Massachusetts — Water Temperature Today and Throughout the Year
Discover water temperatures in Massachusetts (United States), with real-time data and annual trends. Find all locations in the region and check the water temperature in them. 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
- Cape Cod15°C
- Boston14°C
- Beverly14°C
- Vineyard Haven16°C
- Nantucket16°C
- Salisbury14°C
- Gloucester13°C
- Wareham16°C
- Manchester-by-the-Sea14°C
- Plymouth14°C
- Ipswich14°C
- Dennis Port15°C
- Buzzards Bay16°C
- Ocean Grove18°C
- Sandwich15°C
- Falmouth17°C
- Truro13°C
- Provincetown13°C
- Eastham14°C
- West Falmouth17°C
- New Bedford17°C
- Rockport13°C
- Scituate14°C
- Harwich15°C
- Quincy14°C
- Horseneck Beach16°C
- Woods Hole17°C
- Oak Bluffs16°C
- Brewster14°C
- Mashpee16°C
- Dartmouth17°C
- Lynn14°C
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
Popular Lakes
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Water Temperature Trends
Massachusetts, known for its picturesque coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and numerous freshwater lakes and rivers, experiences a variety of water temperatures depending on the season and location. Along the Atlantic coast, water temperatures during the summer months typically range from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), with some areas like Cape Cod experiencing slightly warmer temperatures. This makes the waters along the coast ideal for beachgoers, though they can still feel chilly compared to more southern coastal states. The waters near Boston, for example, often stay in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) during the summer, which is a comfortable temperature for most people, but can be brisk for some.
As the weather cools down in the fall, the water temperatures along the coast begin to drop. By October, ocean temperatures can range from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C), making swimming less popular, though activities like fishing and boating remain common. By winter, temperatures along the coastline can fall as low as 35°F to 45°F (1°C to 7°C), with some areas experiencing freezing temperatures and ice formation, especially near sheltered coves and inlets. The colder water temperatures during this time limit recreational swimming but can provide opportunities for winter activities such as ice fishing and coastal winter walks.
In Massachusetts' inland rivers and lakes, water temperatures follow a similar seasonal pattern. Lakes such as Lake Quinsigamond and the Quabbin Reservoir are popular for boating and fishing. In the summer, the water temperature in these lakes generally reaches 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C), making it ideal for various water activities. During the fall, these lakes begin to cool, with temperatures dipping to around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C). By winter, water temperatures in the lakes and rivers can drop to as low as 32°F (0°C), especially in northern parts of the state, where ice forms on some larger lakes, providing opportunities for ice skating and ice fishing.