Hannafore BeachCornwall16.7°C
Downderry BeachCornwall16.7°C
Crooklets BeachCornwall16.7°C
Salcombe North SandsDevon16.7°C
Beer BeachDevon16.7°C
Climping BeachSussex16.7°C
Marsden BeachTyne and Wear16.7°C
Formby BeachMerseyside16.7°C
Newgale BeachPembrokeshire16.7°C
Abersoch BeachNorth Wales16.7°C
Nefyn BeachNorth Wales16.7°C
Llandudno West ShoreNorth Wales16.7°C
Balmedie BeachScotland East16.7°C
PorthcurnoCornwall16.6°C
BanthamDevon16.6°C
Holywell BayCornwall16.6°C
Pentewan SandsCornwall16.6°C
Treyarnon BayCornwall16.6°C
Rock BeachCornwall16.6°C
BeesandsDevon16.6°C
Mattiscombe SandsDevon16.6°C
Hope CoveDevon16.6°C
Paignton SandsDevon16.6°C
Church Ope CoveDorset16.6°C
Eype BeachDorset16.6°C
Ventnor BeachIsle of Wight16.6°C
Colwell BayIsle of Wight16.6°C
St Margarets BayKent16.6°C
Folkestone Sunny SandsKent16.6°C
Frinton BeachEssex16.6°C
Cayton BayYorkshire16.6°C
Staithes BeachYorkshire16.6°C
Redcar BeachYorkshire16.6°C
Druridge BayNorthumberland16.6°C
Crosby BeachMerseyside16.6°C
Coney BeachSouth Wales16.6°C
Southerndown BeachSouth Wales16.6°C
Dinas DinlleNorth Wales16.6°C
Belhaven BayScotland East16.6°C
Nairn BeachScotland North16.6°C
Sinclairs BayScotland North16.6°C
Kildonan BeachHebrides16.6°C
Helens BayNorthern Ireland16.6°C
St Ouens BayChannel Islands16.6°C
PolzeathCornwall16.5°C
Blackpool SandsDevon16.5°C
Marloes SandsWales16.5°C
Great Western BeachCornwall16.5°C
Towan BeachCornwall16.5°C
Portreath BeachCornwall16.5°C
Coverack BeachCornwall16.5°C
Maenporth BeachCornwall16.5°C
Anstey's CoveDevon16.5°C
Putsborough SandsNorth Devon16.5°C
Barricane BeachNorth Devon16.5°C
Swanage BeachDorset16.5°C
Lee-on-the-SolentHampshire16.5°C
Rottingdean BeachSussex16.5°C
Broadstairs BeachKent16.5°C
Margate Main SandsKent16.5°C
Kingsdown BeachKent16.5°C
Southwold BeachSuffolk16.5°C
Walberswick BeachSuffolk16.5°C
Runswick BayYorkshire16.5°C
Saltburn BeachYorkshire16.5°C
Southport BeachMerseyside16.5°C
West Kirby BeachMerseyside16.5°C
St Bees BeachCumbria16.5°C
Amroth BeachPembrokeshire16.5°C
Aberaeron BeachCeredigion16.5°C
Traigh EaisHebrides16.5°C
Scarista BeachHebrides16.5°C
Traigh MhorHebrides16.5°C
CamusdarachHebrides16.5°C
Fistral BeachCornwall16.4°C
PorthmeorCornwall16.4°C
StudlandDorset & South Coast16.4°C
Crantock BeachCornwall16.4°C
Trebah BeachCornwall16.4°C
Kingsand BeachCornwall16.4°C
Constantine BayCornwall16.4°C
Slapton SandsDevon16.4°C
Instow BeachNorth Devon16.4°C
Shell BayDorset16.4°C
Ringstead BayDorset16.4°C
Barton on SeaHampshire16.4°C
Hove BeachSussex16.4°C
Whitstable BeachKent16.4°C
Sheringham BeachNorfolk16.4°C
Winterton-on-SeaNorfolk16.4°C
Newbiggin BeachNorthumberland16.4°C
Blackpool BeachLancashire16.4°C
New Brighton BeachMerseyside16.4°C
Aberporth BeachCeredigion16.4°C
Aberdovey BeachNorth Wales16.4°C
Colwyn BayNorth Wales16.4°C
Gairloch BeachScotland West16.4°C
Silver Sands of MorarScotland West16.4°C
Coral Beach SkyeHebrides16.4°C
Meal BeachShetland16.4°C
White Rocks BeachNorthern Ireland16.4°C
Millisle BeachNorthern Ireland16.4°C
SandbanksDorset & South Coast16.3°C
LlanddwynWales16.3°C
Polurrian CoveCornwall16.3°C
Carlyon BayCornwall16.3°C
Polkerris BeachCornwall16.3°C
HallsandsDevon16.3°C
Freshwater BayIsle of Wight16.3°C
Yaverland BeachIsle of Wight16.3°C
Bognor Regis BeachSussex16.3°C
Bexhill BeachSussex16.3°C
Hythe BeachKent16.3°C
Greatstone BeachKent16.3°C
Wells-next-the-SeaNorfolk16.3°C
Felixstowe BeachSuffolk16.3°C
Mablethorpe BeachLincolnshire16.3°C
Blyth South BeachNorthumberland16.3°C
Cleveleys BeachLancashire16.3°C
Ainsdale BeachMerseyside16.3°C
Aberavon BeachSouth Wales16.3°C
Tywyn BeachNorth Wales16.3°C
Aberdaron BeachNorth Wales16.3°C
Rhosneigr BeachNorth Wales16.3°C
Benllech BeachNorth Wales16.3°C
Prestatyn BeachNorth Wales16.3°C
North Berwick BeachScotland East16.3°C
Lunan BayScotland East16.3°C
Aberdeen BeachScotland East16.3°C
Rosemarkie BeachScotland North16.3°C
Portstewart StrandNorthern Ireland16.3°C
Vazon BayChannel Islands16.3°C
PerranporthCornwall16.2°C
HolkhamEast Coast16.2°C
WhitbyEast Coast16.2°C
BarafundleWales16.2°C
AchmelvichScotland16.2°C
Porthkidney SandsCornwall16.2°C
Pedn VounderCornwall16.2°C
PorthchapelCornwall16.2°C
Nanjizal BeachCornwall16.2°C
Swanpool BeachCornwall16.2°C
Duckpool BeachCornwall16.2°C
Sugary CoveDevon16.2°C
Meadfoot BeachDevon16.2°C
Shoalstone BeachDevon16.2°C
Branksome ChineDorset16.2°C
Lulworth CoveDorset16.2°C
West Bay BeachDorset16.2°C
Mudeford SandbankHampshire16.2°C
Cuckmere HavenSussex16.2°C
Winchelsea BeachSussex16.2°C
Herne Bay BeachKent16.2°C
Overstrand BeachNorfolk16.2°C
Great Yarmouth BeachNorfolk16.2°C
Gorleston BeachNorfolk16.2°C
Chapel St LeonardsLincolnshire16.2°C
Seaburn BeachTyne and Wear16.2°C
Sandhaven BeachTyne and Wear16.2°C
Whitley Bay BeachTyne and Wear16.2°C
Oxwich BayGower16.2°C
Tenby South BeachPembrokeshire16.2°C
New Quay BeachCeredigion16.2°C
Porth NeigwlNorth Wales16.2°C
Rhos-on-SeaNorth Wales16.2°C
Kiloran BayHebrides16.2°C
Machir BayHebrides16.2°C
Talisker BayHebrides16.2°C
Waterfoot BeachNorthern Ireland16.2°C
Praa SandsCornwall16.1°C
Brighton BeachDorset & South Coast16.1°C
Chapel PorthCornwall16.1°C
Gwithian BeachCornwall16.1°C
Loe BarCornwall16.1°C
Daymer BayCornwall16.1°C
Boscombe BeachDorset16.1°C
Southbourne BeachDorset16.1°C
Ballard DownDorset16.1°C
Lyme Regis BeachDorset16.1°C
Littlehampton BeachSussex16.1°C
Botany BayKent16.1°C
Deal BeachKent16.1°C
Littlestone BeachKent16.1°C
Bridlington SouthYorkshire16.1°C
Beadnell BayNorthumberland16.1°C
Fleetwood BeachLancashire16.1°C
Allonby BeachCumbria16.1°C
Caswell BayGower16.1°C
Whitmore Bay BarrySouth Wales16.1°C
Saundersfoot BeachPembrokeshire16.1°C
Broad Haven BeachPembrokeshire16.1°C
Barmouth BeachNorth Wales16.1°C
Red Wharf BayNorth Wales16.1°C
Rhyl BeachNorth Wales16.1°C
Elie BeachScotland East16.1°C
Montrose BeachScotland East16.1°C
Sandend BayScotland North16.1°C
Ganavan SandsScotland West16.1°C
Halaman BayHebrides16.1°C
Ballycastle BeachNorthern Ireland16.1°C
Murlough BeachNorthern Ireland16.1°C
PorthminsterCornwall16.0°C
Durdle DoorDorset & South Coast16.0°C
Scarborough South BayEast Coast16.0°C
Hayle TowansCornwall16.0°C
Castle BeachCornwall16.0°C
Readymoney CoveCornwall16.0°C
Port Isaac BeachCornwall16.0°C
Maidencombe BeachDevon16.0°C
Preston SandsDevon16.0°C
Sandy Bay ExmouthDevon16.0°C
Budleigh SaltertonDevon16.0°C
Tunnels BeachesNorth Devon16.0°C
Ryde BeachIsle of Wight16.0°C
East Wittering BeachSussex16.0°C
Selsey BeachSussex16.0°C
Joss BayKent16.0°C
Tankerton BeachKent16.0°C
Southend BeachEssex16.0°C
Cullercoats BeachTyne and Wear16.0°C
Morecambe BeachLancashire16.0°C
Silecroft BeachCumbria16.0°C
Port Eynon BayGower16.0°C
Manorbier BeachPembrokeshire16.0°C
Aberystwyth North BeachCeredigion16.0°C
Harlech BeachNorth Wales16.0°C
Machrihanish BeachScotland West16.0°C
Benone BeachNorthern Ireland16.0°C
Kynance CoveCornwall15.9°C
WoolacombeDevon15.9°C
Cromer BeachEast Coast15.9°C
Rhossili BayWales15.9°C
Long Rock BeachCornwall15.9°C
Porthpean BeachCornwall15.9°C
Talland BayCornwall15.9°C
Summerleaze BeachCornwall15.9°C
Salcombe South SandsDevon15.9°C
Exmouth BeachDevon15.9°C
Lynmouth BeachNorth Devon15.9°C
Wildersmouth BeachNorth Devon15.9°C
Kimmeridge BayDorset15.9°C
Southsea BeachHampshire15.9°C
Shanklin BeachIsle of Wight15.9°C
Steephill CoveIsle of Wight15.9°C
Compton BayIsle of Wight15.9°C
Totland BayIsle of Wight15.9°C
Bracklesham BaySussex15.9°C
Hunstanton BeachNorfolk15.9°C
Aldeburgh BeachSuffolk15.9°C
Scarborough North BayYorkshire15.9°C
Tynemouth LongsandsTyne and Wear15.9°C
Hoylake BeachMerseyside15.9°C
Rest BaySouth Wales15.9°C
Borth BeachCeredigion15.9°C
St Andrews East SandsScotland East15.9°C
Dornoch BeachScotland North15.9°C
Clachtoll BeachScotland North15.9°C
Portrush East StrandNorthern Ireland15.9°C
Whitepark BayNorthern Ireland15.9°C
Newcastle BeachNorthern Ireland15.9°C
WhitesandsWales15.8°C
LuskentyreScotland15.8°C
Calgary BayScotland15.8°C
PorthtowanCornwall15.8°C
Carbis BayCornwall15.8°C
Poldhu CoveCornwall15.8°C
Porthleven SandsCornwall15.8°C
Cadgwith CoveCornwall15.8°C
Trebarwith StrandCornwall15.8°C
South Milton SandsDevon15.8°C
Babbacombe BeachDevon15.8°C
Westward Ho!North Devon15.8°C
Combesgate BeachNorth Devon15.8°C
Rockham BeachNorth Devon15.8°C
Chesil BeachDorset15.8°C
Eastbourne BeachSussex15.8°C
Birling GapSussex15.8°C
Ramsgate SandsKent15.8°C
Bridlington NorthYorkshire15.8°C
Filey BeachYorkshire15.8°C
Embleton BayNorthumberland15.8°C
Poppit SandsPembrokeshire15.8°C
Shell Beach HermChannel Islands15.8°C
Watergate BayCornwall15.7°C
Saunton SandsDevon15.7°C
Bournemouth BeachDorset & South Coast15.7°C
Weymouth BeachDorset & South Coast15.7°C
Camber SandsDorset & South Coast15.7°C
Harlyn BayCornwall15.7°C
Bedruthan StepsCornwall15.7°C
Bossiney CoveCornwall15.7°C
Crackington HavenCornwall15.7°C
Widemouth BayCornwall15.7°C
Oddicombe BeachDevon15.7°C
Breakwater BeachDevon15.7°C
Sidmouth BeachDevon15.7°C
Jacobs LadderDevon15.7°C
Combe Martin BeachNorth Devon15.7°C
Calshot BeachHampshire15.7°C
Saltdean BeachSussex15.7°C
Worthing BeachSussex15.7°C
Lancing BeachSussex15.7°C
Dymchurch BeachKent15.7°C
Mundesley BeachNorfolk15.7°C
Happisburgh BeachNorfolk15.7°C
Horsey BeachNorfolk15.7°C
Thorpeness BeachSuffolk15.7°C
Walton-on-the-NazeEssex15.7°C
Sutton on SeaLincolnshire15.7°C
Robin Hoods BayYorkshire15.7°C
Alnmouth BeachNorthumberland15.7°C
Boulmer BeachNorthumberland15.7°C
Langland BayGower15.7°C
Bracelet BayGower15.7°C
Swansea BaySouth Wales15.7°C
PorthdinllaenNorth Wales15.7°C
Broughty Ferry BeachScotland East15.7°C
Sandwood BayScotland North15.7°C
Skara Brae BeachOrkney15.7°C
St Ninians IsleShetland15.7°C
Portrush West StrandNorthern Ireland15.7°C
Croyde BayDevon15.6°C
Three Cliffs BayWales15.6°C
Trevaunance CoveCornwall15.6°C
Marazion BeachCornwall15.6°C
Gyllyngvase BeachCornwall15.6°C
Par SandsCornwall15.6°C
Trevone BayCornwall15.6°C
Porthcothan BayCornwall15.6°C
Knoll BeachDorset15.6°C
Charmouth BeachDorset15.6°C
Hill Head BeachHampshire15.6°C
Beachy HeadSussex15.6°C
Pett LevelSussex15.6°C
Minnis BayKent15.6°C
Brancaster BeachNorfolk15.6°C
Old Hunstanton BeachNorfolk15.6°C
Seaton CarewYorkshire15.6°C
Roker BeachTyne and Wear15.6°C
Ynyslas BeachCeredigion15.6°C
Black Rock SandsNorth Wales15.6°C
Trearddur BayNorth Wales15.6°C
Llandudno North ShoreNorth Wales15.6°C
Redpoint BeachScotland West15.6°C
Traigh BhanHebrides15.6°C
Cushendun BeachNorthern Ireland15.6°C
St Brelades BayChannel Islands15.6°C
Grouville BayChannel Islands15.6°C
Plemont BayChannel Islands15.6°C
West WitteringDorset & South Coast15.5°C
BamburghEast Coast15.5°C
Lusty GlazeCornwall15.5°C
Gunwalloe Church CoveCornwall15.5°C
Whitsand BayCornwall15.5°C
Elberry CoveDevon15.5°C
Seaton BeachDevon15.5°C
Milford on SeaHampshire15.5°C
Highcliffe BeachHampshire15.5°C
Sandown BeachIsle of Wight15.5°C
Seaford BeachSussex15.5°C
Sandsend BeachYorkshire15.5°C
Ross Back SandsNorthumberland15.5°C
Tenby North BeachPembrokeshire15.5°C
Portobello BeachScotland East15.5°C
Westport BeachScotland West15.5°C
Saligo BayHebrides15.5°C
Cranfield BeachNorthern Ireland15.5°C
Downhill BeachNorthern Ireland15.5°C
Petit Bot BayChannel Islands15.5°C
Sennen CoveCornwall15.4°C
Godrevy BeachCornwall15.4°C
Porthgwidden BeachCornwall15.4°C
Kennack SandsCornwall15.4°C
Housel BayCornwall15.4°C
Cawsand BeachCornwall15.4°C
Mawgan PorthCornwall15.4°C
Sandymouth BeachCornwall15.4°C
Goodrington SandsDevon15.4°C
Ladram BayDevon15.4°C
Hayling Island BeachHampshire15.4°C
Shoreham BeachSussex15.4°C
Hastings BeachSussex15.4°C
St Leonards BeachSussex15.4°C
Kingsgate BayKent15.4°C
Westbrook BayKent15.4°C
Skegness BeachLincolnshire15.4°C
Seahouses BeachNorthumberland15.4°C
St Annes BeachLancashire15.4°C
Lytham BeachLancashire15.4°C
Freshwater WestPembrokeshire15.4°C
Broad Haven SouthPembrokeshire15.4°C
Yellowcraig BeachScotland East15.4°C
St Andrews West SandsScotland East15.4°C
Uisken BeachHebrides15.4°C
Waulkmill BayOrkney15.4°C
Tyrella BeachNorthern Ireland15.4°C
Tolcarne BeachCornwall15.3°C
Lantic BayCornwall15.3°C
Bigbury-on-SeaDevon15.3°C
BroadsandsDevon15.3°C
Seatown BeachDorset15.3°C
Clacton BeachEssex15.3°C
Warkworth BeachNorthumberland15.3°C
Silverdale BeachLancashire15.3°C
Cullen BeachScotland North15.3°C
Big Sand BeachScotland West15.3°C
Ballyholme BeachNorthern Ireland15.3°C
Bouley BayChannel Islands15.3°C
Cobo BayChannel Islands15.3°C

Sea temperature in United Kingdom — FAQ

How warm is the sea in United Kingdom in September?

The sea off United Kingdom averages about 16.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.

When is the best time to swim in United Kingdom?

United Kingdom is warmest in August (around 17.0°C) and coldest in February (around 8.0°C). There are typically 0 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.

What is the average yearly sea temperature in United Kingdom?

Across all twelve months, the sea in United Kingdom averages about 12.0°C.

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in United Kingdom?

The sea in United Kingdom stays below 22°C even at its warmest (~17.0°C in August), so a 3/2mm or thicker wetsuit is recommended for longer swims year-round.