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Is it too cold to swim in San Francisco (Ocean Beach)?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 65°F (18.4°C) at the nearest water pixel. 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 through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in September.
Average ocean temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53°F | 52°F | 55°F |
| February | 53°F | 52°F | 56°F |
| March | 54°F | 51°F | 56°F |
| April | 54°F | 52°F | 56°F |
| May | 55°F | 52°F | 58°F |
| June | 57°F | 54°F | 60°F |
| July | 59°F | 56°F | 63°F |
| August | 61°F | 58°F | 63°F |
| September | 61°F | 58°F | 63°F |
| October | 59°F | 57°F | 62°F |
| November | 57°F | 55°F | 59°F |
| December | 54°F | 52°F | 57°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay A Ne Shore Alcatraz Island CA bay gauge | 62°F | 6.1 mi | 2 h ago |
| San Francisco Bay A Pier 17 A San Francisco CA bay gauge | 62°F | 6.6 mi | 2 h ago |
| San Francisco Bar, CA (142) buoy | 62°F | 6.6 mi | 2 h ago |
| San Francisco Bay A Richmond-San Rafael Bridge CA bay gauge | 62°F | 11 mi | 2 h ago |
| Richmond tide station | 62°F | 12 mi | 2 h ago |
| Alameda tide station | 62°F | 12 mi | 2 h ago |
| SAN FRANCISCO - 18NM West of San Francisco, CA buoy | 65°F | 18 mi | 81 min ago |
| Sf Bay A San Mateo Bridge nr Foster City CA bay gauge | 63°F | 20 mi | 2 h ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in San Francisco (Ocean Beach)?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 65°F (18.4°C) at the nearest water pixel. 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 San Francisco (Ocean Beach)?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in September (average 61°F) and coldest in January (average 53°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
We show NASA JPL’s daily MUR satellite analysis for the nearest water, about 0.4 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; U.S. Geological Survey; NOAA National Data Buoy Center; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All California water temperatures · Methodology