Sussex is a coastal area of United Kingdom on the English Channel, with 22 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 8°C in the coolest month to 17°C at the summer peak, with roughly 0 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Sussex
22 tracked beaches in Sussex, United Kingdom, with live English Channel temperatures.
Sea
English Channel
Avg sea temp now
15.9°C
Best months
Warmest August
Best time to swim in Sussex
The sea in Sussex 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.
Sussex sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Sussex 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 Sussex, 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.
Sussex sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Sussex?
August is the warmest month in Sussex, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Sussex?
The coldest month in Sussex is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Sussex without a wetsuit?
The sea in Sussex 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 Sussex?
Outside peak summer the water in Sussex 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 Sussex?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Sussex is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Sussex?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Sussex, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Sussex
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Climping BeachClimping, United Kingdom16.7°C
- 2Rottingdean BeachRottingdean, United Kingdom16.5°C
- 3Hove BeachHove, United Kingdom16.4°C
- 4Bognor Regis BeachBognor Regis, United Kingdom16.3°C
- 5Bexhill BeachBexhill, United Kingdom16.3°C
- 6Cuckmere HavenSeaford, United Kingdom16.2°C
- 7Winchelsea BeachWinchelsea, United Kingdom16.2°C
- 8Littlehampton BeachLittlehampton, United Kingdom16.1°C
- 9East Wittering BeachEast Wittering, United Kingdom16.0°C
- 10Selsey BeachSelsey, United Kingdom16.0°C
- 11Bracklesham BayBracklesham, United Kingdom15.9°C
- 12Eastbourne BeachEastbourne, United Kingdom15.8°C
- 13Birling GapEast Dean, United Kingdom15.8°C
- 14Saltdean BeachSaltdean, United Kingdom15.7°C
- 15Worthing BeachWorthing, United Kingdom15.7°C
- 16Lancing BeachLancing, United Kingdom15.7°C
- 17Beachy HeadEastbourne, United Kingdom15.6°C
- 18Pett LevelPett, United Kingdom15.6°C
- 19Seaford BeachSeaford, United Kingdom15.5°C
- 20Shoreham BeachShoreham, United Kingdom15.4°C
- 21Hastings BeachHastings, United Kingdom15.4°C
- 22St Leonards BeachSt Leonards, United Kingdom15.4°C
Swimming in the Sussex — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Sussex in September?
The English Channel off the Sussex averages about 16.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Sussex?
The Sussex 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 the Sussex?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Sussex averages about 12.0°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Sussex?
The sea in the Sussex 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.