Porthcawl — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Porthcawl (Wales, 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 Porthcawl help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Porthcawl in the Celtic Sea today is 15°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear.
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 Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl will be 15.0°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 6 | 15.1°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 7 | 15.1°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 8 | 15.2°C | 13.8°C | |
| JUN 9 | 15.3°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 10 | 15.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 11 | 15.2°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUN 12 | 15.2°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUN 13 | 15.1°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUN 14 | 14.9°C | 14.5°C | 14.9°C |
| JUN 15 | 14.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUN 16 | 14.3°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUN 17 | 14.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUN 18 | 14.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUN 19 | 15.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| JUN 20 | 15.3°C | 15.0°C | |
| JUN 21 | 15.0°C | 15.0°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
Porthcawl is a seaside town on the south coast of Wales facing the Bristol Channel, known for its broad beaches, cliffs and popular coastal paths. Water temperatures around Porthcawl vary with the seasons and the large tidal range of the channel. In winter months (December–February) sea temperatures typically sit around 7–9 °C, remaining chilly for most swimmers. Spring (March–May) sees a gradual rise, commonly between 8 and 13 °C by late spring. Summer (June–August) brings the warmest conditions, with surface temperatures generally in the range of 14–18 °C on average, sometimes reaching slightly higher during warm spells. Autumn (September–November) cools down again, with sea temperatures usually between 11 and 15 °C as the season progresses.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| February | 6°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| March | 6°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| April | 8°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| May | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| June | 12°C | 15°C | 17°C |
| July | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| August | 16°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| September | 15°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| October | 13°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| November | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C |
| December | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Porthcawl: Weather Forecast
June 15
June 16
June 17
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Porthcrawl Beach
Porthcawl Sea Front
Trecco Bay Windsurfing Beach
Sandy Bay Beach
Coney Beach
Box Bay
Trecco Bay Beach
Sandy Bay Beach Porthcawl
Newton Bay
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays at Porthcawl cater to a range of activities from family paddling to more adventurous open-water swimming and surfing. Sandy and pebbly stretches such as Rest Bay and the central promenade provide accessible entry points, while nearby coves and rock pools offer sheltered spots for exploration. Rest Bay is well regarded by surfers and bodyboarders, and the town often has lifeguard cover during the summer season on main bathing beaches, making supervised swimming more viable. Visitors should be aware of strong tides and occasional rip currents in the Bristol Channel and the persistence of cool water temperatures outside midsummer; appropriate wetsuits, checking local safety information and using lifeguarded areas are recommended for a safer and more comfortable experience.