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Is it too cold to swim in Santa Monica today?
The latest reading is 71°F (21.5°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 6:30 AM PST at Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica
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 | 60°F |
| February | 58°F | 56°F | 61°F |
| March | 58°F | 56°F | 61°F |
| April | 59°F | 57°F | 61°F |
| May | 62°F | 60°F | 65°F |
| June | 66°F | 65°F | 67°F |
| July | 69°F | 66°F | 71°F |
| August | 70°F | 68°F | 73°F |
| September | 69°F | 67°F | 72°F |
| October | 66°F | 63°F | 69°F |
| November | 63°F | 60°F | 65°F |
| December | 60°F | 58°F | 62°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 73°F | 0.4 mi | Nov 3 |
| Topanga Nearshore, CA (103) buoy | 72°F | 5.7 mi | 4 h ago |
| Santa Monica Bay, CA (028) buoy | 73°F | 13 mi | 2 h ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Santa Monica today?
The latest reading is 71°F (21.5°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 6:30 AM PST at Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 70°F) and coldest in March (average 58°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From Santa Monica, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 1.2 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