Is South Beach good for swimming today?
South Beach has BeachFinder Score: 78/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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CA-W - CA
South Beach
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Quick answer
Quick answer: South Beach today
South Beach is a BeachFinder spot in CA-W, CA. Today, compare water temperature 17°C, wind 3 km/h · E, uv 7.0, waves 0.1 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 78/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
17°C
Wind
3 km/h · E
UV
7.0
Waves
0.1 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Jul 27, 06:30 AM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 78/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Jul 27, 06:30 AM
Water temp
17°C
Air temp
13°C
Feels like
13°C
UV index
7.0
Wind
3 km/h · E
Gust 9 km/h
Waves
0.1 m
Current
0 km/h · SW
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
...
Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
South Beach
South Beach extends on San Juan Island, in the archipelago of the same name off the west coast of Washington, about 100 kilometers north of Seattle. This portion of the coastline is part of the Pacific Northwest island network, where beaches alternate between rocky coves and stretches of pebbles shaped by Quaternary glaciations. The shore, exposed to the significant tides of Puget Sound, benefits from a coastal dynamic characteristic of the cold waters of neighboring British Columbia. The site is distinguished by its clean configuration: a narrow shore bordered by driftwood—these bleached logs that winter storms regularly accumulate. 1.6 kilometers to the north is another South Beach, while Fourth of July Beach, 1.7 kilometers away, offers easier access for resident families. The character of this beach remains that of a wild, undeveloped coast, where the constant surf of the Pacific recalls the geological power of the region. The atmosphere remains that of a space where nature dominates: wooded cliffs in the background, absence of standardized tourist infrastructure, often diffuse light under the low clouds typical of the temperate oceanic climate. No services are reported on site: no toilets, parking, or swimming supervision. Access remains free, but the site is not Blue Flag certified. Visitors must anticipate autonomous swimming in cold waters (12-14 °C in summer) and changing tidal conditions. The site's configuration is suitable for experienced coastal explorers rather than occasional swimmers.
About this spot
San Juan Island, named by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1791, bears the scars of the last glaciation: its beaches result from the retreat of glaciers 12,000 years ago. South Beach, like many shores of the archipelago, long served as a landing point for coastal fishermen and shell collectors of the Coast Salish peoples. Today, these beaches remain witnesses to Quaternary geology and the indigenous practices that shaped human interaction with these cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at South Beach today?
17°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is South Beach today?
3 km/h · E. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at South Beach?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
Compare water temperature, air temperature, feels-like temperature, UV index, wind, waves and currents. Surf-focused data appears when a marine model covers the spot.
Amenities
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South Beach
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