Portsmouth — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Portsmouth (England, 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 Portsmouth help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Portsmouth in the English Channel today is 15°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people.
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 Portsmouth rose over the last 30 days but fell over the last week. Currently, the sea water at this location is slightly warmer than average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Portsmouth will be 13.9°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 1 | 16.4°C | 13.8°C | |
| JUN 2 | 16.4°C | 14.0°C | |
| JUN 3 | 16.3°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUN 4 | 16.3°C | 13.8°C | |
| JUN 5 | 16.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 6 | 16.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 7 | 15.7°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUN 8 | 15.4°C | 13.3°C | |
| JUN 9 | 15.1°C | 13.3°C | 15.1°C |
| JUN 10 | 13.8°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUN 11 | 14.0°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUN 12 | 13.5°C | 14.6°C | |
| JUN 13 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| JUN 14 | 13.8°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 15 | 13.8°C | 14.1°C | |
| JUN 16 | 14.5°C | 13.9°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
Portsmouth sits on England’s south coast at the eastern end of the Solent and experiences a typically mild maritime climate that keeps sea temperatures cooler than inland air in summer but milder in winter. Sea conditions around the city vary through the year: winter months usually see surface temperatures around 7–9°C, spring typically climbs from about 8–13°C, summer brings the warmest water with averages roughly 14–19°C by July and August, and autumn cools back to roughly 12–16°C. The Solent’s sheltered position moderates extremes, so sharp spikes or plunges in temperature are uncommon, but local factors such as tides, wind and currents can still affect how warm the water feels on any given day.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| February | 6°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| March | 6°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| April | 8°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| May | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| June | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| July | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| August | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| September | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| October | 14°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| November | 12°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| December | 8°C | 10°C | 14°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Portsmouth: Weather Forecast
June 10
June 11
June 12
June 13
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Old Portsmouth Beach
Southsea Beach
Eastney Noturist Beach
Eastney Beach
Stokes Bay Beach
West Beach
Hayling Island Beach
Browndown Point Beach
Langstone Harbour
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays in Portsmouth are shaped by those temperatures and the local coast. Popular bathing spots along the seafront and nearby shores offer promenades, shingle or sandy stretches and easy access to the water; lifeguard cover is often provided on busier beaches in summer and water quality is generally monitored. Because the sea is cool even in summer, many people choose wetsuits for longer open-water swims, and there is an active community of swimmers and organised events using the sheltered bays and harbour. For those preferring warmer conditions, indoor pools and supervised lidos provide an alternative. As always swimmers should check local tide and weather information, heed safety signage and be aware of boat traffic in the harbour and Solent.