Can you swim in the ocean in Charleston SC?

One of the best ways to experience all that the city has to offer is to take a dip in one of its many cool swimming spots. Whether you're looking for a refreshing swim in the ocean, a relaxing float in a calm river, or a fun day out at a water park, Charleston has something for everyone.



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Charleston is warmest from May to September with the mean maximum temperature ranging from 28-37°C (83-98 °F). In Charleston, waters are most inviting from June to October, with monthly maximum averages ranging from 28-30 °C (82-86 °F).

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There are six beaches in the area: Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, Kiawah Island Beach, Seabrook Island Beach, and Edisto Beach.

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All Myrtle Beach area beaches are open. Water quality for beaches throughout the entire Myrtle Beach area is very good. Water quality testing occurs twice a week during the summer and results are posted on SCDHEC's Beach Access Guide.

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Folly Beach County Park Located just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, this beach park is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The park offers a large swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it a great option for families.

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As was mentioned before, you have plenty of time for swimming in the ocean starting from late April - early May (water temperature varies from 68°F to 71°F) and ending in late September - early October (water temperature varies from 79°F to 73°F). Ocean waters are gentle, have shallow slopes and smooth surfaces.

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Average annual water temperature on the coast in Charleston is 72°F, by the seasons: in winter 62°F, in spring 68°F, in summer 82°F, in autumn 77°F. Minimum water temperature (56°F) in Charleston it happens in January, maximum (86°F) in July.

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Click for info. Myrtle Beach, located in Horry County, is a part of South Carolina's Grand Strand. From June through early October water temperatures are practically tropical making this area perfect for swimming and beach activities.

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What is the closest beach to Charleston? Sullivan's Island. To be fair, though, the difference is statistically insignificant: the drive from downtown Charleston to Sullivan's Island is about 20 minutes, or 9.5 miles. The drive from downtown to Folly Beach, the next closest, is about 21 minutes, or 11.5 miles.

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The best beaches in Charleston are often why many visitors plan a vacation to this historic port city in South Carolina. With these expansive shorelines offering both luxurious resorts and remote hideaways, Charleston's coast is perfect no matter how you like to travel.

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July is when disease outbreaks most likely to occur in lakes and oceans.

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That year, a total of 23 beaches were tested for fecal indicator bacteria in the state of South Carolina. Out of four tested counties in South Carolina, the average percentage of potentially unsafe days in South Carolina by county in 2020 ranked Beaufort County as the second safest.

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A little cooler than your body temperature (98.6° Fahrenheit) should not be too cold so that you don't get chilled. 70° to 78° Fahrenheit is the range where most folks feel comfortable swimming.

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The hottest ocean area is in the Persian Gulf, where water temperatures at the surface exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Another hot area exists in the Red Sea, where a temperature of 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit has been recorded at a depth of about 6,500 feet.

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September is a great time of the year to get out into the water at Charleston beaches. By this time of the season, the ocean water is at its warmest of the year and perfect for swimming. Temperatures are still hot, so you can bask in the sun and cool off in the water.

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Sea Temperature Surface water temperature in December at the beaches near Charleston is around 64-68°F (17-21°C), which most people will find too cold for swimming but is still acceptable for some watersports on warmer days.

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