Warmest Beaches in the US in Winter: Air and Water Temps by Month

The warmest beaches in the United States in winter are in Hawaii, where daytime highs stay around 79-81°F (26-27°C) and the ocean holds near 75-77°F (24-25°C) from December through March. The Florida Keys and the Miami area come next, with highs of about 74-77°F (23-25°C) and water around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Texas and Southern California beaches are mild for walking but cold for swimming in winter, with water usually between the mid-50s and low 60s°F (13-17°C).

All temperatures here are typical long-term averages. Any single week can run several degrees warmer or colder, especially when a cold front reaches Florida or Texas.

Which US beaches are warm enough to swim in winter?

Hawaii and South Florida are the only US beach regions where most people find the ocean comfortable for swimming all winter. Water near 75°F (24°C) feels refreshing to most swimmers; below about 70°F (21°C) many people find it chilly without a wetsuit, and below 65°F (18°C) it feels cold.

Hawaii (Waikiki, Maui, Kona): water about 75-77°F (24-25°C) all winter
Florida Keys (Key West): water about 70-75°F (21-24°C)
Miami and Fort Lauderdale: water about 71-75°F (22-24°C)
Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers): water about 64-70°F (18-21°C)
South Padre Island, Texas: water about 60-65°F (16-18°C)
San Diego, California: water about 57-61°F (14-16°C)

What are Hawaii’s beach temperatures by month in winter?

Hawaii changes very little between months. In Honolulu, average highs run about 80-81°F (27°C) in December, 79-80°F (26-27°C) in January and February, and climb back toward 81°F (27°C) in March. Night lows sit in the mid to upper 60s°F (18-20°C). Ocean water is at its coolest in February and March, still around 75°F (24°C).

Winter is also the rainy season and the big-wave season. North-facing shores such as Oahu’s North Shore get large surf from about November to March, and lifeguards close or flag beaches when conditions are dangerous. South and west shores, including Waikiki and Kona, are usually calmer. If you are combining a beach trip with the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park guide covers the cooler, wetter conditions at the summit.

How warm is Florida in December, January, February and March?

Florida’s winter warmth depends on how far south you go. January is usually the coolest month statewide.

Key West: highs about 76°F (24°C) in December, 75°F (24°C) in January and February, 77°F (25°C) in March; water 70-75°F (21-24°C)
Miami: highs about 77°F (25°C) in December, 76°F (24°C) in January, 77°F (25°C) in February, 79°F (26°C) in March; water 71-75°F (22-24°C)
Naples and Fort Myers: highs about 75°F (24°C) in December through February, near 79°F (26°C) in March; Gulf water drops to about 64-68°F (18-20°C) in January
Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast: highs about 70-73°F (21-23°C); water about 62-68°F (17-20°C)
Panhandle (Pensacola, Destin): highs about 60-64°F (16-18°C); water about 57-62°F (14-17°C)

The Gulf of Mexico cools faster than the Atlantic near Miami because it is shallower and lies farther from the warm Gulf Stream current. Central Florida beaches are pleasant for walking and watching launches; the Florida Space Coast guide has more on that stretch of coast. Cold fronts can drop Florida highs into the 50s or 60s°F (10-20°C) for a few days at a time, then temperatures recover.

Are Texas beaches warm in winter?

Texas beaches are mild in winter, and the water is too cool for most swimmers. South Padre Island, near the Mexican border, is the warmest, with highs around 68-72°F (20-22°C) from December to February and closer to 75°F (24°C) in March. Water there runs about 60-65°F (16-18°C).

Farther up the coast, Corpus Christi averages highs in the upper 60s°F (19-21°C), and Galveston runs cooler, with highs near 60-64°F (16-18°C) and water about 55-60°F (13-16°C). Strong northerly winds behind cold fronts can make a Texas beach day feel much colder than the forecast high suggests.

How cold is the ocean in Southern California in winter?

Southern California has comfortable air but cold water in winter. San Diego averages highs around 65-67°F (18-19°C) from December through February and about 67°F (19°C) in March. Los Angeles-area beaches such as Santa Monica are similar, with highs in the mid 60s°F (18-19°C).

The Pacific off California usually sits between 56 and 61°F (13-16°C) in winter, because the California Current carries cool water south along the coast. Surfers wear full wetsuits, usually 3-4 mm thick. Winter suits whale watching, tide pooling and beach walks better than swimming.

How do you check current water temperature before a trip?

Averages only tell you what to expect. For the actual week of your trip, check the beach or surf forecast from the National Weather Service, which issues local marine forecasts and rip current risk statements for coastal areas. Long-term monthly averages for US cities are published by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.

Rip currents form on calm-looking days too, and they are the main danger at surf beaches in every season. Swim near a lifeguard, and if a current pulls you out, swim parallel to shore until you are free of it. Water clarity also varies by season and place; see our list of the clearest water beaches in the US for timing.

Quick answers

What is the warmest beach in the continental US in winter?

Key West and the Miami area in South Florida are the warmest, with highs in the mid 70s°F (about 24°C) and water around 70-75°F (21-24°C).

Is Hawaii warmer than Florida in January?

Yes. Honolulu averages highs near 80°F (27°C) in January, a few degrees warmer than Key West, and Hawaii’s ocean water is also a few degrees warmer.

Can you swim in San Diego in winter?

You can, but the water is about 57-61°F (14-16°C), so most swimmers and surfers wear a wetsuit.

Which month is warmest for a winter beach trip?

March is usually the warmest of the winter months in Florida and Texas, while Hawaii stays nearly the same from December to March.