Is 75 degree water too cold to swim in?
For safety's sake, most swimmers should wait until the water temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But even that can be too chilly for most people to enjoy the experience. If you give the water time to warm up, you'll stay safer and have more fun. Hold off on that day trip to the beach, friend.
Don't Swim if Your Pool Water Is Below 70 Degrees
Keep an eye on your pool's water temperature to make sure the water is still within the safe and comfortable temperature zone, especially during the fall and winter months of the year, to determine if the water itself is too cold to take a dip.
You're probably not going to be happy going into, and then coming out of the water, if the air temperature is much below about 75°, give or take. But, you can take your family to the beach anytime!
Air Temperature (Indoors): When the temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit indoors, you are typically in a controlled environment with climate control systems like heating or air conditioning. The air is relatively still and dry, which can make it feel comfortable for most people.
70F (21C) Treat any water temperature below 70F with caution. Learn why we emphasize 70F (21C). Controlling your breathing and holding your breath becomes progressively more difficult as water temperature falls from 70°F to 60°F (21°C to 15°C). Total loss of breathing control.
Despite temperatures expected to range about 15-20 degrees higher than typical for this time of year, water temperatures will still be frigid, making hypothermia and drowning a real risk. Hypothermia becomes a risk when the water is 70 degrees or cooler.
Water Temperature | Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in | Expected Survival Time |
---|---|---|
70–80° F (21–27° C) | 3–12 hours | 3 hours – indefinitely |
60–70° F (16–21° C) | 2–7 hours | 2–40 hours |
50–60° F (10–16° C) | 1–2 hours | 1–6 hours |
40–50° F (4–10° C) | 30–60 minutes | 1–3 hours |
Water Temperature (°F) | Wetsuit Thickness | Type of Wetsuit + Accessories |
---|---|---|
Above 75°F | None! | Option for rashguard for sun and skin protection |
65°F-75°F | 0.5mm to 2mm | Jacket, spring suit |
60°F-65°F | 3/2mm | Full suit |
55°F-60°F | 4/3mm | Full suit + booties (optional) |
According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. Water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit makes it difficult to control your breathing, and anything lower than 40 degrees is painfully cold.
When the water is the same temperature as the air, the main reason it feels cold is because water transfers heat about 25 times better than air. So it pulls heat from your body and you feel cold.
Is 75 warm enough for shorts?
The most common answer was between 61 and 70, which got 25% of the vote. Between 71 and 80 came in second, with 23% of the vote. But there are definitely people who go more extreme in both directions. 8% of people say 41 to 50 is shorts weather . . .
San Diego, CA
If you're moving to the West Coast but want to avoid extreme heat, San Diego may be right for you. The city remains within a comfortable range between approximately 50 and 75 degrees all year long and receives just 43 days of precipitation on average.

As a rule of thumb, if you are comfortable with the temperature in your home, your pet likely is, too. As a benchmark, most dogs (and cats!) do very well with the home between 75 and 78 degrees during the summer months.
For safety's sake, most swimmers should wait until the water temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But even that can be too chilly for most people to enjoy the experience. If you give the water time to warm up, you'll stay safer and have more fun. Hold off on that day trip to the beach, friend.
Water Temperature | Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in | Expected Survival Time |
---|---|---|
70–80° F (21–27° C) | 3–12 hours | 3 hours – indefinitely |
60–70° F (16–21° C) | 2–7 hours | 2–40 hours |
50–60° F (10–16° C) | 1–2 hours | 1–6 hours |
40–50° F (4–10° C) | 30–60 minutes | 1–3 hours |
You officially have hypothermia once your core temp goes down to 35C/95F or below. It can happen to you when you're sick or old, no cold needed. Obviously water that is 70 degrees F will eventually cool your body to 70F as well if you stay in it long enough, which would make you dead, not hypothermic.
In water temperatures from 70-80 degrees, exhaustion or unconsciousness can set in within 3-12 hours; 60-70 degrees, 2-7 hours, and in water from 50-60 degrees, you could be unconscious in 1-2 hours.
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.
If you're looking for a perfect pool temperature, not too hot, not too cold, 77 – 82 degrees (25 – 28°C) may be the way to go according to most recreational swimmers. In most cases, pools should be comfortable, and the average swimmer will agree with this.
IF THE WATER TEMPERATURE (F) IS: | EXHAUSTION OR UNCONSCIOUSNESS | EXPECTED TIME OF SURVIVAL IS: |
---|---|---|
50.0 - 60.0 | 1 -2 Hours | 1 - 6 Hours |
60.0 - 70.0 | 2 - 7 Hours | 2 - 40 Hours |
70.0 - 80.0 | 3 - 12 Hours | 3 Hours - Indefinitely |
OVER 80.0 | Indefinitely | Indefinitely |
How long can you stay in 75 degree water?
Water Temperature | Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in | Expected Survival Time |
---|---|---|
70–80° F (21–27° C) | 3–12 hours | 3 hours – indefinitely |
60–70° F (16–21° C) | 2–7 hours | 2–40 hours |
50–60° F (10–16° C) | 1–2 hours | 1–6 hours |
40–50° F (4–10° C) | 30–60 minutes | 1–3 hours |
If you are swimming for fitness, cooler temperatures of 78 to 84 degrees are recommended. Note: The ideal air temperature for these activities is 78-80 degrees; never higher than 82 degrees. The more aerobic the activity, the lower the air temperature needs to be.
Most lap swimmers like the water temperature to be somewhere between 75-80 degrees. Being active by swimming laps will cause the body to heat up fairly quickly.
If you're looking for a perfect pool temperature, not too hot, not too cold, 77 – 82 degrees (25 – 28°C) may be the way to go according to most recreational swimmers. In most cases, pools should be comfortable, and the average swimmer will agree with this.
Despite this, the average pool temperature, which is said to be ideal for all, is between 77-82°F. These temperatures are low enough to prevent bacteria from growing, but also warm enough to take the chill off.
There's a difference between going to the beach, and going in the water. You're probably not going to be happy going into, and then coming out of the water, if the air temperature is much below about 75°, give or take. But, you can take your family to the beach anytime!
When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it's typically the athlete's choice of whether to wear a wetsuit.
Also, while hypothermia is often thought of as a cold-weather or cold-water condition; it can occur at temperatures well above freezing, even in waters as warm as 80°. Whenever you go boating or swimming, it's important to understand and look for the signs of hypothermia.
Most lap swimmers like the water temperature to be somewhere between 75-80 degrees. Being active by swimming laps will cause the body to heat up fairly quickly.
But if you want to swim, you probably want air temps of at least 70, and water tempos of at least 65.
Is 76 degree water hot?
According to the National Oceanographic Data Center, 70-78 degrees is where most people feel comfortable swimming. I have found that water temperature of 70-78 is a bit cold for most of us north Texans.
“The safety of wearing shorts in the winter really depends on what the temperature and wind-chill is outside,” said Dr. Levine. “When it starts to fall below 40 degrees, and worse, below freezing temperatures, anyone will be at risk for developing things like frostbite or hypothermia.
That completely depends on the material of the hoodie, what you're wearing underneath it, how comfortable you are at different temperatures, humidity, etc. I don't wear thick hoodies when it's over 67 degrees Fahrenheit, but everyone is different. This is all personal preference.
Fabric for function
The key to looking and staying cool in 80-degree weather is choosing lightweight, breathable, natural fabrics. We've put together a list of summer fabrics to look out for below. Cotton is a staple in most clothing items, and it's perfect for day-to-day wear.
Honolulu, Hawaii
With an average high of 84 degrees and 0 days below freezing, Honolulu provides the best year-round weather in the United States. While Honolulu does experience a rainy season between November and March, you'll almost never have to deal with snow or cold temperatures.
- San Francisco, CA. While Southern California is known for hot summers, the farther you go north, the cooler it gets. ...
- Seattle, WA. Seattle summer weather averages about a breezy 65 degrees. ...
- Portland, OR. ...
- Buffalo, NY. ...
- Milwaukee, WI. ...
- Denver, CO. ...
- Pittsburgh, PA. ...
- Boston, MA.
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ...
- Little Rock, Arkansas. ...
- Mobile, Alabama. ...
- Columbus, Georgia. ...
- Memphis, Tennessee. ...
- Shreveport, Louisiana. ...
- Birmingham, Alabama. ...
- Jackson, Mississippi. Average weather summer: 73°F to 92°F.
Classification | Heat Index | Effect on the body |
---|---|---|
Danger | 103°F - 124°F | Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
Extreme Danger | 125°F or higher | Heat stroke highly likely |
7. Get a fan. A fan can be a great way to get air circulating and help your dog cool down.
Indoor and Sheltered Housing
Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 °F for more than 4 consecutive hours. If the temperature rises above 85 °F for any length of time, you must provide additional ventilation such as fans, blowers, or air conditioning.
Can you get hypothermia in 74 degree water?
Hypothermia happens when the body temperature falls to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The longer you swim in cold water — especially water that's approaching 40 degrees or lower — the more at risk of hypothermia you'll be.
Chlorine is extremely effective in temperatures as low as 65°F and as high as 99°F. Below 65°F, chlorine's effectiveness begins to decline. During the cooler spring and fall months of pool operation, it's important to test and adjust your water balance and chlorine levels regularly with FROG Test Strips.
That's because swimming in 70-degree water can lead to muscle spasms and dangerously low body temperatures. Exposing yourself to cold water temperatures below that can put you at risk for a slowed heart beat, hypothermia, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, muscle cramps and loss of consciousness, per the WHO.
Some studies suggest 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) to be an optimal temperature range for cold plunges focused on reducing muscle soreness, notes Dr. Van Dien.
The water was exceptionally cold, averaging around 28°F (-2°C) when the Titanic sank. These freezing temperatures greatly affected the passengers and crew in the shipwreck, as hypothermia quickly set in for those exposed to the water.
Hypothermia, a subnormal body temperature, can occur in waters with cold or even moderate temperatures. Even in the summer, prolonged immersion in water temperatures below 70° Fahrenheit can produce hypothermia.
IF THE WATER TEMPERATURE (F) IS: | EXHAUSTION OR UNCONSCIOUSNESS | EXPECTED TIME OF SURVIVAL IS: |
---|---|---|
50.0 - 60.0 | 1 -2 Hours | 1 - 6 Hours |
60.0 - 70.0 | 2 - 7 Hours | 2 - 40 Hours |
70.0 - 80.0 | 3 - 12 Hours | 3 Hours - Indefinitely |
OVER 80.0 | Indefinitely | Indefinitely |
In water temperatures from 70-80 degrees, exhaustion or unconsciousness can set in within 3-12 hours; 60-70 degrees, 2-7 hours, and in water from 50-60 degrees, you could be unconscious in 1-2 hours.
If you're in water that is 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C), you are also at risk for hypothermia.
No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water.
Is it too cold to swim in 60 degree weather?
When water temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees it becomes progressively more difficult to control your breathing. It becomes very dangerous in water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. You lose the ability to control breathing in this temperature range, according to the National Center for Cold Water Safety.
Cold Water Can Kill You Within Seconds
Few people realize that water between 50-60F (10-15.5C) can kill you in less than a minute. It's actually so dangerous that it kills a lot of people within seconds. Not because of hypothermia or incapacitation, but rather because of cold shock and swimming failure.
Cold Water Can Be Dangerous. Warm air doesn't always mean warm water in lakes, streams or oceans. Fifty five degree water may not sound very cold, but it can be deadly. Plunging into cold water of any temperature becomes dangerous if you aren't prepared for what the sudden exposure can do to your body and brain.
It all depends what you are relating your reference point to. 75 degree air from a heater feels warm on a very cold day. Jumping into the same temperature water feels cold because the liquid contacts the skin all over and the body can't warm the water at all before new cold water comes onto it.
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.
Most people prefer to swim when the air temperature is warm but not too hot, ideally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). Extremely hot weather can cause dehydration and sunburn, while cooler weather can make it uncomfortable to be in and around the water.
While more research is needed into the effects of cold water on the body, we do know it can lead to hypothermia and raise our stress hormone levels, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and possibly even cardiac arrest.
When water temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees it becomes progressively more difficult to control your breathing. It becomes very dangerous in water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. You lose the ability to control breathing in this temperature range, according to the National Center for Cold Water Safety.
Yes you can swim for a short time in water temperatures from 10 to 15 degrees without a wetsuit but you will be cold and you will get colder when you get out. If you are not acclimatised to the cold water, you will probably need a wetsuit for temperatures below 15 degrees until your body gets used to the cold water.
Your body temperature can drop even if it is warmer than 50°F (10°C) if you are out in wet and windy weather. If you're in water that is 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C), you are also at risk for hypothermia. But hypothermia can occur indoors, especially in babies and older or ill adults who are not dressed warmly enough.
Can you swim in 72 degree water while pregnant?
The ideal temperature for swimming is between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, but if the water feels too hot or cold, wait before getting into the pool. Avoid hot tubs.
Water turns to ice at 0 degrees Celsius / 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For an ice bath, the water should be around 10-15 degrees Celsius (around 50-60 Fahrenheit). This usually takes around 10 minutes to achieve if using a 3:1 water to ice ratio, or instantly if it is just ice in the tub.
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