For any given latitude, the Atlantic Ocean has proved to be about 16 degrees F (9 degrees C) warmer than the Pacific Ocean off the U.S. coast — quite a difference.
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What does Earth's rotation have to do with ocean temperatures off San Diego? The average water temperature off Scripps Pier in September is 66 F. Follow San Diego's line of latitude (32.7 N) over to Charleston, SC, and you will experience an average water temperature of 82 F.
It's a process known as upwelling, which plays out along the entire U.S. Pacific coast. Upwelling explains why water temperatures along California, Oregon and Washington beaches are much cooler than similar-latitude beaches in the East.
Makunufushi Island, MaldivesThe Maldives doesn't have a swimming season because the water is always warm enough (82 to 86 degrees) to dive right in and splash around. There are tons of gorgeous beaches, but we're partial to the private island of Makunufushi.