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Indian Ocean
Island Anonyme, Seychelles © TYPHOON
Indian 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
62°F
minimal
78°F
average
90°F
maximum
Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Indian Ocean Over the Last 60 Days
Water temperature in the Indian Ocean by month
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F | 91°F |
| February | 61°F | 91°F |
| March | 57°F | 91°F |
| April | 54°F | 91°F |
| May | 55°F | 90°F |
| June | 54°F | 90°F |
| July | 52°F | 88°F |
| August | 52°F | 88°F |
| September | 52°F | 88°F |
| October | 54°F | 88°F |
| November | 55°F | 90°F |
| December | 59°F | 90°F |
What is known about the Indian Ocean?
Peppermint Grove, Australia © Susan CarlessThe Indian Ocean is one of the warmest oceans in the world, with water temperatures that remain high throughout the year. Along the coasts of countries like India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Australia, sea temperatures typically range from 77–86°F (25–30°C) in summer, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities. The warmest waters are usually found in tropical regions near the equator, while slightly cooler temperatures are experienced in the southern parts, closer to South Africa and western Australia. The ocean’s warm and clear waters, combined with stunning coral reefs, make it an ideal destination for snorkeling, diving, and beach vacations.
Even in winter, the Indian Ocean remains swimmable, with temperatures rarely dropping below 72°F (22°C), except in the far south. However, certain coastal areas can experience strong currents and monsoons, particularly in the Arabian Sea and parts of the Bay of Bengal. Despite these occasional challenges, the Indian Ocean is one of the best places in the world for year-round swimming, offering warm, inviting waters and breathtaking coastal landscapes across multiple continents.
List of Countries Bordering the Indian Ocean
Popular Resorts of the Indian Ocean with the Warmest Water Today
Popular Resorts on the Indian Ocean Coast
- Mossel Bay, South Africa
- Muizenberg, South Africa
- Perth, Australia
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
- Durban, South Africa
- Hermanus, South Africa
- Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Tsitsikamma, South Africa
- Knysna, South Africa
- Buffels Bay, South Africa
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Port Noarlunga, Australia
- Port Edward, South Africa
- Diani, Kenya
La Digue, Seychelles © Irina Guriuc
Frequently Asked Questions About the Indian Ocean
What is the water temperature in the Indian Ocean right now?
The water temperature in the Indian Ocean today ranges from 63°F (17°C) in Muizenberg (South Africa) to 90°F (32°C) in Port Hedland (Australia).
Is it possible to swim in the Indian Ocean?
Yes, it is possible to swim in the Indian Ocean, as its warm waters, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), are ideal for swimming year-round.
In which month does the Indian Ocean have the highest and lowest water temperatures?
The highest water temperature in the Indian Ocean occurs in January, reaching 91°F (33°C), while the lowest is in July, dropping to 52°F (11°C).
Is the Indian Ocean colder than the Laccadive Sea?
Yes, the Indian Ocean is slightly colder than the Laccadive Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 72°F (22°C), while the Laccadive Sea's is 84°F (29°C).
Which countries are washed by the Indian Ocean?
The Indian Ocean washes Christmas Island, Australia, Comoros, Reunion, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Somalia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, and Indonesia.
What are the most popular resorts located on the Indian Ocean?
The most popular beach destinations on the Indian Ocean are Zanzibar (Tanzania), Mossel Bay (South Africa), Diani (Kenya), Perth (Australia), Hermanus (South Africa), Mombasa (Kenya), Nungwi (Tanzania), Flic en Flac (Mauritius), Muizenberg (South Africa), Durban (South Africa).
Do you have any extended or additional information about the Indian Ocean?
The Indian Ocean is less extensive than the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its area is 76 million km2. This ocean is widest in the Southern Hemisphere, and in the North it looks like a large sea, cutting deeply into the land.
The average ocean depth is about 3700 meters, and the maximum reaches 7729 meters in the Java Trench. In the western part of the ocean, an underwater ridge stretches, connecting south of Africa with the Mid-Atlantic ridge. The center of the ridge in the Indian Ocean is associated with deep faults, areas of earthquakes and volcanism at the bottom of the ocean. These faults continue into the Red Sea and land on land. The ocean floor is crossed by numerous uplifts.
The waters of the Indian Ocean are somewhat saltier than the average in the World Ocean.
The Indian Ocean from the north is bounded by Eurasia, from the west - by the eastern coast of Africa, from the east - by the western coasts of Oceania and Australia, from the south - by the waters of the South Sea, the border of the Atlantic and Indian oceans runs along the 20 ° meridian c. d., between the Indian and Pacific Oceans - along the 147 ° meridian in. etc.
Do you have a few more photos of the the Indian Ocean?
Brenton-on-Sea, South Africa © Schicks. Photography
Port Willunga, Australia © Philip Lovett
Cousin Island, Seychelles © SE Travel