Mediterranean Sea Temperature Variability in Early July 2025

This second week of July is marked by significant temperature variations in the Mediterranean Sea. Recent strong winds have caused a noticeable drop in water temperatures, particularly between Languedoc, Provence, and Southern Corsica, compared to the beginning of the month. Other areas, especially in Corsica and the French Riviera, maintain milder sea temperatures, despite a slight cooling.

The water temperatures reported are for Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Variations are expected by the end of the week, with a rising trend anticipated in some regions as winds subside.

A water temperature of 22°C or higher is generally considered comfortable for swimming, even without a wetsuit. These temperatures are based on forecasts for the second week of July 2025.

Meteorological Explanation

The beginning of the week saw a distinct change in conditions along the Mediterranean coast. Following an exceptionally warm June, the sea experienced a temporary cooling. This decrease is attributed to specific weather conditions: a strong north-westerly flow with mistral and tramontane winds in violent gusts, coupled with a general cooling of the air. These winds generated a phenomenon called upwelling, which brings cold water to the surface, causing sea temperatures to drop, especially in exposed areas of the Gulf of Lion and Provence. The intensity and duration of these winds over several days amplified this effect, leading to significant mixing of water layers.

However, this marine coolness is not expected to last. As winds weaken between Wednesday and Thursday, a gradual rise in water temperatures is already being observed on several beaches. Forecasts indicate an increase of 1 to 3°C by the end of the week, thanks to the return of sunshine and more stable conditions. This trend will continue to be monitored in the coming days.

Recommended Nautical Activities

Despite the temporary cooling in some areas, most water activities can still be enjoyed, especially on beaches where the water remains around 24°C or higher. Sports like surfing, wing foiling, kite surfing, windsurfing, and diving are still accessible in these areas. In regions where the drop is more significant, paddle sports like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking remain pleasant in the middle of the day when the water warms up slightly. For open water swimming, a light wetsuit may be considered depending on the local temperature.

Regional Water Temperatures (July 8, 2025)

Here’s a breakdown of average water temperatures by region:

1. Pyrénées Orientales (66): Approximately 23.8 degrees, compared to a seasonal average of 20.7°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Sailor Wake Park, water ski club in Argelès-sur-Mer (66700).
   • Olixkite School, surf school in Canet en Roussillon (66140)
   • Esprit Voile 66, sailing school in Saint-Cyprien (66750)
2. Aude (11): Approximately 21.2 degrees, compared to a seasonal average of 20.6°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Kite & Foil, Kitesurf and WingFoil school in Guissan (11430)
   • L’Horizon Bleu, fishing and apnea school in Leucate (11370)
3. Hérault (34): Approximately 19.6 degrees, compared to a seasonal average of 20.5°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • MCK, kayak rental in Montpellier (34000)
   • Bulles Plongée, diving school in Palavas-les-Flots (34250)
   • TKC, Kite, Wing and Windfoil club in Sète (34200)
4. Gard (30): Approximately 21 degrees, equal to the seasonal average of 21°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Latitude43, sailing club in Le-Grau-du-Roi (30240)
   • Club 30 Kite, Kitesurf school in Le-Grau-du-Roi (30240)
5. Bouches-du-Rhône (13): Approximately 18.2 degrees, below the seasonal average of 21.3°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Plongée Tek, diving school in Marseille (13000)
   • Cassis kayak, kayak rental in Cassis (13260)
   • Hot School, Kite school in Martigues (13500)
6. Var (83): Approximately 16.6 degrees, below the seasonal average of 22.1°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Ecole WIng & Kite, in Giens (83440)
   • Ketos Aventure, diving school in Sainte-Maxime (83120)
7. Alpes-Maritimes (06): Approximately 22.6 degrees, slightly below the seasonal average of 23°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Water free Gliss, Wakesurf, wakeboard and towed buoy center in Saint-laurent-du-var (06700)
   • Passion Scuba Diving, diving school in Saint-laurent-du-var (06700)
8. Haute-Corse (2B): Approximately 25.8 degrees, compared to a seasonal average of 23.5°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Calvi Nautique Club, sailing school in Calvi (20260)
   • Diving Corsica, diving center in Lumio (20260)
9. Corse-du-Sud (2A): Approximately 21.8 degrees, compared to a seasonal average of 23.3°C.
   
   Open centers in July:
   • Ecole Figari, Kitesurf, Wingfoil and Windsurf center in FIgari (20114)
   • Aqualoisirs, nautical center in Propriano (20110)

This week illustrates how quickly sea temperatures can change in the summer due to weather conditions. After a general decrease at the beginning of the week, water temperatures are expected to rise again in the coming days, especially along the coasts of Languedoc and Provence, where winds are calming down. This trend will need to be monitored, particularly with the potential rise in temperatures expected for the second half of July.

Remember to consult forecasts to determine if sea conditions will be favorable.

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