Swimming in California in may 2025 Sea temperature by city in may

In may in California swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

Swimming in may in Encinitas, Oceanside, San Clemente, Carlsbad and Chula Vista is possible but the sea is generally cool. So though the sea temperature may sometimes reach 67°F, it can also go as low as 60°F. Note that the average is 63°F.

Swimming in may in Los Angeles , San Diego, Hollywood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Monica, Topanga and Huntington Beach is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 62°F (min: 59°F/max: 66°F).

Forget about swimming in San Francisco, Big Sur, Cambria, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Channel Islands National Park, Crescent City, Eureka, Gaviota, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Gualala, Half Moon Bay, Jenner, Klamath, McKinleyville, Mendocino, Morro Bay, Moss Beach, Oakland, Oxnard, Pacific Grove, Pescadero, Pismo Beach, Point Reyes, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz California, Sea Ranch, Stinson Beach, Timber Cove, Ventura, Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg in may! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 50°F (and only 57°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!