The Top 13 Warmest Beaches in California

Fall season is here, but that does not stop Southern California residents from visiting their local beaches. Yes, the beach is the place to be when you need tranquility, peace, or maybe a dip in the ocean. Where you might struggle to get the same warm environment in New York, you won’t have that issue in California.

But which beaches are the best to go to? Ultimately, you want to find a beach in the state that is still somewhat warm in the autumn and wintertime. Ocean water temperatures can fall into the 50s in most parts of the state. However, some beaches still have warm water and weather.

We’re here to bring you the list of the top 13 warmest beaches in California to visit while explaining what makes them warm. Additionally, we will share monthly averages to give you an idea of how the temperature ebbs and flows throughout the season in both the air and sea. We will include beaches from throughout the state.

13. Pismo Beach

The first beach on this list is Pismo Beach. Ultimately, Pismo Beach does not change much in water temperature, according to Sea Temperature. The highest it will get is around 60 degrees in August. Conversely, the lowest it will get in the water is around 56 degrees, which occurs during the first three months of the year.

Pismo Beach also retains warm weather for the majority of the year. Amazingly, it can reach as high as 79 degrees on October 30, according to the National Weather Service. It still is relatively pleasant in December, with an average high of 64 and a low of 43, earning its spot on the list of warmest beaches in California.

12. Santa Barbara

The next beach on our list is Santa Barbara. Significantly, Santa Barbara can stay considerably warm throughout the year, including the winter months. Located 90 miles to the north of Los Angeles, this small town offers plenty of things for guests to do, including art galleries and museums, not to mention good food. The average high temperature in the summer can get to around 77 degrees and 67 in the wintertime.

The water temperature on a typical October day hovers in the mid to low 60s, making it habitable for someone wearing a wetsuit. That, along with the wonderful surf, makes it an ideal place as one of the warmer beaches in California.

11. Avila Beach

Not many people know about or consider Avila Beach when talking about coastlines in California. Yet, it is on this list because of a mixture of warm weather and decent water temperature, especially in the summer months. Avila Beach is seven miles to the north of Pismo Beach and offers a great alternative to its county brother. Ultimately, you can go hiking, cycling, or wine tasting, and the weather will be pleasant.

The weather at Avila Beach is similar to Pismo, with an average October high of 74 and an average low of 47, according to the Weather Channel. Likewise, the water is not so bad. August through October are the warmest months for water temperatures in Avila Beach. Thus, the combination of warm air and good water temperature makes Avila Beach one of the warmest beaches in California.

10. Long Beach

People don’t often mention Long Beach when they are talking about California beaches. Regardless, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and beautiful marinas with a dining scene that is among the best. Long Beach also has good weather throughout the year, especially in the summertime, when people are frolicking in the water.

You will often see people partaking in boating, jet skiing, or other recreational activities in the waters of Long Beach, where you might encounter seals. Furthermore, a typical average high in October can reach 81 degrees. The average high in December is around 68 degrees. Climate Data reveals that the water temperature typically hovers between 59 degrees at its lowest in the winter to 68 at its highest in the summer. Therefore, Long Beach is among the warmest beaches in California.

9. Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach is also known as “Surf City” and the home of the many surfers who go on to become professionals, including Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and Courtney Conlogue. Likewise, it is where many people who visit Orange County go when they want to soak in the sun. The average high during the summer can get as high as 90 degrees, compounded by a chill water temperature of 68.

But Huntington Beach is also fun to visit during the wintertime. Significantly, the weather is pleasant enough to explore the popular downtown area or walk on the sands while a game of volleyball is going on. The air temperature on October 30 can be as nice as 78 degrees, according to the City of Huntington Beach. Thus, this city retains its status as a California icon and one of the warmest cities in the state.

8. Newport Beach

Newport is located a couple blocks south of Huntington State Beach and is popular year-round. If you are looking for hiking, Crystal Cove Park can be a good option. The wind and water around Newport Beach perfectly balance throughout the year. Additionally, Fashion Island is a popular spot for people visiting Newport Beach for the first time and is usually nice all year.

Like Huntington Beach, the weather in Newport is usually nice throughout the year, with people partaking in numerous beach activities, including volleyball and boating. Also, you might spot a few dolphins swimming throughout the area. Newport Beach is among the warmest beaches in California.

7. Laguna Beach

Several factors make Laguna Beach a nice city, and the warm weather and water temperatures are among them. Ultimately, some of the attractions around Laguna Beach include Thousand Steps Beach, which is a large staircase that starts at the top of a hill and goes down all the way to the beach. Main Beach is also popular with locals and visitors and is one where you can go to dine, shop, or partake in recreation.

Certain periods in spring and fall are among the best times to visit Laguna Beach, according to the U.S. News. Furthermore, the average weather during these periods will hover around a high of 70 degrees. The water temperatures can get as high as 72 during the summer and as low as 53 during the winter. Regardless, Laguna Beach is among the warmest coastlines in California.

6. Oceanside

When you leave Orange County, Oceanside is among the first cities you will cross before you hit San Diego. Hence, you will find yourself in a warm and welcoming beach town with plenty to do. You will find many historical landmarks and cultural festivals in Oceanside. Also, you will find great places to shop and dine.

Oceanside has typical Southern California weather, averaging around 77 degrees in summer and 65 in the winter. Additionally, the water temperature is slightly higher than its neighbors in Orange County. Oceanside is the ultimate beach to take in warm weather and a good vibe.

5. Solana Beach

Take the I-5 freeway 17 miles down the road, and you will find yourself at Solana Beach. Amazingly, this beach features cool surf spots, opportunities for tide pooling, and cave exploration. It is a preferable beach for those who want to avoid crowds while still enjoying the breathtaking views.

Solana Beach typically averages a high of 77 degrees in October, according to the Weather Channel. Additionally, the water temperature in October can be as high as 64, making it pleasant for surfers and swimming alike. Solana Beach is the perfect getaway beach for those who like warm weather and water.

4. Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach has plenty of history and is only 28 miles south of Solano Beach. Additionally, there are plenty of animals to observe, like California Gray Whales. The weather will be pleasant as you engage in these leisurely activities.

The weather averages around a high of 76 degrees throughout the year. Moreover, the water temperature does not typically go below 55 degrees while reaching a high of 72 in the summer, according to Surf Forecast. Coronado Beach is magnificent and one of the warmest beaches in California.

3. La Jolla Shores Beach

The first thing you will notice about La Jolla Beach is the sea lions. Famously nicknamed “the jewel of San Diego,” La Jolla is consistently one of the most popular beaches in the world. It is also the home of the Birch Aquarium, which features animals like the Giant Pacific Octopus.

But the sunny weather of San Diego and warmer waters attract people as well. Furthermore, a typical late October day will average around a high of 72 degrees and a low of 55, making it a very pleasant environment to be in. La Jolla Beach is not just one of the most famous coastlines in the state; it is also one of the warmest beaches in California.

2. Avalon Beach

People often forget that Catalina Island is part of California. Therefore, Avalon Beach ranks on this list as one of the warmest beaches in California. There are only two ways to get to Catalina Island: via ferry or a helicopter. Thus, it is challenging to get there. One of the coolest animals you might encounter on Catalina is the Island Fox. Additionally, there are American Bison that reside at the Catalina Island Conservancy.

But Catalina Island enjoys similar weather patterns as the rest of mainland Southern California. Typically, the weather hovers in the 70s and 80s during the summer. Conversely, the high in the winter hovers between 55 and 60 degrees. But the water temperatures on Avalon Beach are among the warmest in California, with the water getting as warm as 77 degrees in August and only reaching a low of 61 in December and January, according to Sea Temperature.

1. Imperial Beach

The number one spot on this list is also the beach on the lowest point of the state. Significantly, Imperial Beach is 26 miles to the south of La Jolla. It is also just nine miles above the border of California and Mexico.

Imperial Beach is a quiet beach town that is much more low-key than La Jolla, Coronado, or Oceanside. Also, it features 3.5 miles of white sands with little or no crowds, according to the City of Imperial Beach. The beach is also a surfing destination due to the fact that it does not have that many crowds.

The typical average highs in Imperial Beach range from 75 in the summer to 65 in the wintertime. Additionally, the water temperature in late October is still hovering around 67 degrees, according to the National Data Buoy Center. The water temperature can get as high as 73 degrees during the late summer months. These factors, along with everything else involved, make Imperial Beach the warmest beach in California.

Summary of the Top 13 Warmest Beaches in California