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Is it too cold to swim in Galveston?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 77°F (25.3°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is warm water.
Above 77°F, the temperature below which cold water starts 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 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 | 59°F | 55°F | 62°F |
| February | 60°F | 55°F | 64°F |
| March | 66°F | 62°F | 68°F |
| April | 72°F | 70°F | 74°F |
| May | 79°F | 77°F | 80°F |
| June | 84°F | 83°F | 86°F |
| July | 86°F | 84°F | 87°F |
| August | 87°F | 86°F | 88°F |
| September | 85°F | 83°F | 87°F |
| October | 79°F | 77°F | 81°F |
| November | 70°F | 66°F | 76°F |
| December | 63°F | 61°F | 67°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galveston Railroad Bridge tide station | 75°F | 9.3 mi | 3 h ago |
| San Luis Pass tide station | 75°F | 12 mi | 3 h ago |
| Galveston Pier 21 tide station | 78°F | 14 mi | 3 h ago |
| Galveston Bay Entrance, North Jetty tide station | 74°F | 19 mi | 3 h ago |
| Eagle Point, Galveston Bay tide station | 75°F | 21 mi | 3 h ago |
| Galveston Bay site EAGLEP nr Bacliff, TX bay gauge | 75°F | 21 mi | 2 h ago |
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Galveston?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 77°F (25.3°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is warm water. Above 77°F, the temperature below which cold water starts 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 Galveston?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 87°F) and coldest in January (average 59°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
We show NASA JPL’s daily MUR satellite analysis for the nearest water, about 0.2 mi away, when no suitable current in-water sensor is available. Satellite values are typically a degree or two cooler than afternoon readings at the shore. Satellite vs. buoy temperatures.
Sources: NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; NOAA National Data Buoy Center; U.S. Geological Survey; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All Texas water temperatures · Methodology