Checking current alerts… View NWS forecast and alerts.
Is it too cold to swim in San Diego today?
The latest reading is 75°F (24.1°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 3:18 AM PST at La Jolla. 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 La Jolla
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 | 57°F | 61°F |
| February | 59°F | 56°F | 61°F |
| March | 59°F | 57°F | 61°F |
| April | 61°F | 58°F | 63°F |
| May | 64°F | 63°F | 67°F |
| June | 67°F | 66°F | 69°F |
| July | 71°F | 69°F | 73°F |
| August | 72°F | 70°F | 76°F |
| September | 71°F | 69°F | 72°F |
| October | 68°F | 66°F | 70°F |
| November | 64°F | 62°F | 66°F |
| December | 61°F | 59°F | 62°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 75°F | 2.9 mi | Nov 3 |
| San Diego tide station | 72°F | 5.8 mi | 2 h ago |
| SCRIPPS Nearshore, CA (201) buoy | 76°F | 6.2 mi | 88 min ago |
| Del Mar Nearshore, CA (153) buoy | 76°F | 12 mi | 88 min ago |
| Torrey Pines Outer, CA (100) buoy | 76°F | 14 mi | 88 min ago |
| Mission Bay West, CA (220) buoy | 74°F | 17 mi | 88 min ago |
| Leucadia Nearshore, CA (262) buoy | 75°F | 20 mi | 2 h ago |
| Point Loma South, CA (191) buoy | 75°F | 23 mi | 88 min ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in San Diego today?
The latest reading is 75°F (24.1°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 3:18 AM PST at La Jolla. 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 San Diego?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 72°F) and coldest in February (average 59°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From La Jolla, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 5.8 mi away. See the methodology.
Sources: NOAA National Data Buoy Center; NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All California water temperatures · Methodology