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Is it too cold to swim in Cape May today?
The latest reading is 61°F (16.3°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 7:18 AM EST at Cape May. That is cold water.
Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards.
How cold is too cold to swim?Water temperature this week
Hourly water temperature at Cape May
Water temperature through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in August.
Average ocean temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 36°F | 45°F |
| February | 40°F | 39°F | 43°F |
| March | 44°F | 41°F | 46°F |
| April | 50°F | 47°F | 53°F |
| May | 59°F | 56°F | 60°F |
| June | 68°F | 67°F | 70°F |
| July | 75°F | 72°F | 77°F |
| August | 75°F | 72°F | 78°F |
| September | 73°F | 72°F | 76°F |
| October | 66°F | 63°F | 68°F |
| November | 56°F | 54°F | 59°F |
| December | 47°F | 45°F | 49°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 61°F | 0.4 mi | Nov 3 |
| Cape May Harbor at Cape May NJ bay gauge | 60°F | 0.9 mi | 57 min ago |
| Lewes tide station | 61°F | 16 mi | 2 h ago |
| Ludlum Thorofare at Sea Isle City NJ bay gauge | 59°F | 19 mi | 2 h ago |
| Maurice River at Bivalve NJ bay gauge | 60°F | 22 mi | 57 min ago |
| Massey Ditch at Massey Landing, DE bay gauge | 61°F | 24 mi | 2 h ago |
| Maurice R at Mauricetown NJ bay gauge | 59°F | 25 mi | 57 min ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Cape May today?
The latest reading is 61°F (16.3°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 7:18 AM EST at Cape May. That is cold water. Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards. How cold is too cold?
When is the water warmest at Cape May?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 75°F) and coldest in February (average 40°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From Cape May, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 4.1 mi away. See the methodology.
Sources: NOAA National Data Buoy Center; NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; U.S. Geological Survey; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All New Jersey water temperatures · Methodology