Copacabana — Sea temperature now
Popular beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Copacabana 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 Copacabana
The sea in Copacabana peaks in January, when the water averages around 28°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 24°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Copacabana sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Copacabana sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Copacabana shows an annual mean sea temperature of 26°C, ranging from 24°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 4°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 Copacabana, 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.
Copacabana sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Copacabana?
January is the warmest month in Copacabana, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Copacabana?
The coldest month in Copacabana is typically July, when the water averages around 24°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Copacabana without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Copacabana runs from January – December — about 12 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 Copacabana?
Copacabana stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Copacabana?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Copacabana is about 26°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Copacabana?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Copacabana, 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
Best swim months: Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan ⭐ | 28°C | Hot |
| Feb | 28°C | Hot |
| Mar | 28°C | Hot |
| Apr | 27°C | Hot |
| May | 26°C | Hot |
| Jun | 25°C | Warm |
| Jul | 24°C | Warm |
| Aug | 24°C | Warm |
| Sep | 25°C | Warm |
| Oct | 26°C | Hot |
| Nov | 27°C | Hot |
| Dec | 28°C | Hot |