How Cold Is Too Cold For The Beach? Cold Water & Warm Hearts

Spending time on the beach can be a lot less enjoyable when the mercury drops.

Being in the water becomes very uncomfortable, and nobody wants a picnic on a chilly seafront.

So, how cold is too cold for the beach?

Table of Contents

When Is It Too Cold For Swimming In The Ocean?

One of the most well-loved activities at the beach is taking a dip in the ocean.

However, you have to be mindful that swimming in cold water without the proper attire can result in things like hypothermia.

too cold for swimming in the ocean — When the ocean is cold, you can still enjoy the view

Therefore, it’s best to make sure that it’s not too chilly before you venture in.

The best way to do this is by checking the local water temperature online before you head to the beach.

Most local authorities will have this information clearly displayed on their website.

There are actually people who engage in cold water swimming, and generally speaking, this is considered to be swimming in oceans (or other bodies of water) below 64ºF.

Of course, most average beachgoers won’t want to dive in when it’s this cold.

Water that is above 72ºF is considered safe and comfortable when swimming at the beach.

What’s The Best Weather Temperature For The Beach?

Visiting the beach isn’t all about going into the sea.

A lot of people are more than happy to relax on the shore, read a book, take in the scenery, or have a picnic.

However, once things start dropping in terms of temperature, even these activities can feel less than desirable.

Most people would agree that a temperature between 80ºF and 90ºF is ideal for spending time on the beach.

Best weather temperature for the beach — Temperature between 80ºF and 90ºF is ideal

If there’s a light breeze, then that’s even better, and in these conditions, you’ll be able to enjoy your time without getting too cold or feeling as though it’s so hot, you can’t do anything.

Of course, it also depends on what you’re planning to do at the beach.

If you’re looking to play sports, then you’ll naturally want the temperature to be a little lower, and even somewhere in the mid to late 70s would be acceptable.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to catch some rays, you might feel that anything lower than the mid-80s is too cool.

Also, read when you catch time – What Wind Speed Is Too Windy For The Beach?

Is 70ºF Too Cold For The Beach?

70 degrees might feel pleasant when you’re doing things like running errands, but once you get onto the beach, it can feel a lot cooler.

Many beachgoers find that this is right on the edge of what’s acceptable when it comes to visiting the beach, although, again, it will depend on what you’re planning to do.

If you’ll be playing sports, then this might be a temperature you can deal with, but if you’ll be sitting around, especially in a shady spot, then you might want to take an extra layer.

Is 60ºF Too Cold For The Beach?

When the temperature drops to 60ºF, you’d probably start thinking about putting some additional layers on, like a jacket.

You certainly wouldn’t want to be sitting on the beach in shorts or a skirt.

60ºF would be the point that a lot of people consider to be too cold for the beach.

Is 85ºF Good Beach Weather?

If you want to have an enjoyable day at the beach in sunny weather, then 85ºF is typically considered to be the optimum temperature.

With a light breeze, you won’t feel too warm, but it’s hot enough that you won’t need to worry about additional layers, and going into the water will be perfectly safe.

Will I Tan On The Beach In 70ºF

A lot of people head to the beach to top up their tan.

While I totally understand this, let’s start by saying that you must ensure you employ good sun safety because even when things seem cooler, the UV rays can still damage the skin.

What’s More – You have to consider that the temperature of the air has no bearing on whether you will tan or not; that’s all to do with the UV rays.

That said, some people would find it a little too cool to lie on the beach in shorts or a bikini when it’s only 70 degrees.

How To Stay Warm On The Beach

Regardless of the temperature, we can all feel a little chilly when we’re on the beach.

The temperature here can feel different because of things like the reflection of the sun off the water, making it feel hotter than it is.

How To Stay Warm On The Beach — Stay warm on the beach

Conversely, a gentle sea breeze can make it feel a lot cooler.

In any case, it’s important to stay comfortable when you’re enjoying the beach, and that means following some of these handy tips:

Wearing layers is one of the best ways to stay warm. While you have been tanning it up in bathers one moment, a quick dip in the ocean could make you feel a lot colder. Having a t-shirt and a lightweight jacket can be the difference between enjoying your time at the beach and being uncomfortable.

Another great way to make sure you don’t feel too cold at the beach is to stay active. A lot of people go to the beach to enjoy active pursuits, which is helpful. However, if you’ve gone to sit and relax, even something like a ten-minute walk along the water can get your blood flowing and warm you up.

If you’re enjoying the beach with your other half, then cuddling up and sharing body heat will not only help you to stay warm but is also super romantic and cute! It’s a win-win.

Final Thoughts

I love the beach, but the last thing I want is to feel cold because that just ruins the experience.

So, it’s best to head to the beach when the temperature is between 80 and 90 degrees.

If you’re swimming, it is OK to get into the water when the temperature is as cool as 72 degrees but be mindful that hypothermia is possible and use your common sense.