Sea temperature in Israel
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 8 beaches on the Israel coast.
Best time to swim in Israel
The sea in Israel peaks in August, when the water averages around 28°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 8 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and January are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 19°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 17°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Israel sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Israel shows an annual mean sea temperature of 23°C, ranging from 17°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 11°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 Israel, 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.
Israel sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Israel?
August is the warmest month in Israel, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Israel?
The coldest month in Israel is typically February, when the water averages around 17°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Israel without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Israel runs from May – December — about 8 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 Israel?
Outside peak summer the water in Israel drops toward 19°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 Israel?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Israel is about 23°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Israel?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Israel, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Israel sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Israel for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| February | 17.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| March | 17.0°C | Bracing — wetsuit advised |
| April | 19.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| May | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| June | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
| July | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August ⭐ | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| November | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| December | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Israel right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banana Beach | Tel Aviv | 28.5°C | Excellent |
| Gordon Beach | Tel Aviv | 28.3°C | Excellent |
| Dekel Beach | Southern District | 28.2°C | Excellent |
| Eilat North Beach | Southern | 28.1°C | Excellent |
| Coral Beach Eilat | Southern District | 28.0°C | Excellent |
| Herzliya Beach | Tel Aviv | 27.7°C | Excellent |
| Dor Beach | Haifa | 27.7°C | Excellent |
| Frishman Beach | Tel Aviv | 27.3°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Israel — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Israel in September?
The sea off Israel averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Israel?
Israel is warmest in August (around 28.0°C) and coldest in February (around 17.0°C). There are typically 7 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Israel?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Israel averages about 22.5°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Israel?
In peak season (around August, ~28.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 17.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.