Devon is a coastal area of United Kingdom on the Celtic Sea, with 35 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.
Devon
35 tracked beaches in Devon, United Kingdom, with live Celtic Sea temperatures.
Sea
Celtic Sea
Avg sea temp now
11.9°C
Best months
Warmest August
Best time to swim in Devon
The sea in Devon 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.
Devon sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Devon 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 Devon, 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.
Devon sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Devon?
August is the warmest month in Devon, when the sea averages about 17°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Devon?
The coldest month in Devon is typically February, when the water averages around 8°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Devon without a wetsuit?
The sea in Devon 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 Devon?
Outside peak summer the water in Devon 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 Devon?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Devon is about 12°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Devon?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Devon, 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 Devon
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1WoolacombeWoolacombe, United Kingdom12.7°C
- 2Exmouth BeachExmouth, United Kingdom12.7°C
- 3Mattiscombe SandsKingsbridge, United Kingdom12.6°C
- 4Oddicombe BeachTorquay, United Kingdom12.6°C
- 5Slapton SandsSlapton, United Kingdom12.5°C
- 6Preston SandsPaignton, United Kingdom12.5°C
- 7Hope CoveHope Cove, United Kingdom12.4°C
- 8Sidmouth BeachSidmouth, United Kingdom12.3°C
- 9BeesandsBeesands, United Kingdom12.2°C
- 10Paignton SandsPaignton, United Kingdom12.2°C
- 11Beer BeachBeer, United Kingdom12.2°C
- 12BanthamBantham, United Kingdom12.1°C
- 13Blackpool SandsDartmouth, United Kingdom12.1°C
- 14South Milton SandsThurlestone, United Kingdom12.1°C
- 15Maidencombe BeachTorquay, United Kingdom12.1°C
- 16Jacobs LadderSidmouth, United Kingdom12.1°C
- 17HallsandsHallsands, United Kingdom11.9°C
- 18Sugary CoveDartmouth, United Kingdom11.9°C
- 19Shoalstone BeachBrixham, United Kingdom11.9°C
- 20Seaton BeachSeaton, United Kingdom11.9°C
- 21Bigbury-on-SeaBigbury, United Kingdom11.8°C
- 22Goodrington SandsPaignton, United Kingdom11.7°C
- 23Ladram BayOtterton, United Kingdom11.7°C
- 24Croyde BayCroyde, United Kingdom11.6°C
- 25Salcombe South SandsSalcombe, United Kingdom11.6°C
- 26Babbacombe BeachTorquay, United Kingdom11.6°C
- 27Sandy Bay ExmouthExmouth, United Kingdom11.6°C
- 28Saunton SandsBraunton, United Kingdom11.5°C
- 29Salcombe North SandsSalcombe, United Kingdom11.5°C
- 30BroadsandsPaignton, United Kingdom11.5°C
- 31Elberry CoveChurston, United Kingdom11.5°C
- 32Meadfoot BeachTorquay, United Kingdom11.4°C
- 33Breakwater BeachBrixham, United Kingdom11.4°C
- 34Anstey's CoveTorquay, United Kingdom11.3°C
- 35Budleigh SaltertonBudleigh, United Kingdom11.3°C
Swimming in the Devon — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Devon in November?
The Celtic Sea off the Devon averages about 12.0°C in November, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Devon?
The Devon 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 Devon?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Devon averages about 12.0°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Devon?
The sea in the Devon 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.