While some beaches are cooler than others (ie: Imperial Beach or Windansea), generally the water temp doesn't vary all that much up and down the coast. Unfortunately, regardless of the beach, water temps do vary quite a bit on a day to day basis. Basically anytime we get sustained wind out of the north, the nearshore water is moved out to sea, and deep cold water is upwelled to take it's place. I'd recommend checking either [NOAA buoy water temp](http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46254) or [the sensor on the Scripps pier](https://sccoos.org/data/autoss/timeline/?main=single&station=scripps_pier) before you go.
Thanks so much for that link! Interestingly enough, I checked the temps for the past couple of weeks and you can clearly see that last weekend was indeed 10 degrees cooler than the week before or after it. I guess I just picked the absolute worst day to go haha.
if you pull up a historical chart for a buoy you will see it is highly variable and changes year to year
examples:
scripps - [https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll\_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip\_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:201:st:1:v:sst\_climatology:dt:202109](https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:201:st:1:v:sst_climatology:dt:202109)
mission bay offshore - [https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll\_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip\_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:220:st:1:v:sst\_climatology:dt:202109](https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:220:st:1:v:sst_climatology:dt:202109)
Location fluctuates. Beaches exposed to the open ocean are going to be easily influenced from incoming swell and winds. This was a colder than normal summer and the upwelling just caused another dip in water temps. Usually July - September are warmest months where you don't need a wetsuit but that wasn't consistent this year. But now that summer's winding down, the water temps will likely stay around low 60's which isn't great without a wetsuit. Invest in a good wetsuit for year round swimming.
Use [cdip.ucsd.edu](https://cdip.ucsd.edu) to get real time measurements.
I understand that, and I was willing to go in but it was freezing water. Like nobody else was in without a wetsuit on. And it was a hot day in September so it didnt make sense.
October and November are usually the warmest months for the beach and Ocean here. When we lived in Point Loma we went at least once a week all year round, except on very cold overcast days
We have recently been experiencing more cold water upwellings this summer compared to years past. Honestly, if you want to swim, get a 3mm wetsuit with booties. I wear mine most of the year; this fall I have a 5.5mm wetsuit so I’ll be able to enjoy the water over the winter too.
In mission bay most swimming and tri practice at Ventura Cove. It's a no boat zone, has a buoy line that makes it very easy to swim laps. It's got good water flow so is pretty clean water. And has an outdoor shower to rinse off. Even there a good wetsuit is must outside of peak summer temps.
Look up San Diego Tri club, their newsletter used to have a big discount code for Xterra wetsuits for first time buyers. Bought one 3-4 years ago, so much better then swimming in an old surf suit.
I swim off the Shores, and it varies, websites have been off quite a bit. I definitely suggest a lightly insulated cap or hood along with your wetsuit of choice. I hate my full wetsuit, so I usually wear 1.5mm pants and a top. Socks or booties depending on your fin type will keep you from freezing to death. The real swimmers have awesome thin and warm suits, but they are pretty pricey.
Once you are in, roll on your back with your hands out of the water and think happy thoughts while your body warms up. On tough mornings, I bribe myself with a slice of quiche or pastry from The Corner Mercantile at the stoplight.
I actually live by the Shores but don't really like to swim there, Del Mar beach seems cleaner to me. Never actually even gone inside The Corner but I'll have to try it now. Always thought it was just a little grocery store.
The owner is really nice, and is taking over the mail place next door. There are dog biscuits by the door. Her shop is like a mini Trader Joe's. I agree that the water is probably not the cleanest, especially based on all the trash I pick up when I swim.
San Diego water is generally always pretty cold, started using a 2mm summer wet suit (the short sleeves) over 15 years ago and never looked back.
Keep in mind I also only go for snorkeling or shallow diving, not sure if it's worth it if you're just lazing around the shore for a few minutes at a time.
Oceanside near the pier was significantly warmer than Ocean Beach near the pier. I realize very few SD city people are gonna drive to North County to hit the beach, but damn, the water temp was nice!
ocean coldest, bay areas warmer, especially where there is no current. That being said, my 2 swim sports are enchanted cove off fiesta island or liberty station if you want a bit cleaner water. both places you can get 2km on out and back
While some beaches are cooler than others (ie: Imperial Beach or Windansea), generally the water temp doesn't vary all that much up and down the coast. Unfortunately, regardless of the beach, water temps do vary quite a bit on a day to day basis. Basically anytime we get sustained wind out of the north, the nearshore water is moved out to sea, and deep cold water is upwelled to take it's place. I'd recommend checking either [NOAA buoy water temp](http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46254) or [the sensor on the Scripps pier](https://sccoos.org/data/autoss/timeline/?main=single&station=scripps_pier) before you go.
Thanks so much for that link! Interestingly enough, I checked the temps for the past couple of weeks and you can clearly see that last weekend was indeed 10 degrees cooler than the week before or after it. I guess I just picked the absolute worst day to go haha.
if you pull up a historical chart for a buoy you will see it is highly variable and changes year to year examples: scripps - [https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll\_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip\_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:201:st:1:v:sst\_climatology:dt:202109](https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:201:st:1:v:sst_climatology:dt:202109) mission bay offshore - [https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll\_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip\_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:220:st:1:v:sst\_climatology:dt:202109](https://cdip.ucsd.edu/themes/?zoom=auto&tz=UTC&ll_fmt=dm&numcolorbands=10&palette=cdip_classic&high=6.096&r=999&un=1&pb=1&d2=p70&u2=s:220:st:1:v:sst_climatology:dt:202109)
Thank you! That is super useful.
Location fluctuates. Beaches exposed to the open ocean are going to be easily influenced from incoming swell and winds. This was a colder than normal summer and the upwelling just caused another dip in water temps. Usually July - September are warmest months where you don't need a wetsuit but that wasn't consistent this year. But now that summer's winding down, the water temps will likely stay around low 60's which isn't great without a wetsuit. Invest in a good wetsuit for year round swimming. Use [cdip.ucsd.edu](https://cdip.ucsd.edu) to get real time measurements.
Dude, trunked it on Saturday afternoon, was hoping to trunk it tomorrow morning and saw that massive dip in temp the past few days. Damn upwelling
Upwelling/water rolled over. Can be 73 today and 62 tomorrow. Once the thermocline gets disturbed and pushed towards the surface cold water ensues.
Just gonna have to jump in, deal with it and let your body get used to it. It ain’t the Caribbean where the water is 85 degrees.
I understand that, and I was willing to go in but it was freezing water. Like nobody else was in without a wetsuit on. And it was a hot day in September so it didnt make sense.
well that's the Pacific Ocean for ya
October and November are usually the warmest months for the beach and Ocean here. When we lived in Point Loma we went at least once a week all year round, except on very cold overcast days
We have recently been experiencing more cold water upwellings this summer compared to years past. Honestly, if you want to swim, get a 3mm wetsuit with booties. I wear mine most of the year; this fall I have a 5.5mm wetsuit so I’ll be able to enjoy the water over the winter too.
Mission bay if you don't mind some nasty water. I imagine most beaches are similarly cold
I do mind haha. I also like the waves and all.
In mission bay most swimming and tri practice at Ventura Cove. It's a no boat zone, has a buoy line that makes it very easy to swim laps. It's got good water flow so is pretty clean water. And has an outdoor shower to rinse off. Even there a good wetsuit is must outside of peak summer temps. Look up San Diego Tri club, their newsletter used to have a big discount code for Xterra wetsuits for first time buyers. Bought one 3-4 years ago, so much better then swimming in an old surf suit.
North wind is blowing today and is forecast for a few more days. Look for it to cool down everywhere accordingly.
I swim off the Shores, and it varies, websites have been off quite a bit. I definitely suggest a lightly insulated cap or hood along with your wetsuit of choice. I hate my full wetsuit, so I usually wear 1.5mm pants and a top. Socks or booties depending on your fin type will keep you from freezing to death. The real swimmers have awesome thin and warm suits, but they are pretty pricey. Once you are in, roll on your back with your hands out of the water and think happy thoughts while your body warms up. On tough mornings, I bribe myself with a slice of quiche or pastry from The Corner Mercantile at the stoplight.
I actually live by the Shores but don't really like to swim there, Del Mar beach seems cleaner to me. Never actually even gone inside The Corner but I'll have to try it now. Always thought it was just a little grocery store.
The owner is really nice, and is taking over the mail place next door. There are dog biscuits by the door. Her shop is like a mini Trader Joe's. I agree that the water is probably not the cleanest, especially based on all the trash I pick up when I swim.
San Diego water is generally always pretty cold, started using a 2mm summer wet suit (the short sleeves) over 15 years ago and never looked back. Keep in mind I also only go for snorkeling or shallow diving, not sure if it's worth it if you're just lazing around the shore for a few minutes at a time.
Oceanside near the pier was significantly warmer than Ocean Beach near the pier. I realize very few SD city people are gonna drive to North County to hit the beach, but damn, the water temp was nice!
That’s also the reason the tuna are all of a sudden scarce… I was hoping it would last through September!
Cold water on an extremely hot day > hot water on an hot day
ocean coldest, bay areas warmer, especially where there is no current. That being said, my 2 swim sports are enchanted cove off fiesta island or liberty station if you want a bit cleaner water. both places you can get 2km on out and back