Monthly averages help compare seasons, but they are not the water temperature at your chosen beach today. The reference below is for Ocean City Inlet, not every oceanfront swimming area.
Monthly average reference temperatures
| Month | Average °F | Approximate °C |
|---|---|---|
| January | 41.7 | 5.4 |
| February | 40.0 | 4.4 |
| March | 44.4 | 6.9 |
| April | 52.0 | 11.1 |
| May | 60.3 | 15.7 |
| June | 68.3 | 20.2 |
| July | 72.9 | 22.7 |
| August | 74.8 | 23.8 |
| September | 73.7 | 23.2 |
| October | 66.3 | 19.1 |
| November | 55.8 | 13.2 |
| December | 47.7 | 8.7 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide, Ocean City Inlet row. These are published monthly averages, transcribed on October 11, 2026; Celsius values are rounded conversions. They are not a 2026 forecast or observations taken by this website.
Read the pattern without treating it as a promise
The reference shows colder winter water and warmer late-summer water, with spring and autumn between them. A monthly mean hides day-to-day variation. Your visit can differ because of recent weather, location, depth and time of measurement.
For a trip worksheet, record the month’s reference value in one column and a recent official observation, with its date and station, in another. This keeps a seasonal expectation separate from what was actually measured.
Compare June, July, August and September
The NOAA reference lists June at 68.3 °F, July at 72.9 °F, August at 74.8 °F and September at 73.7 °F. July’s mean is 4.6 °F above June’s, while September’s is only 1.1 °F below August’s. This is a comparison of published averages, not a prediction for a particular trip.
If choosing between dates, first compare the month rows, then use a recent measurement near departure. An early-month and late-month visit can differ even though they share the same average in this table.
Where to check a recent reading
Open our latest Ocean City Inlet water-temperature reading for a timestamped NOAA observation in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Use the observation links in NOAA’s temperature guide or the relevant official station page for other locations. Read the timestamp and location before calling a value “current”. A measurement from weeks ago, a distant offshore buoy or another bay should not be presented as today’s oceanfront temperature.
Temperature and tide answer different questions
A tide table shows predicted water level. It does not supply water temperature, and the high or low event does not establish a comfortable or safe swimming window. Use the inlet tide table for water-level timing and separate observation sources for temperature.
Planning a visit
- Use the monthly reference to compare seasons, not to certify water entry.
- Check a recent location-appropriate observation before departure.
- Review wind and air temperature as part of clothing plans.
- Follow Beach Patrol and current safety information for swimming decisions.
- Keep an alternative dry-land activity if conditions do not suit your plan.
Related seasonal information
See summer versus winter tides for the difference between the astronomical cycle and weather-driven water levels, and official local forecasts for the date of your visit.
