Mason Blake
The water in Puget Sound, Washington, is considered cold throughout the year, with an average temperature of 56 °F (13 °C) from mid-July to mid-September. The water temperature varies across seasons, with the coldest months being winter and spring, when the average temperature is below 50 °F. Even during the summer, the water can be as cold as 52.7 °F, and it rarely exceeds 68 °F, making it unsuitable for comfortable swimming. The relatively low temperature of Puget Sound's water can cause cold-water shock, which is a dangerous condition that has led to drowning incidents in the region. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions when engaging in water-related activities in Puget Sound, regardless of the season.
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What You'll Learn
Puget Sound water temperature today
The water temperature in Puget Sound today is 59.5°F. The warmest water temperature recorded on this day in the last ten years was in 2023 at 58.8°F, while the coldest was in 2011 at 54°F.
The water temperature is expected to drop to 55.9°F in the next ten days. The September average water temperature is 56.7°F, with a minimum of 52.7°F and a maximum of 61°F. Throughout the year, the water temperature in Puget Sound does not rise above 68°F, so it is not suitable for comfortable swimming.
The average water temperature in winter is 47.1°F, rising to 48.9°F in spring, 57°F in summer, and 53.8°F in autumn. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 53.1°F, and the coldest month is February, with an average temperature of 45.3°F.
The ocean at Seattle, located in the midst of Puget Sound, is generally the warmest of the three sites with measurements, reaching an average of 56°F from mid-July to mid-September. Neah Bay, located at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula, has slightly cooler water in summer and fall but has the warmest ocean in March. Port Townsend, located on the northeast side of the Olympic Peninsula at the entrance to Puget Sound, has the coolest seawater in winter, averaging 44°F in January and February.
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Puget Sound water temperature by season
The water temperature in Puget Sound varies across the seasons. The average water temperature in winter is 47.1°F, in spring it is 48.9°F, in summer it rises to 57°F, and in autumn it is 53.8°F. The warmest month in Puget Sound is August, with an average temperature of 53.1°F/11.7°C. From mid-July to mid-September, the average temperature is 56°F/13°C. September's average water temperature is 56.7°F, with a minimum of 52.7°F and a maximum of 61°F. The coldest month is February, with an average water temperature of 45.3°F/7.4°C.
The water temperature in Puget Sound rarely exceeds 68°F, which is considered too cold for comfortable swimming. The coolest seawater of the year is off Port Townsend in winter, where it averages 44°F/7°C in January and February. In contrast, the ocean at Seattle is generally the warmest location in Puget Sound, and in March, the warmest ocean water can be found at Neah Bay.
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Puget Sound water temperature compared to other bodies of water
The water temperature in Puget Sound varies throughout the year, with the average temperature in winter reaching 47.1°F, 48.9°F in spring, 57°F in summer, and 53.8°F in autumn. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of around 53.1°F, while the coldest month is February, with an average temperature of 45.3°F.
Compared to other bodies of water, Puget Sound's temperature range is relatively cool. For example, the average ocean temperature in Seattle, located in the midst of Puget Sound, is 56 °F from mid-July to mid-September, which is slightly higher than the average summer temperature in Puget Sound. Neah Bay, located at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula, has slightly cooler water in the summer and fall, but its ocean temperatures can reach warmer averages of 44 °F in March.
The cool temperature of Puget Sound can be attributed to its estuarine circulation, which is influenced by strong tidal mixing. The water is stratified, with a surface layer of relatively fresh water and a lower layer of colder, saltier Pacific Ocean water flowing in through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The geography of the region also allows for more mixing and less stratification, bringing colder deep ocean water to the surface under certain wind conditions. Additionally, the input of cold water from ice and snow runoff from the Cascades contributes to the overall cooler temperature of Puget Sound.
While the water temperature in Puget Sound can vary due to local factors, wind direction, and water flows from nearby rivers, it typically does not rise above 68°F, making it unsuitable for comfortable swimming. The average salinity of Puget Sound is also lower than the World Ocean average, at 27.42‰ compared to 35‰. These factors collectively contribute to the unique characteristics of Puget Sound and set it apart from other bodies of water in terms of temperature and composition.
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Is Puget Sound considered cold water diving?
The water temperature in Puget Sound varies throughout the year, but it generally remains cold. In the winter, the average water temperature reaches 47.1°F, and in the summer, it rises to 57°F. The coldest month is February, with an average temperature of 45.3°F, while the warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 53.1°F. The water temperature never rises above 68°F throughout the year, making it unsuitable for comfortable swimming.
Due to these cold temperatures, Puget Sound is considered a cold water diving site. Divers have reported temperatures in the 45-degree range in the winter, which can increase the dangers associated with cold water diving. These risks become more significant when divers go deeper, breathe harder, and perform tasks such as inflating their BCD/suit or conducting air-sharing drills. The cold water also affects the behaviour of marine life, causing animals to move more slowly, which can be advantageous for underwater photography and videography.
The visibility in Puget Sound is best during the fall and winter when the algae are dormant. Divers can witness a variety of marine life, including crabs, shrimp, nudibranchs, corals, algae, cabezon, anemones, rockfish, and even rare species like ratfish and sixgill sharks.
When preparing for a dive in Puget Sound, it is essential to wear suitable thermal protection, such as a 4mm or 5mm wetsuit, to ensure comfort and safety in the cold water. Additionally, regulators suitable for cold water, such as the Aeris Atmos Pro reg, are recommended to mitigate the risks associated with cold water diving.
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Cold water shock and safety
The water temperature in Puget Sound ranges from 44 °F (7 °C) in Port Townsend in winter to a maximum of 61 °F throughout the year. The average water temperature in winter is 47.1 °F, in spring it's 48.9 °F, in summer the average temperature rises to 57 °F, and in autumn it is 53.8 °F.
With water temperatures below 68 °F, Puget Sound is not suitable for comfortable swimming. However, if you do choose to enter the water, it is important to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock and how to stay safe.
Cold water shock can occur when entering any body of cold water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, or pools. It can seriously affect your ability to breathe and move, causing dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid, uncontrolled breathing can create a greater risk of drowning, even for confident swimmers in calm waters. This risk is further increased in rougher open water, such as the waters of Puget Sound.
To stay safe when entering cold water, it is important to wear a flotation device or lifejacket. This greatly increases your chances of survival by helping you stay afloat if you experience cold water shock. Even experienced cold-water surfers, swimmers, or boaters know to prepare for these conditions and wear a life jacket. It is also important to treat the water with respect and be aware of your limitations.
In addition to the initial shock, prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia, further impairing your cognitive and physical abilities. Symptoms of hypothermia include weakness, exhaustion, and a loss of muscular control in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, making self-rescue or staying afloat extremely difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have been immersed in cold water for an extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
The average water temperature in Puget Sound in winter is 47.1°F.
The water temperature in Puget Sound does not rise above 68°F throughout the year. The coldest recorded temperature was 54°F in 2011.
Yes, Puget Sound is considered cold water for diving. Divers have reported temperatures in the 45°F range during the winter.
