Crail — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Crail (Scotland, United Kingdom). It includes the current water temperature, daily data for the last month presented in a simple chart, and a 7-day forecast. The page also compares today’s value with typical averages for this period, shows usual monthly ranges during the year, and lists nearby beaches with short descriptions. Local weather for the next few days and general details about Crail help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Crail in the North Sea today is 12°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used.
It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperature in Crail rose over the last 30 days but fell over the last week. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Crail will be 11.9°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 5 | 11.9°C | 11.3°C | |
| JUN 6 | 11.8°C | 11.3°C | |
| JUN 7 | 11.9°C | 11.8°C | |
| JUN 8 | 11.9°C | 11.3°C | |
| JUN 9 | 11.8°C | 11.8°C | |
| JUN 10 | 11.8°C | 12.0°C | |
| JUN 11 | 12.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| JUN 12 | 12.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| JUN 13 | 11.6°C | 12.0°C | 11.6°C |
| JUN 14 | 11.5°C | 11.6°C | |
| JUN 15 | 11.5°C | 11.7°C | |
| JUN 16 | 11.8°C | 11.7°C | |
| JUN 17 | 11.8°C | 11.8°C | |
| JUN 18 | 12.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| JUN 19 | 12.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| JUN 20 | 12.0°C | 11.9°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Water temperature data for this location is gathered from various sources, including buoys and satellite sea and ocean surface maps provided by the NOAA agency. We also incorporate data from local authorities in each specific location worldwide to ensure more accurate temperature readings.
Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month
Monthly Water Temp Ranges
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Crail, on the east coast of Scotland in Fife, sits on the North Sea where water temperatures remain cool year-round. Typical surface temperatures in the winter months (December–February) range from about 4°C to 7°C. In spring (March–May) the sea slowly warms to roughly 6°C–11°C, while the warmest period in summer (June–August) usually sees surface values between about 11°C and 16°C, with the highest readings typically in late July and August. In autumn (September–November) temperatures commonly fall back to roughly 9°C–13°C as the North Sea begins to cool. Local conditions around the small harbour and rocky shorelines can feel a little different to open-water readings: sheltered inlets may be marginally warmer on calm days, while exposed stretches are more influenced by wind and tidal currents.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| February | 5°C | 6°C | 8°C |
| March | 5°C | 6°C | 8°C |
| April | 6°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| May | 7°C | 10°C | 11°C |
| June | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| July | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| August | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| September | 12°C | 14°C | 15°C |
| October | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| November | 9°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| December | 7°C | 9°C | 11°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Crail: Weather Forecast
June 14
June 15
June 16
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Roome Bay Beach
Kingsbarns Beach
Red Beach
Billow Ness Beach
Pittenweem Beach
St. Andrews Bay Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming around Crail suits a mix of local sea-swimmers and visitors looking for a bracing coastal experience rather than warm bathing. The harbour and nearby sandy or pebbly bays offer entry points for short swims, but the generally cool temperatures mean many people use wetsuits outside the brief peak summer months. Sea conditions can change quickly, so organised swims, local clubs, or guided groups are a sensible option for those unfamiliar with tides and currents. For a beach holiday, Crail provides scenic coastal walks and opportunities for shoreline paddling or open-water swimming for experienced cold-water swimmers, while families seeking warmer bathing are more likely to find comfortable conditions inland or further south during the warmest weeks.