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Mediterranean Sea

Nice, France

Nice, France © pixabay.com

Mediterranean Sea 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

53°F

minimal

60°F

average

65°F

maximum

Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Mediterranean Sea Over the Last 60 Days

Water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea by month

MonthMinimumMaximum
January52°F81°F
February50°F81°F
March50°F82°F
April52°F88°F
May55°F88°F
June61°F86°F
July61°F90°F
August59°F90°F
September61°F90°F
October55°F86°F
November57°F84°F
December50°F81°F

What is known about the Mediterranean Sea?

Punta Rossa, ItalyPunta Rossa, Italy © Bubu Settete

The Mediterranean Sea is known for its warm and inviting waters, making it one of the most popular destinations for swimming and water activities. During the summer months, from June to September, sea temperatures typically range from 75–86°F (24–30°C), with the warmest waters found in the eastern Mediterranean, near Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. The western Mediterranean, including Spain and France, tends to be slightly cooler but still reaches comfortable temperatures of around 73–82°F (23–28°C) in peak summer. The clear, calm waters and minimal tidal variations make the Mediterranean an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Even in winter, the Mediterranean remains relatively mild compared to other seas. From December to March, water temperatures generally range between 57–66°F (14–19°C), with the southernmost areas, such as those near Egypt and Israel, staying the warmest. While winter swimming is possible, most people find the water too cool for long swims without a wetsuit. Overall, the Mediterranean Sea offers excellent swimming conditions for most of the year, with summer providing the most comfortable experience, while spring and autumn are also pleasant for those who enjoy slightly cooler waters.

List of Countries Bordering the Mediterranean Sea

Popular Resorts of the Mediterranean Sea with the Warmest Water Today

Popular Resorts on the Mediterranean Sea Coast

Costa Paradiso, Italy

Costa Paradiso, Italy © Alessandro Moccia

Nearest Seas and Oceans

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mediterranean Sea

What is the water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea right now?

The water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea today ranges from 54°F (12°C) in Torreilles (France) to 64°F (18°C) in Batroun (Lebanon).

Is it possible to swim in the Mediterranean Sea?

Yes, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea is very popular due to its warm water temperatures, which typically range from 59°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making it ideal for swimming throughout the year.

In which month does the Mediterranean Sea have the highest and lowest water temperatures?

The highest water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea occurs in July, reaching 90°F (32°C), while the lowest is in February, dropping to 50°F (10°C).

Is the Mediterranean Sea colder than the Ionian Sea?

No, the Mediterranean Sea is slightly warmer than the Ionian Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 70°F (21°C), while the Ionian Sea's is 68°F (20°C).

Which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea?

The Mediterranean Sea washes Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Monaco, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, France, Spain, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Turkey.

What are the most popular resorts located on the Mediterranean Sea?

The most popular beach destinations on the Mediterranean Sea are Antalya (Turkey), Alanya (Turkey), Paphos (Cyprus), Larnaca (Cyprus), Ayia Napa (Cyprus), Nice (France), Limassol (Cyprus), Tunisia (Tunisia), Side (Turkey), Kemer (Turkey).

Do you have any extended or additional information about the Mediterranean Sea?

The Mediterranean Sea is an inter-continental sea, which in origin is a deep-sea pseudoabyssal intrashelf depression connected in the west with the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar.

In the Mediterranean Sea, as its constituent parts, the seas are distinguished: Adriatic, Alboran, Balearic, Ionian, Cypriot, Cretan, Levantine, Libyan, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Aegean. The Mediterranean Sea basin also includes the Marmara, Black and Azov Seas.

The climate of the Mediterranean is so unique that climatologists have singled out Mediterranean from the line of the standard Subtropical climate into an independent species, which was called the Mediterranean type of climate.

The main characteristics of the Mediterranean climate are humid and mild winters and dry, hot summers. The determining factor shaping the climatic conditions of the region in winter is the «hollow» - an area of ​​low atmospheric pressure, which is established over the Mediterranean Sea.

In the summer, the ridge of the Azores anticyclone dominates and reigns over most of the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to this, clear weather with light cloudiness and rare precipitation is established. In the summer, SM is often visited by dry fogs and dusty haze, brought from the vast expanses of Africa by the southern wind Sirocco. At the same time, northern winds - Etesia - dominate in the Eastern region.

The water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea is generally very comfortable for swimming between June and late September. This period may vary in different countries and different resorts. The warmest water in the Mediterranean Sea is recorded in the resorts of Turkey and Cyprus. So at the height of the season in Antalya the water temperature can reach 29-30 degrees, and even 32 in Larnaca. The swimming season here lasts a very long time, until the end of November.

Do you have a few more photos of the the Mediterranean Sea?

Villeneuve-Loubet, France

Villeneuve-Loubet, France © M T

Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France

Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France © F.Franck ZorGui

Le Grau-du-Roi, France

Le Grau-du-Roi, France © Brigitte Ernault