Elie Beach — Sea temperature now
Scotland East family beach.
Fresh water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.
Location
Elie Beach 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 Elie Beach
The sea in Elie Beach 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.
Elie Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Elie Beach 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 Elie Beach, 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.
Elie Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Elie Beach?
August is the warmest month in Elie Beach, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Elie Beach?
The coldest month in Elie Beach is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Elie Beach without a wetsuit?
The sea in Elie Beach 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 Elie Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Elie Beach 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 Elie Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Elie Beach is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Elie Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Elie Beach, 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 |