Adriatic sea temperature by month
Published June 6, 2026 · ~5 min read
The sea temperature in the Adriatic changes through the year more slowly than the air temperature. The sea warms and cools with a delay because water holds heat, so it is warmest in late summer rather than at midsummer. The figures below are approximate surface-layer values and are meant for comparing months, not as a measurement for a particular day.
Sea temperature by month
The table below gives approximate ranges for the sea-surface temperature in the Adriatic. The northern Adriatic is somewhat cooler in winter, while in summer shallow bays can warm above these values. The southern Adriatic is on average warmer throughout the year.
| Month | Approximate sea temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 11–13 |
| February | 11–13 |
| March | 12–14 |
| April | 14–16 |
| May | 17–20 |
| June | 21–24 |
| July | 23–26 |
| August | 24–27 |
| September | 22–25 |
| October | 19–21 |
| November | 16–18 |
| December | 13–15 |
Spring (March–May)
In spring the sea warms gradually but lags behind the air. In March and April the sea is still cool and swimming is usually short and refreshing. Only in May, especially in the southern Adriatic and in shallow coves, does the temperature become more pleasant for a longer stay in the water.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings the warmest sea. June is already pleasant, and the peak is in July and August, when the sea surface is around 24 to 27 degrees. Differences between the northern and southern Adriatic are small then, but shallow, enclosed spots are always warmer than the open sea and channels with stronger currents.
Autumn (September–November)
Thanks to the thermal inertia of the sea, September and much of October stay pleasant for swimming, often more pleasant than expected given the cooler morning air. Through November the sea cools noticeably and the swimming season ends for most visitors.
How to follow the current temperature
The actual sea temperature on a given day depends on location, wind and weather, so it can differ from the monthly average. On each beach page we show the most recently measured sea temperature for that spot, so before you set off you can check the current value instead of relying on the average alone.