Corolla — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends

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 Corolla 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 Corolla will be 17.6°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

Corolla, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the shallower Currituck Sound to the west, and water temperatures vary markedly through the year. In mid-summer the ocean commonly reaches about 25–28°C, with peak August temperatures occasionally near 29°C, creating comfortable conditions for swimming. Late spring sees a steady warm-up, with ocean surface temperatures typically in the range of 15–22°C in May and June, while autumn cooling often brings September and October waters down to roughly 20–24°C and 15–20°C respectively. Winter months are much cooler; from December through February ocean temperatures usually fall to about 7–12°C. The Currituck Sound warms and cools on a different schedule because it is shallower and more protected: in summer it can be a few degrees warmer than the ocean, often reaching the upper 20s°C, while in winter it still tends to be milder than the open Atlantic.