Santa Cruz — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Santa Cruz (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 Santa Cruz help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Santa Cruz in the Pacific Ocean today is 15°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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz will be 14.9°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 26 | 15.5°C | 13.8°C | |
| JUN 27 | 15.5°C | 12.5°C | |
| JUN 28 | 15.4°C | 12.3°C | |
| JUN 29 | 15.8°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 30 | 15.2°C | 14.8°C | |
| JUL 1 | 15.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUL 2 | 14.8°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUL 3 | 15.0°C | 13.8°C | |
| JUL 4 | 15.0°C | 13.8°C | 15.0°C |
| JUL 5 | 14.8°C | 15.0°C | |
| JUL 6 | 14.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| JUL 7 | 14.5°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUL 8 | 15.0°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUL 9 | 14.8°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUL 10 | 15.0°C | 14.9°C | |
| JUL 11 | 15.0°C | 14.9°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
Santa Cruz sits on California’s central coast within Monterey Bay, where cold Pacific waters and seasonal upwelling keep sea temperatures relatively cool year-round. Typical surface temperatures run roughly from about 9–12 °C in winter (December–February), rising to around 10–13 °C in spring (March–May). Summer (June–August) is usually the warmest period, with averages near 12–16 °C along protected shorelines and occasionally higher in unusually warm years, while autumn (September–November) commonly sees temperatures around 11–15 °C as the ocean slowly cools. Local conditions can vary significantly from day to day because of coastal fog, tidal flows and upwelling; El Niño or strong upwelling events can push temperatures several degrees outside these typical ranges.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| February | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| March | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| April | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| May | 10°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| June | 10°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| July | 11°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| August | 11°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| September | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| October | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| November | 11°C | 13°C | 18°C |
| December | 10°C | 13°C | 15°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Santa Cruz: Weather Forecast
July 5
July 6
July 7
July 8
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Cowell's Beach
Santa Cruz Beach
Moran Lake Beach
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Its Beach
Steamer Lane
Seabright Beach
Twin Lakes State Beach
Mitchell's Cove Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays in Santa Cruz are shaped by those cool waters: many visitors wear wetsuits for longer swims, and year-round ocean activities are common among locals who are accustomed to the temperature. The area offers a mix of sandy beaches and sheltered coves suitable for swimming, plus lifeguarded stretches during peak season, though surfing and bodyboarding are often more popular than casual bathing because of waves and currents. Sheltered spots near the harbor and sloping beaches provide gentler conditions for families, while tide pools and coastal walks add variety to a beach visit. Swimmers should be mindful of cold-water effects, rip currents and changing conditions, and plan outings with basic safety precautions in mind.