South Carolina — Water Temperature Today and Throughout the Year
Discover water temperatures in South Carolina (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
- Hilton Head Island26°C
- Myrtle Beach24°C
- North Myrtle Beach24°C
- Sullivan's Island25°C
- Isle of Palms25°C
- Kiawah Island25°C
- Charleston25°C
- Pawleys Island25°C
- Folly Beach25°C
- Seabrook Island25°C
- Edisto Beach26°C
- Fripp Island26°C
- Litchfield by the Sea25°C
- Garden City24°C
- Dewees Island25°C
- Parris Island26°C
- Briarcliffe Acres24°C
- Arcadian Shores24°C
- Beaufort26°C
- Daufuskie Island26°C
- Mount Pleasant25°C
- Murrells Inlet25°C
- Hunting Island26°C
- Surfside Beach24°C
- Boneyard Beach25°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
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Water Temperature Trends
South Carolina’s coastal waters, rivers, and lakes offer a warm and inviting climate for water activities. Along the Atlantic coast, near cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, ocean temperatures are generally pleasant. In the summer months, the water typically ranges from 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C), ideal for swimming, surfing, and beachgoing. During the winter, the ocean cools to around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C), which is less suitable for swimming but still attractive for boating and fishing.
The state’s rivers, such as the Savannah, Congaree, and Edisto, vary in temperature depending on the season and location. In summer, river temperatures often range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), making them popular for kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Many rivers are fed by natural springs or flow through shaded areas, which can help maintain slightly cooler conditions in some spots.
Lakes in South Carolina, including Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Jocassee, are also warm and inviting during the summer months. Surface temperatures can climb to 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C) in the warmer months, creating perfect conditions for swimming, boating, and water skiing. In the winter, lake temperatures usually drop to 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C), still accessible for fishing or recreational boating for those who enjoy cooler weather. These diverse water bodies offer something for everyone throughout the year.