Cape Charles — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends

Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience.

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 Cape Charles 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 Cape Charles will be 22.8°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C

25°C

20°C

15°C

10°c

5°C

0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Cape Charles sits on the Virginia Eastern Shore along the sheltered waters of the Chesapeake Bay, offering a mix of shallow coves, sandy shores and a small-town harbor atmosphere. Because the town faces the bay rather than the open Atlantic, surface water temperatures tend to be moderated but can respond quickly to air temperature, sunlight and wind. Over the course of a typical year, winter surface temperatures commonly range from about 1 to 6 °C, rising through spring to roughly 6 to 16 °C by late May. Early summer brings warmer conditions of roughly 18 to 23 °C in June, with peak summer surface temperatures in July and August usually between 22 and 28 °C, occasionally reaching the upper end in shallow, protected areas. By September and October the waters cool to about 15 to 20 °C, with further drops into late fall. Local tides, runoff and seasonal weather patterns create year-to-year variation in these approximate ranges.