Chile — Sea Water Temperature and Annual Ranges
Up-to-date sea water temperatures for the coasts of Chile. Learn about today’s conditions, monthly averages, and how the surrounding seas and oceans vary by season. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
- Valparaíso14°C
- Llanquihue15°C
- Viña del Mar14°C
- San Pedro de la Paz13°C
- Arica21°C
- Iquique19°C
- Easter Island25°C
- Hanga Roa25°C
- Punta Arenas8°C
- Pichilemu14°C
- Arauco13°C
- Zapallar14°C
- Antofagasta17°C
- Punta de Tralca14°C
- Concón14°C
- Los Molles14°C
- Maitencillo14°C
- Quintero14°C
- Cachagua14°C
- Puchuncaví14°C
- Quintay15°C
- Las Cruces14°C
- Algarrobo14°C
- Papudo14°C
- Concepción13°C
- Santo Domingo14°C
- El Quisco14°C
- Cifuncho17°C
- Corral14°C
- Pichidangui14°C
- Renaca14°C
- Cartagena14°C
- Pelluhue13°C
- Taltal18°C
- Las Docas15°C
- El Tabo14°C
- Llico14°C
- Punta Choros15°C
- Puerto Cisnes11°C
- Hornitos19°C
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
Water Temperature Trends
Chile’s long Pacific coastline experiences a wide range of sea temperatures driven by latitude and the cold Humboldt Current. In the far north, waters are mildest: summer (December–February) sea temperatures often reach about 20–24 °C (68–75 °F), easing into roughly 16–20 °C (61–68 °F) in winter. Central Chile, including the Valparaíso and Concepción areas, sees summer seas around 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) and winter waters cooling to about 11–15 °C (52–59 °F). In southern Chile and Patagonia the ocean remains cold year-round, with summer averages near 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) and winter values frequently dropping to 4–8 °C (39–46 °F). Interannual phenomena such as El Niño can raise coastal temperatures modestly, while upwelling and currents keep most of the coastline cooler than comparable latitudes elsewhere.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming along Chile’s coast is commonly allowed but conditions vary. Northern beaches are most comfortable for casual bathing, while central and southern waters often require wetsuits for prolonged swimming due to chilly temperatures and a higher risk of hypothermia. Safety considerations — strong surf, rip currents and tides — mean that entry is best where lifeguards are present and local advisories are followed; some urban or industrial zones may have temporary water-quality closures. Recreational activities such as surfing, kayaking and cold-water diving are popular where infrastructure and safety services exist. In short, swimming is possible along much of Chile’s coast, but how comfortable and safe it is depends on the region, season, and adherence to local guidance.