What is the current water temperature in Charleston?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Charleston?

As of now, in Charleston, the water temperature is 13.54°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration.

United States > Charleston

Water temperature in Charleston

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Charleston. The trend over the last two weeks, daily averages, and precise forecast of the water temperature changes. Gain a deeper understanding of seasonal dynamics with monthly statistical analyses covering recent years.

56.4

°F

May 15, 05:35

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

56.2°F

Tomorrow:

56.8°F

Sunrise:

05:41

Sunset:

20:07

Day Length:

14 h. 26 min.

Charleston in May

Minimum:

36.3°F

Average:

42.0°F

Maximum:

44.9°F

Sea water temperature in Charleston today

As of now, in Charleston, the water temperature is 56.4°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration. Today's reading is 0.5°F lower than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. The sea temperature remains approximately unchanged from yesterday. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

The water temperature today is above average for the last two weeks, showing a small increase in temperature. It also aligns closely with the historical average temperature for this date, indicating a typical climate pattern. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 60.3°F on 2025, while the historical minimum was 52.5°F on 2020.

latest data

last year

Over the past two weeks, the water temperature has closely aligned with historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 57.9°F, with minimum temperature starting at 56.8°F, while the maximum might reach 59.1°F.

Daily water temperature in Charleston

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
May 1	54.2°F	55.2°F	53.0°F
May 2	54.7°F	56.4°F	53.8°F
May 3	55.3°F	54.5°F	54.2°F
May 4	55.1°F	57.4°F	54.7°F
May 5	55.4°F	56.8°F	54.5°F
May 6	56.6°F	56.5°F	54.7°F
May 7	56.7°F	57.7°F	55.2°F
May 8	57.2°F	59.1°F	55.7°F
May 9	56.7°F	59.0°F	56.0°F
May 10	55.9°F	58.5°F	55.5°F
May 11	55.1°F	58.2°F	55.2°F
May 12	56.2°F	58.5°F	55.5°F
May 13	56.2°F	61.4°F	56.0°F
May 14	56.2°F	60.8°F	56.4°F
May 15	56.4°F	60.3°F	56.8°F
May 16	56.8°F	60.5°F	57.3°F
May 17	57.6°F	60.5°F	58.0°F
May 18	57.5°F	62.7°F	58.0°F
May 19	57.8°F	62.9°F	58.3°F
May 20	58.3°F	62.3°F	58.8°F
May 21	58.3°F	61.4°F	58.8°F
May 22	59.1°F	61.1°F	59.6°F

* actual - actual temperature values

** forecast - projected values for the next week

Real-time coastal temperatures could deviate by several degrees from the provided readings. These deviations often become evident following intense rainfall or strong winds.

Our forecasting methodology leverages a mathematical model, that uses current water and weather conditions, historical records, wind intensity and direction.

Sea water temperature in Charleston by month

In Charleston, the months July through August offer comfortable swimming conditions, which amounts to 67 swimming days.

The warmest water in Charleston was recorded on July 20, 2020, reaching a 81.8°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on February 9, 2026, dipping to 32.0°F. The average readings by season are 41.4°F in Winter, 49.8°F in Spring, 73.5°F in Summer, and 63.3°F in Autumn.

Popular neighboring cities and resorts

City	Water temperature*	Distance**
Staten Island	54.3°F	5mi
Coney Island	52.7°F	13mi
Jersey City	54.2°F	16mi
Brooklyn	53.3°F	17mi
New York City	54.2°F	17mi

* current water temperature in this city

** straight line distance from Charleston