West Coast is a coastal area of Ireland on the Celtic Sea, with 28 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 9°C in the coolest month to 16°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.
West Coast
28 tracked beaches in West Coast, Ireland, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Sea
Celtic Sea
Avg sea temp now
15.4°C
Best months
Warmest August
Best time to swim in West Coast
The sea in West Coast peaks in August, when the water averages around 16°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 9°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
West Coast sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for West Coast shows an annual mean sea temperature of 12°C, ranging from 9°C in winter to 16°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 7°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 West Coast, 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
10°C
Feb
9°C
Mar
9°C
Apr
10°C
May
11°C
Jun
13°C
Jul
15°C
Aug
16°C
Sep
15°C
Oct
14°C
Nov
12°C
Dec
11°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
West Coast sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in West Coast?
August is the warmest month in West Coast, when the sea averages about 16°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in West Coast?
The coldest month in West Coast is typically February, when the water averages around 9°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in West Coast without a wetsuit?
The sea in West Coast 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 West Coast?
Outside peak summer the water in West Coast 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 West Coast?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in West Coast is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in West Coast?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in West Coast, 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 West Coast
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Hoddevik BeachSelje, Norway21.7°C
- 2Vaerlandet BeachVaerlandet, Norway20.8°C
- 3RefviksandenVagsoy, Norway20.6°C
- 4Ervika BeachSelje, Norway20.3°C
- 5Dog's BayRoundstone, Ireland15.6°C
- 6InchydoneyClonakilty, Ireland15.5°C
- 7Inch BeachAnnascaul, Ireland15.4°C
- 8Askim BeachGothenburg, Sweden15.4°C
- 9DerrynaneCaherdaniel, Ireland15.3°C
- 10Apelviken BeachVarberg, Sweden15.3°C
- 11FanoreFanore, Ireland15.1°C
- 12Getterön BeachVarberg, Sweden15.1°C
- 13Skrea BeachFalkenberg, Sweden15.0°C
- 14Grebbestad BeachGrebbestad, Sweden15.0°C
- 15StreedaghGrange, Ireland14.9°C
- 16Saltö BeachStromstad, Sweden14.9°C
- 17MellbystrandMellby, Sweden14.8°C
- 18SkummeslovsstrandSkummeslov, Sweden14.7°C
- 19Keem BayAchill Island, Ireland14.6°C
- 20Smogen BeachSmogen, Sweden14.5°C
- 21Näset BeachGothenburg, Sweden14.3°C
- 22Punakaiki BeachPunakaiki, New Zealand13.6°C
- 23Carters BeachWestport, New Zealand13.6°C
- 24Rapahoe BeachRapahoe, New Zealand13.5°C
- 25Bruce BayBruce Bay, New Zealand13.4°C
- 26Ship CreekHaast, New Zealand13.3°C
- 27Gillespies BeachFox Glacier, New Zealand12.5°C
- 28Cape FoulwindWestport, New Zealand12.4°C
Swimming in the West Coast — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the West Coast in September?
The Celtic Sea off the West Coast averages about 15.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the West Coast?
The West Coast is warmest in August (around 16.0°C) and coldest in February (around 9.0°C). There are typically 0 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in the West Coast?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the West Coast averages about 12.1°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the West Coast?
The sea in the West Coast stays below 22°C even at its warmest (~16.0°C in August), so a 3/2mm or thicker wetsuit is recommended for longer swims year-round.
Which beach in the West Coast has the warmest sea right now?
Vaerlandet Beach typically has the warmest sea in September, while Inchydoney is the coolest of the featured beaches. Live readings for every beach are listed on this page.