Beaufort — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Beaufort (North Carolina, United States). 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 Beaufort help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Beaufort in the Atlantic Ocean today is 20°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). This is already quite warm water, which is ideal for most people. Swimming becomes comfortable, and prolonged stays in the water do not cause discomfort. This temperature is perfect for family trips and for those who prefer warmer water. It is also comfortable for water sports such as surfing or swimming.
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 Beaufort has fallen over the last month but risen over the last 7 days. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Beaufort will be 19.9°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 30 | 19.0°C | 21.5°C | |
| OCT 31 | 18.9°C | 21.0°C | |
| NOV 1 | 19.3°C | 20.5°C | |
| NOV 2 | 18.7°C | 20.0°C | |
| NOV 3 | 19.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| NOV 4 | 19.2°C | 20.0°C | |
| NOV 5 | 19.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| NOV 6 | 19.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| NOV 7 | 19.7°C | 20.3°C | 19.7°C |
| NOV 8 | 20.0°C | 19.7°C | |
| NOV 9 | 20.3°C | 19.8°C | |
| NOV 10 | 19.8°C | 19.8°C | |
| NOV 11 | 20.3°C | 19.8°C | |
| NOV 12 | 20.3°C | 19.9°C | |
| NOV 13 | 20.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| NOV 14 | 19.8°C | 19.9°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
Beaufort, North Carolina, sits on the Crystal Coast where sounds and the nearby Atlantic Ocean meet, creating a mix of estuarine and coastal water conditions. Seasonal sea temperatures vary notably: in winter (December–February) water temperatures typically range from about 8 to 13 °C, in spring (March–May) they warm to roughly 12 to 19 °C, summer (June–August) brings the warmest conditions often between 22 and 28 °C, and fall (September–November) sees a gradual cooling with temperatures generally from 16 to 24 °C. The combination of shallow sounds and deeper offshore waters means local temperature can differ by location and depth, with the protected sound and marsh areas usually feeling warmer earlier in the season than the open ocean.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| February | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| March | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| April | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| May | 18°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| June | 21°C | 26°C | 29°C |
| July | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| August | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| September | 23°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| October | 20°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| November | 14°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| December | 14°C | 17°C | 22°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Beaufort: Weather Forecast
November 8
November 9
November 10
November 11
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Northeast Gallant's Channel Bridge
Knob Island - North Side
Newport River - Public Access Northwest Of Bridge
Radio Island
Lennoxville Boat Ramp
Carrot Island
Elliot Coues Nature Trail
Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon Beach Access At Bathhouse
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays around Beaufort are best timed for when the water reaches comfortable bathing levels, typically from late spring through early fall when temperatures exceed about 20 °C. The area offers a range of options, from calmer sound and inlet spots favored for family swimming and paddling to ocean beaches at the Cape Lookout National Seashore and nearby Atlantic Beach that provide broader sand shores and surf conditions. Visitors should consider conditions such as tides, currents and occasional jellyfish in summer; lifeguarded beaches are limited, so swimming at monitored public beaches is safer. For a relaxed beach holiday, June through September usually provides the warmest, most pleasant water temperatures for prolonged swimming and water-based recreation.