Salem — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Salem (Massachusetts, 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 Salem help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Salem in the Atlantic 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 Salem 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 Salem will be 14.8°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 22 | 15.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| JUN 23 | 15.9°C | 15.3°C | |
| JUN 24 | 15.1°C | 15.5°C | |
| JUN 25 | 15.2°C | 15.8°C | |
| JUN 26 | 15.7°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUN 27 | 16.0°C | 16.5°C | |
| JUN 28 | 15.5°C | 16.8°C | |
| JUN 29 | 15.8°C | 17.0°C | |
| JUN 30 | 17.1°C | 17.0°C | 17.1°C |
| JUL 1 | 19.8°C | 16.8°C | |
| JUL 2 | 19.0°C | 16.4°C | |
| JUL 3 | 20.3°C | 16.1°C | |
| JUL 4 | 19.3°C | 15.8°C | |
| JUL 5 | 17.3°C | 15.5°C | |
| JUL 6 | 13.8°C | 15.1°C | |
| JUL 7 | 13.3°C | 14.8°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
Salem sits on the northern edge of Salem Sound in Massachusetts, where coastal waters are influenced by the larger Gulf of Maine and by local tides and wind. Sea surface temperatures around Salem vary markedly through the year. In winter (December–February) typical surface readings are close to freezing, roughly 0–4 °C. Spring (March–May) brings a steady rise, with waters commonly between about 3 and 12 °C by late spring. Summer (June–August) is the warmest season, when sheltered areas of the harbor and nearby coves typically reach about 15–22 °C at their peak in July and August. In autumn (September–November) temperatures fall again, often ranging from roughly 8 to 14 °C depending on the month and currents. Local conditions can shift daily with storms, onshore breezes or prolonged heat, and open-ocean spots will generally be cooler than protected inlets.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | 5°C | 7°C |
| February | 2°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| March | 2°C | 4°C | 6°C |
| April | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| May | 6°C | 10°C | 15°C |
| June | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| July | 15°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| October | 9°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| November | 7°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| December | 4°C | 8°C | 11°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Salem: Weather Forecast
July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Collins Cove Beach
Willow Avenue
Collins Cove
Camp Naumkeag
Dead Horse Beach
Winter Island/Waikiki Beach
Gillis Park
Pleasant View Beach
Independence Park
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beaching in Salem is oriented toward small public parks, rocky shorelines and a few modest sandy spots rather than long resort beaches. Winter Island Park and Salem Willows are among the primary local places where people swim, picnic and launch from small beaches or rocky ledges; seasonal lifeguards are usually present at the busiest sites in summer. Because water temperatures only reach comfortable levels for most swimmers in mid-to-late summer, many visitors treat swimming here as a warm-season activity and use wetsuits or shorter sessions outside July and August. Tidal currents, water quality advisories and variable seabed conditions mean checking local notices before entering the water, while day-trip options to larger North Shore beaches are available for more traditional beach-holiday experiences.