Baltic Sea Water Temperature Today & Regional Overview
We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in the Baltic Sea today ranges from 10.5°C (Eckerö, Finland) to 19.2°C (Szczecin, Poland).
As of today, the minimum water temperature in the Baltic Sea 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.
Sea Temperature Trends
Over the past month, the water temperature in the Baltic Sea has increased by 7°C. In general, the sea water temperature remains within the statistical range for this time of year.
Water Temperature and Swimming Conditions Throughout the Year
| Month | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C | 7°C |
| February | -1°C | 6°C |
| March | -1°C | 8°C |
| April | -1°C | 13°C |
| May | -1°C | 20°C |
| June | 6°C | 24°C |
| July | 12°C | 25°C |
| August | 12°C | 26°C |
| September | 9°C | 22°C |
| October | 0°C | 19°C |
| November | 0°C | 14°C |
| December | -1°C | 10°C |
The Baltic Sea is a shallow, brackish sea whose surface temperatures vary strongly with season and location. In summer surface water commonly ranges from about 15°C to 24°C, with the warmest values found in shallow southern bays and the coolest in the northern basins. Spring temperatures typically climb from roughly 2°C up to around 12°C as the water warms, while autumn sees a decline from roughly 8°C to 15°C before winter sets in. Winter surface temperatures are often near 0°C to 4°C in many areas; in the northern and eastern parts of the sea, sheltered waters can fall to or below 0°C and freeze, forming sea ice in cold winters. Shallow coastal zones heat up and cool down faster than the open sea, so local readings can differ markedly from broader regional averages.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Baltic is widely practiced and generally allowed, especially during the warmer months when surface temperatures reach the mid-teens and above, making recreational bathing comfortable for most people. Water quality, beach facilities and lifeguard coverage vary by country and location, so swimmers should follow local advisories and signage. Cold-water risks such as cold shock and hypothermia mean that outside high summer a cautious approach is advisable; short, supervised dips and proper preparation are important. Winter ice swimming is a cultural practice in parts of the region and is undertaken at designated places with safety measures in place. Ultimately, whether and when to swim depends on local conditions, personal experience with cold water and adherence to safety guidance.