Oakland — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Oakland (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 Oakland help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Oakland in the Pacific Ocean today is 17°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 Oakland today is lower than both a week ago and a month ago. Currently, the sea water temperature at this location matches the average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Oakland will be 16.5°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 19 | 17.1°C | 16.8°C | |
| SEP 20 | 17.4°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 21 | 17.6°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 22 | 17.6°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 23 | 17.5°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 24 | 17.6°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 25 | 17.6°C | 17.8°C | |
| SEP 26 | 17.5°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 27 | 17.4°C | 16.8°C | 17.4°C |
| SEP 28 | 16.8°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 29 | 16.3°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 30 | 16.5°C | 17.0°C | |
| OCT 1 | 15.8°C | 16.9°C | |
| OCT 2 | 16.3°C | 16.8°C | |
| OCT 3 | 16.0°C | 16.6°C | |
| OCT 4 | 16.0°C | 16.5°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
Oakland sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, where water temperatures are strongly influenced by tidal exchange with the cold Pacific, seasonal upwelling, and local shading. Typical surface temperatures in the Bay near Oakland range from around 10–12°C in winter, gradually rising in spring to roughly 10–14°C. Summer brings the warmest conditions in protected or shallow spots, commonly 12–18°C, with the warmest readings in late summer and early autumn; deeper channels and waters near the Golden Gate remain cooler. Small inland reservoirs and urban lakes in and around Oakland warm more quickly and can reach higher temperatures on sunny summer days, while open-ocean beaches to the west of the bay are usually colder year-round.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| February | 9°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| March | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| April | 9°C | 13°C | 15°C |
| May | 9°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| June | 8°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| July | 10°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| August | 10°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| October | 11°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| November | 11°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| December | 10°C | 12°C | 16°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Oakland: Weather Forecast
September 27
September 28
September 29
September 30
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Radio Beach
Yerba Buena Island - Clipper Cove Beach
Encinal Beach
Alameda Point Beach
Crown Memorial Beach
Crane Cove Park
Alameda Beach
Aquatic Park Beach
Golden Gate Park Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming opportunities are varied but come with caveats related to temperature and water quality. For a traditional beach holiday with calmer waters, Alameda’s shorelines and some East Bay state park beaches offer sandy areas and occasional lifeguard coverage, though Bay water often stays cool enough that many swimmers wear wetsuits outside of the warmest weeks. Freshwater options such as Lake Temescal provide more sheltered, warmer swimming in summer when permitted, while Lake Merritt has historically restricted open-water swimming. Water-quality advisories after rainfall and seasonal algae or bacterial issues can affect when and where swimming is recommended, so checking current local guidance, choosing lifeguarded sites when possible, and planning for cool water (and wetsuits) will make visits safer and more comfortable.