The water in Manhattan Beach, California, is generally on the cooler side and rarely reaches what most would call "bathwater" temperatures. Even in the height of summer (late August and September), the Pacific Ocean here typically peaks around 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F). In the winter months, specifically February, the water temperature drops to its annual low, averaging between 13°C and 15°C (55°F to 59°F). For recreational swimmers and surfers in early 2026, a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is almost always a requirement for comfort and to prevent hypothermia during longer sessions. The "feels-like" temperature can be deceiving because Southern California often has warm, sunny air, but the California Current brings cold water down from the north, keeping the surf brisk year-round. If you are planning to swim without a suit, be prepared for a very refreshing "cold plunge" experience, regardless of how hot the sand feels.