King Salmon — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for King Salmon (California, 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 King Salmon help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in King Salmon in the Pacific Ocean today is 12°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 54°F (12°C). The water is slightly warmer, but still cool for most people. Swimming in such conditions is possible, but for most people, the time spent in the water should be limited to avoid hypothermia. Even experienced swimmers may feel discomfort if they stay in the water for too long. To improve comfort and safety, a wetsuit can be used.
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 King Salmon 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 King Salmon will be 10.6°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| APR 10 | 11.7°C | 10.5°C | |
| APR 11 | 12.3°C | 10.8°C | |
| APR 12 | 12.3°C | 11.3°C | |
| APR 13 | 12.0°C | 10.8°C | |
| APR 14 | 12.1°C | 11.0°C | |
| APR 15 | 12.7°C | 11.3°C | |
| APR 16 | 12.8°C | 10.5°C | |
| APR 17 | 12.2°C | 10.8°C | |
| APR 18 | 11.9°C | 10.8°C | 11.9°C |
| APR 19 | 11.0°C | 11.7°C | |
| APR 20 | 11.5°C | 11.5°C | |
| APR 21 | 10.3°C | 11.4°C | |
| APR 22 | 10.0°C | 11.2°C | |
| APR 23 | 9.8°C | 11.0°C | |
| APR 24 | 10.3°C | 10.8°C | |
| APR 25 | 9.5°C | 10.6°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
King Salmon, a small coastal community in northern California, sits where ocean, estuary and river influences meet, producing generally cool water year-round. Sea and estuarine temperatures in the area typically range from about 8 °C in the coldest winter months to around 15 °C at the warmest in late summer. Seasonal variation is modest compared with more southerly California beaches: winter (December–February) surface waters commonly sit near 8–11 °C, spring (March–May) warms to roughly 9–13 °C, summer (June–August) peaks around 11–15 °C, and autumn (September–November) averages about 10–13 °C. Local temperatures can vary by a few degrees depending on tides, river discharge and coastal upwelling, and sheltered estuary arms may feel slightly warmer on sunny days, while open ocean swells remain colder.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| February | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| March | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| April | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| May | 8°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| June | 8°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| July | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| August | 9°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| September | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| November | 8°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| December | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
King Salmon: Weather Forecast
April 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Samoa Dunes Beach
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - Table Bluff County Park Beach
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Samoa Beach
Samoa Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach recreation around King Salmon are shaped by those cool temperatures and the local shoreline character. Open-ocean bathing is possible but often brisk; most casual swimmers find a wetsuit comfortable in summer and essential outside the warmest weeks. The estuary and protected creek mouths can offer calmer, slightly warmer wading and paddling opportunities, but conditions change with currents and tides, so caution is important. Lifeguard coverage is limited in this less developed area, and potential hazards include rip currents, cold shock on sudden immersion and variable visibility. For a beach holiday focused on walking, wildlife watching and short dips, late summer provides the most agreeable water conditions, while those planning extended swims should prepare with appropriate thermal protection and local safety awareness.