The Costa Brava ("wild coast") runs from Blanes to the French border. Tight calas (coves) shelter you from the tramontana wind, and the water hits 25°C through July and August. Crowds peak in mid-August — late June and early September deliver the same warmth with empty beaches.
Costa Brava
Pine-rimmed Catalan coves north of Barcelona.
Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Avg sea temp now
23.9°C
Best months
June – September
Best time to swim in Costa Brava
The sea in Costa Brava peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Costa Brava sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Costa Brava shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 12°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 Costa Brava, 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
15°C
Feb
14°C
Mar
15°C
Apr
16°C
May
18°C
Jun
22°C
Jul
25°C
Aug
26°C
Sep
24°C
Oct
21°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
16°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Costa Brava sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Costa Brava?
August is the warmest month in Costa Brava, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Costa Brava?
The coldest month in Costa Brava is typically February, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Costa Brava without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Costa Brava runs from June – October — about 5 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 Costa Brava?
Outside peak summer the water in Costa Brava drops toward 16°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 Costa Brava?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Costa Brava is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Costa Brava?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Costa Brava, 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 Costa Brava
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Cala PolaTossa de Mar, Spain24.6°C
- 2Platja de Sant PolSant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain24.4°C
- 3Cala EstretaPalamós, Spain24.4°C
- 4Cala Sa TunaBegur, Spain24.1°C
- 5Platja de LloretLloret de Mar, Spain24.0°C
- 6Platja de PalsPals, Spain23.7°C
- 7AiguablavaBegur, Spain23.7°C
- 8Platja d'AroCastell-Platja d'Aro, Spain23.5°C
- 9Platja GranTossa de Mar, Spain23.5°C
- 10Cala MontjoiRoses, Spain23.5°C
Swimming in the Costa Brava — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Costa Brava in September?
The Mediterranean Sea off the Costa Brava averages about 24.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Costa Brava?
The Costa Brava is warmest in August (around 26.0°C) and coldest in February (around 14.0°C). There are typically 4 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in the Costa Brava?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Costa Brava averages about 19.2°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Costa Brava?
In peak season (around August, ~26.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 14.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.