Salisbury Beach typically has cold water, even during the summer months.
This is due to a number of reason such as cold water frequently traveling down the Maine coast to Massachusetts and upwelling due to offshore winds (when wind blows from off the land and pushes the milder surface water out to sea causing the deeper colder water to rise to the surface.)
Salisbury’s water temperatures peak in the month of August at around 66.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is considered cold for swimming.
Water temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer are considered the ideal temperature for swimming.
Salisbury Water Temperature Today:
Salisbury Weather Today:
SALISBURY WEATHERSalisbury Average Water Temps:
January: 41.9°F
February: 39.2°F
March: 39.2°F
April: 43°F
May: 50.4°F
June: 58.3°F
July: 64.9°F
August: 66.6°F
September: 63.1°F
October: 56.8°F
November: 50.4°F
December: 45.5°F
When Should You Enter the Water?
If you are swimming, it is advisable that you don’t swim in the ocean until at least Memorial Day weekend when the temperatures will be warm enough and lifeguards will be on duty.
If you are surfing, you can surf anytime of year in Salisbury as long as you are wearing a wet suit.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
If you swim in water that is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it will make it difficult to control your breathing.
Cold water can also keep your arms and legs from working and can lead to hypothermia. The colder the water, the faster your body temperature could be lowered.
How to Swim in Cold Water:
If you choose to swim in water under 70 degrees there are a few guidelines to follow:
- Enter the water slowly so your body can adjust to the temperature.
- Wear a wet suit if you plan to be in the water for an extended period of time.
- Take note of your breathing, heart rate and physical movements and if you notice a change, get out of the water.
- Get dry as soon as you leave the water. Take off any wet clothes, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and sip a warm, nonalcoholic drink.
If you would prefer to swim at a warmer beach, check out this article on the warmest beaches in Massachusetts. Warm beaches in Massachusetts tend be located along the shallow waters of Cape Cod Bay.
Sources:
“Cold Water Hazards and Safety.” National Weather Service, weather.gov/safety/coldwater
“How Cold Is Too Cold to Go Swimming?” Health Network, healthnetwork.com/blog/how-cold-is-too-cold-to-go-swimming/
Perreault, Olivia. “How Cold is Too Cold for Swimming?” WTNH, 13 April. 2023, wtnh.com/news/connecticut/how-cold-is-too-cold-to-go-swimming/
“Why is the Ocean Water So Cold Near the North Shore This Summer?” NBC Boston, 19 July. 2022, nbcboston.com/weather/stories-weather/why-is-the-ocean-water-so-cold-near-the-north-shore-this-summer/2776675/
“Salisbury (MA) Water Temp.” Sea Temperature, seatemperature.info/united-states/salisbury-water-temperature.html