Southern California beaches look enticing, especially on a hot summer day. But many who step foot in the water, especially first-timers, get a surprising shock!
Ocean temperatures along California's shores are cool due to the colder Pacific current that runs down the entire West Coast. On average, SoCal's beaches dip into the mid-50s in the winter, upper 50s to low 60s in the spring and mid-60s to upper 60s in early summer.
In July and August, ocean temperatures can reach the low 70s, as we've seen in the last couple of weeks.
Buoys off our coast started detecting 70s off San Diego over the Fourth of July weekend, perfect timing for all those visitors looking to cool down from warming temperatures inland.
Very few people were in wetsuits. Trunks and bathing suits become more common around this time.
I found a very detailed website that breaks down ocean temperatures and explains whether or not a wetsuit is needed and if so, what thickness is best.
I am used to warm tropical beaches, having grown up on the Pacific island of Guam. Whenever I get a chance to visit family, one of the first things I do is head down to a beach along Tumon Bay, where the water temperature is in the 80s.
Of course, there's no need to go all the way to Guam for warm beaches. You don't even need to go to Hawaii or Florida. Catch a short two-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta or anywhere in Mexico, especially on the Yucatán Peninsula.
