Walton-on-the-Naze — Sea temperature now
Essex family beach.
Cool water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.
Location
Walton-on-the-Naze on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Walton-on-the-Naze
The sea in Walton-on-the-Naze 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.
Walton-on-the-Naze sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Walton-on-the-Naze 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 Walton-on-the-Naze, 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.
Walton-on-the-Naze sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Walton-on-the-Naze?
August is the warmest month in Walton-on-the-Naze, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Walton-on-the-Naze?
The coldest month in Walton-on-the-Naze is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Walton-on-the-Naze without a wetsuit?
The sea in Walton-on-the-Naze 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 Walton-on-the-Naze?
Outside peak summer the water in Walton-on-the-Naze 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 Walton-on-the-Naze?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Walton-on-the-Naze is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Walton-on-the-Naze?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Walton-on-the-Naze, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | Cold |
| Feb | 8°C | Cold |
| Mar | 8°C | Cold |
| Apr | 9°C | Cold |
| May | 11°C | Cold |
| Jun | 14°C | Bracing |
| Jul | 16°C | Bracing |
| Aug ⭐ | 17°C | Bracing |
| Sep | 16°C | Bracing |
| Oct | 14°C | Bracing |
| Nov | 12°C | Cold |
| Dec | 10°C | Cold |