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Arctic Ocean
Pangnirtung, Canada © J-F Bondon
Arctic Ocean Water Temperature: Current & Historical Data for Coastal Resorts
We find every spot where you can swim and tell you what the water temperature is there today and throughout the year
Current water temperature
29°F
minimal
30°F
average
31°F
maximum
Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Arctic Ocean Over the Last 60 Days
Water temperature in the Arctic Ocean by month
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27°F | 34°F |
| February | 28°F | 34°F |
| March | 28°F | 34°F |
| April | 27°F | 34°F |
| May | 27°F | 34°F |
| June | 27°F | 36°F |
| July | 28°F | 41°F |
| August | 28°F | 46°F |
| September | 32°F | 46°F |
| October | 30°F | 45°F |
| November | 27°F | 37°F |
| December | 27°F | 34°F |
What is known about the Arctic Ocean?
Pangnirtung, Canada © Kate KruegerThe Arctic Ocean is the coldest and smallest of the world's oceans, with water temperatures that make swimming extremely challenging for most people. Along the coastal regions, temperatures vary depending on the season and location. In summer, surface water temperatures near the northern coasts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia can reach around 35–40°F (1–4°C), while in the deeper parts of the ocean, they remain close to 28–30°F (-2 to -1°C) due to the freezing point of saltwater. During winter, temperatures drop further, and large portions of the ocean become covered in sea ice, making any open water nearly nonexistent in some areas.
Swimming in the Arctic Ocean is highly dangerous due to the extreme cold, which can cause cold shock and hypothermia within minutes. However, some adventurous swimmers take short dips in certain locations, such as Norway’s Svalbard archipelago or parts of northern Russia, during the summer when air temperatures are relatively milder. These swims are typically brief and require safety precautions like immediate warming afterward. Special events, such as Arctic ice swims, are organized for trained individuals who can withstand the extreme cold. For most people, though, even with protective gear, prolonged exposure to Arctic waters remains highly hazardous.
List of Countries Bordering the Arctic Ocean
Popular Resorts of the Arctic Ocean with the Warmest Water Today
Popular Resorts on the Arctic Ocean Coast
Kugluktuk, Canada © Michèle G.
Nearest Seas and Oceans
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arctic Ocean
What is the water temperature in the Arctic Ocean right now?
The water temperature in the Arctic Ocean today ranges from 30°F (-1°C) in Pangnirtung (Canada) to 30°F (-1°C) in Kugluktuk (Canada).
Is it possible to swim in the Arctic Ocean?
Swimming in the Arctic Ocean is generally not recommended due to its freezing cold temperatures, which often remain below 32°F (0°C), except for short periods during summer in some areas.
In which month does the Arctic Ocean have the highest and lowest water temperatures?
The highest water temperature in the Arctic Ocean occurs in August, reaching 46°F (8°C), while the lowest is in January, dropping to 27°F (-3°C).
Is the Arctic Ocean colder than the Baffin Sea?
The average annual water temperatures in the Arctic Ocean and the Baffin Sea are approximately the same, at 34°F (1°C).
Which countries are washed by the Arctic Ocean?
The Arctic Ocean washes Canada.
Do you have any extended or additional information about the Arctic Ocean?
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean on Earth in terms of area and depth, located entirely in the northern hemisphere, between Eurasia and North America. The area of the ocean is 14.75 million km², the volume of water is 18.07 million km³. Average depth - 1225 m, maximum depth - 5527 m in the Greenland Sea.
Do you have a few more photos of the the Arctic Ocean?
Canada © PlanetWare
Pangnirtung, Canada © Kate Krueger
Pangnirtung, Canada © David Turner