St Andrews — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for St Andrews (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 St Andrews help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in St Andrews in the North Sea today is 16°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 St Andrews has risen over the last week and month. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in St Andrews will be 14.9°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUL 19 | 14.4°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 20 | 14.8°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 21 | 14.9°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 22 | 14.7°C | 14.5°C | |
| JUL 23 | 14.7°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 24 | 15.3°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 25 | 15.3°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 26 | 15.4°C | 15.0°C | |
| JUL 27 | 15.6°C | 15.0°C | 15.6°C |
| JUL 28 | 14.3°C | 15.5°C | |
| JUL 29 | 14.0°C | 15.4°C | |
| JUL 30 | 14.0°C | 15.3°C | |
| JUL 31 | 13.8°C | 15.2°C | |
| AUG 1 | 14.0°C | 15.1°C | |
| AUG 2 | 14.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| AUG 3 | 14.0°C | 14.9°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
Saint Andrews sits on the east coast of Scotland where the North Sea governs coastal conditions, so water temperatures are generally cool year-round. Typical seasonal ranges run from about 5–8 °C in winter (December–February), rising to roughly 6–11 °C in spring (March–May). The warmest period is late summer, with sea temperatures most often between 11–16 °C in June–August, and early autumn waters commonly falling back to around 8–12 °C (September–November). Local variations occur with tides, wind and weather, and shallow sandy bays can warm slightly more than exposed headlands, but overall the sea off St Andrews remains noticeably cooler than many more southerly beach destinations.
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 | 5°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| May | 7°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| June | 9°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| July | 11°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| August | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| September | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| October | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| November | 9°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| December | 7°C | 8°C | 11°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
St Andrews: Weather Forecast
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Salt Lake Beach
St Andrews Castle Sands Beach
St Andrews West Sands Beach
West Sands Beach
St. Andrews Bay Beach
Tentsmuir Sands Beach
Red Beach
Tentsmuir Sands
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays in St Andrews are shaped by those cool conditions and by the attractive coastal setting. Popular sandy stretches such as West Sands and East Sands provide long promenades, lifeguard cover at peak times and easy access for sea swims, but many visitors wear wetsuits for comfort and safety even in summer. The town also supports open-water swimming groups, supervised sessions and opportunities for paddle sports, while sheltered harbour areas and rock pools offer calmer spots for shorter dips. Beach facilities, cafes and promenades make St Andrews suitable for a coastal holiday, though anyone planning extended open-water swimming should prepare for low temperatures, changing weather and tidal currents and check local guidance before entering the sea.