Overall, the Santa Monica ocean water temperature typically ranges between 53F and 70F throughout the entire year.
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Yes, you can definitely swim at Santa Monica Beach as well as enjoy other water activities like surfing or paddle boarding. Even with 280 days of Santa Monica sunshine, the Pacific Ocean tends to be a little cold, so you may want to consider swimming during warmer months.
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.
Venice Beach vs Santa Monica Beach—Both Are WinnersVenice Beach is a vibrant beach locale that's perfect during the day, whereas the larger Santa Monica provides a wider range of things to do and a much more happening nightlife.
With the iconic Santa Monica Pier as the backdrop, it's no wonder that Santa Monica Beach is world famous. The north part of the beach consists of soft sand and surf, nestled along the coastline. These wide stretches of sand offer perfect spots for tanning, playing in the waves, and building sand castles.
Beyond the natural elements and fitness opportunities, there's also the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its own amusement park, equipped with the world's only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster. So much of Santa Monica's culture stems from the beach and is reflected throughout the city.
In fact, 95 percent of Santa Monica Beach consistently receives an “A” grade or above for water quality on average. The best beach and water quality is 100 yards to the left and right of the Santa Monica Pier, thanks to the City of Santa Monica's significant investments in pollution reduction.
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.
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.