Sea temperature today Atlantic Ocean

Holidays by the Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic changes character from one coast to the next. Northern Spain brings green hills and city beaches, Portugal adds surf towns and long sandy shores, and Madeira offers volcanic scenery and bathing pools. Further south, the Canary Islands provide another island setting. These places share an ocean, not one beach season.

Choose the coast before the temperature

San Sebastián combines a bay with Basque food and city life. Madeira suits a different trip, with ocean swimming alongside walks and mountain views. Open beaches, sheltered bays and managed bathing areas should be compared individually.

An Atlantic Ocean water temperature map is more useful than a single ocean-wide average. Latitude, currents and local conditions can make the water feel very different from the air. Summer is the usual beach starting point on much of Europe's mainland coast; the islands need their own seasonal check. For a swimming holiday, look at waves and tides as well as temperature, particularly on a coast known for surfing.