Why are California beaches colder than Atlantic coast beaches?


Why are California beaches colder than Atlantic coast beaches? There are two general reasons as to why the water temps are much colder on the West Coast compared to the East Coast. The first reason is because of the California cold current that runs along the coast from Canada to Central America. The second reason is upwelling.


Can you swim in California beaches?

Not all beaches along the California coastline are recommended for swimming or wading. The very things that make these areas such spectacular places to look at and enjoy can be lethal to those caught unaware along the shoreline.


Are Pacific beaches colder than Atlantic beaches?

For any given latitude, the Atlantic Ocean has proved to be about 16 degrees F (9 degrees C) warmer than the Pacific Ocean off the U.S. coast — quite a difference.


Why are California beaches not clear?

“So the reason why these beaches are usually dirty is mainly because of their limited water circulation, which leads to prolonged pollution near the shore,” Wu said. “This means the circulation is not enough to flush away all pollution when it happens.


Are California beaches too cold to swim in?

But on that same beach, it's not uncommon to see kids shivering as they run out of the water, or a surfer wearing a partial wetsuit as they jog out for a session. California's ocean water is pretty cold, even in the summer, and it often catches visitors off-guard.