Where is the sea warmest in California in May?

Carpinteria Beach in United States has the warmest sea in California in May, averaging about 23.0 °C. Morro Strand (23.0 °C) and San Simeon State Beach follow close behind.

How many beaches in California are warm enough to swim in May?

25 of the top 25 ranked beaches in California average 22 °C or more in May, which most swimmers find comfortable without a wetsuit.

How are these May sea temperatures calculated?

Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

Seasonal ranking

Warmest sea temperature in California in May

Where the sea is warmest across California during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Carpinteria Beach (California, United States) tops the list at around 23°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
Carpinteria Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
2
Morro Strand
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
3
San Simeon State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
4
Bolinas Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
5
Muir Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
6
Pacifica State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
7
Ocean Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
8
Gray Whale Cove
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
9
Montara State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
10
Pescadero State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
11
Manresa State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
12
Sunset State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
13
Windansea Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
14
Rodeo Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
15
Drakes Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
16
Bodega Bay Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
17
Goat Rock Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
18
Manchester State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
19
Big River Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
20
Van Damme Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
21
San Gregorio State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
22
Waddell Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
23
Natural Bridges State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
24
New Brighton State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average
25
Rio Del Mar State Beach
California · United States · Pacific Ocean
Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
23°C
May average

Warmest sea in May elsewhere

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California in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea warmest in California in May?: Carpinteria Beach in United States has the warmest sea in California in May, averaging about 23.0 °C. Morro Strand (23.0 °C) and San Simeon State Beach follow close behind.
How many beaches in California are warm enough to swim in May?: 25 of the top 25 ranked beaches in California average 22 °C or more in May, which most swimmers find comfortable without a wetsuit.
How are these May sea temperatures calculated?: Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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