How warm is California beach water?

Water along the southern coast reaches around 68 degrees F (20 degrees Celsius) during summer, while off northern beaches the ocean temperature hovers at just 52 degrees F (11 °C). Actual ocean temperatures do of course vary from year to year depending upon the weather and the flow of ocean currents.



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But on that same beach, it's not uncommon to see kids shivering as they run out of the water, or a surfer wearing a partial wetsuit as they jog out for a session. California's ocean water is pretty cold, even in the summer, and it often catches visitors off-guard.

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Not all beaches along the California coastline are recommended for swimming or wading. The very things that make these areas such spectacular places to look at and enjoy can be lethal to those caught unaware along the shoreline.

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With over 120 kilometers (75 miles) of coastline and over 100 beaches, Los Angeles is the perfect place to get your toes wet. The city features plenty of island, coastal, and inland swimming spots.

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Makunufushi Island, Maldives The 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.

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For the warmest ocean swim off the west coast of the United States, your best chances are Newport Beach in early August or at Avalon on Santa Catalina Island in mid to late August. At both places, the Pacific Ocean temperature peaks at 70 degrees F (21 °C).

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The upwelling further cools the already cool California Current. This is the mechanism that produces California's characteristic coastal fog and cool ocean waters. As a result, ocean surf temperatures are much colder along the Pacific coast than the Atlantic coast.

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San Francisco is surrounded by water, but the area isn't known for warm beaches where you can soak in the sun all summer long. But there are still pockets of sandy coves and coastal areas where you can find warm beaches near San Francisco.

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Northern California beaches always have rip currents and cold water, so they are not good for swimming without a wetsuit. Steep Cliffs: High steep cliffs can collapse under your feet, sending you crashing down the cliff. Stay far back from cliff edges.

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The water temperature in the ocean in Los Angeles varies throughout the year, but generally, it is warm enough to swim from late spring to early fall. The warmest months are typically July, August, and September, when ocean temperatures can reach into the low 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius).

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