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North Sea
Kopervik, Norway © Björn Emil Traustason
North 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
35°F
minimal
40°F
average
45°F
maximum
Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the North Sea Over the Last 60 Days
Water temperature in the North Sea by month
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 52°F |
| February | 30°F | 52°F |
| March | 30°F | 50°F |
| April | 36°F | 54°F |
| May | 41°F | 63°F |
| June | 43°F | 70°F |
| July | 48°F | 73°F |
| August | 50°F | 72°F |
| September | 48°F | 72°F |
| October | 43°F | 66°F |
| November | 39°F | 63°F |
| December | 32°F | 57°F |
What is known about the North Sea?
Oslo, Norway © pixabay.comThe North Sea, located between the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Germany, is known for its relatively cold water temperatures throughout the year. In winter, from December to February, water temperatures typically range from 39–42°F (4–6°C), which can be quite cold for swimming. Even in the warmer summer months, from June to August, the water temperature in the North Sea only rises to around 55–64°F (13–18°C), making it too chilly for most swimmers without wetsuits.
Despite the cool temperatures, the North Sea is still a popular destination for various water activities. Many people enjoy surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing, especially in coastal areas like Scotland, Norway, and the Netherlands. For those looking to swim, it is often recommended to wear a wetsuit, as the cold temperatures can be uncomfortable without protection. Some coastal towns, such as Blackpool in the UK, also attract tourists who enjoy beach activities, even if the water temperature is on the cooler side. Overall, the North Sea offers a challenging but rewarding environment for adventurous swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, with its brisk temperatures and rugged, scenic coastlines.
List of Countries Bordering the North Sea
Popular Resorts of the North Sea with the Warmest Water Today
Popular Resorts on the North Sea Coast
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Felixstowe, United Kingdom
- Lerwick, United Kingdom
- Malmö, Sweden
- Heybridge Basin, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Lowestoft, United Kingdom
- Tynemouth, United Kingdom
- Southwold, United Kingdom
- Aldeburgh, United Kingdom
- Gorleston On Sea, United Kingdom
- Blackpool, United Kingdom
- Cromer, United Kingdom
- Sheringham, United Kingdom
- Hunstanton, United Kingdom
Ravenscar, United Kingdom © Miles Cowton
Nearest Seas and Oceans
Frequently Asked Questions About the North Sea
What is the water temperature in the North Sea right now?
The water temperature in the North Sea today ranges from 36°F (2°C) in Tjarno (Sweden) to 45°F (7°C) in Isle Of Lewis (United Kingdom).
Is it possible to swim in the North Sea?
Swimming in the North Sea is possible, but the water is often quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 39°F to 64°F (4°C to 18°C), making it suitable mainly for those accustomed to colder waters.
In which month does the North Sea have the highest and lowest water temperatures?
The highest water temperature in the North Sea occurs in July, reaching 73°F (23°C), while the lowest is in January, dropping to 30°F (-1°C).
Is the North Sea colder than the Wadden Sea?
Yes, the North Sea is slightly colder than the Wadden Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 50°F (10°C), while the Wadden Sea's is 52°F (11°C).
Which countries are washed by the North Sea?
The North Sea washes Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway.
What are the most popular resorts located on the North Sea?
The most popular beach destinations on the North Sea are Ostend (Belgium), Scheveningen (Netherlands), Zandvoort (Netherlands), Fredericia (Denmark), Amsterdam (Netherlands), The Hague (Netherlands), Noordwijk (Netherlands), Oslo (Norway), Aarhus (Denmark), Kijkduin (Netherlands).
Do you have any extended or additional information about the North Sea?
The North Sea is a shallow shelf sea of the Atlantic Ocean that washes the shores of northern Europe. Located between the British Isles in the west, the Jutland Peninsulas, the Scandinavian Peninsulas in the east, and continental Europe in the south.
The surface water temperature in February (minimum) ranges from 2 ° C in the Skagerrak to 7.5 ° C in the northwest, and in August (maximum) - from 12.5 ° C to 18 ° C, respectively; this is in particular due to the influence of the warm North Atlantic Current, which comes here from the Norwegian Sea. It is noticeably colder on the border with the Baltic. The salinity of the water is 32-34.5 ppm in coastal waters and reaches 35 ‰ in the open sea. In the east, the salinity of the North Sea is noticeably lower due to the influx of cold and less saline waters of the Baltic, as well as the confluence of such large rivers as the Rhine, Elbe, Weser, Scheldt and Thames.
Throughout the year, western, south-western and north-western sea winds prevail, bringing frequent fogs and rains, and then the waves raised by gusts of wind reach 6-7 m, and off the coast of Scotland - 11 meters, which greatly complicates navigation. Tide heights range from 0.2 m off the coast of Norway to 7.6 m off the coast of England; sea currents are oriented counterclockwise and move at a speed of about 1 km / h.
Do you have a few more photos of the the North Sea?
Forsand, Norway © Ingve Sandve
Borgsum, Germany © George Kerkhoven
Island of Sylt, Germany © Tanja Schloemer