Sea temperature by month

The sea around Mallorca warms up gradually: around 18-19 °C in May, 22 °C in June, and at its best from July to September, at 25-27 °C. In October it's still pleasant for swimming (about 22-23 °C), and from December to March it drops to 14-15 °C, only for the brave or with a wetsuit.

It varies a lot from day to day: after a few days of north wind (tramuntana) and in deep coves the water is colder; on the shallow sandy beaches of the north and south it's warmer.

Monthly figures are averages: according to the Puertos del Estado series from 2003 to 2022, the sea off Palma peaks in August at around 26 °C and bottoms out in January at about 14.5 °C. The water warms up late and cools down late, so October is usually better for swimming than May, even when the air feels the same.

Where you swim makes a big difference. Shallow sandy bays such as Alcúdia, Pollença or Es Trenc warm up sooner; the deep coves of the Serra de Tramuntana and the north coast after a few days of tramuntana wind can be several degrees colder. In spring and autumn, a thin 2 or 3 mm wetsuit stretches the season for swimming or snorkelling, and early in the morning the water is usually clearer and calmer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the sea in Mallorca in October?

Yes. In October the sea is usually around 22–23 °C, much like June, because the water takes a long time to cool down. Many October days are perfect for a swim, especially on shallow sandy beaches around midday.

When does the swimming season start in Mallorca?

For most people, in June, when the sea is around 21–22 °C. In May, at about 18–19 °C, only the brave go in. The comfortable season lasts until mid-October, and a wetsuit stretches it quite a bit.

Updated in October 2026