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Is it too cold to swim in Dauphin Island today?
The latest reading is 75°F (24.0°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 6:18 AM CST at Dauphin Island. That is mild water.
Between 70°F and 77°F: above the 70°F level where the National Center for Cold Water Safety recommends thermal protection, though below 77°F cold can start to affect breathing control. 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 Dauphin Island
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 | 61°F | 57°F | 63°F |
| February | 62°F | 59°F | 65°F |
| March | 66°F | 63°F | 69°F |
| April | 71°F | 68°F | 73°F |
| May | 78°F | 76°F | 80°F |
| June | 84°F | 81°F | 86°F |
| July | 86°F | 84°F | 87°F |
| August | 86°F | 85°F | 88°F |
| September | 84°F | 82°F | 86°F |
| October | 78°F | 75°F | 80°F |
| November | 70°F | 68°F | 74°F |
| December | 64°F | 62°F | 66°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 75°F | 0.1 mi | Nov 3 |
| Dauphin Island Sea Lab, AL buoy | 75°F | 6.8 mi | 4 h ago |
| DISL Sofar Spotter buoy | 75°F | 11 mi | 4 h ago |
| Pascagoula NOAA Lab tide station | 75°F | 24 mi | 2 h ago |
| Mississippi Sound at Usgs Round Island Light, MS bay gauge | 74°F | 24 mi | 71 min ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Dauphin Island today?
The latest reading is 75°F (24.0°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 6:18 AM CST at Dauphin Island. That is mild water. Between 70°F and 77°F: above the 70°F level where the National Center for Cold Water Safety recommends thermal protection, though below 77°F cold can start to affect breathing control. 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 Dauphin Island?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 86°F) and coldest in January (average 61°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From Dauphin Island, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 7.0 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 Alabama water temperatures · Methodology