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Photo: Santa Cruz beach from wharf with people on sand by Runner1928 (CC BY-SA 3.0) License

Cowell Beach

Beach · Santa Cruz, California

Cool water — ease in carefully

Use caution

Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry.

  • Water temp 66°F (19°C)

Live data from NOAA buoy 46236 (14.6 mi away), as of Oct 20, 8:00 AM UTC.

Why, sources & official advisories
  • Water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. — NOAA buoy 46236, as of Oct 20, 8:00 AM UTC
  • No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).

Official advisories

Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.

Get an email when it’s warm enough

It’s 66°F at Cowell Beach now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.

Cool todaypet-friendly
Editor's Notes
Cowell's gentle, rolling waves make it one of California's best beginner surf spots, right beside the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — fitting, since Santa Cruz claims to be the birthplace of mainland U.S. surfing, dating to 1885.

Weather at Cowell Beach

56°F, Overcast · H 69° / L 53° · 13% chance of rain
H: 69° L: 53°
Overcast
Overcast
56°
|
Feels like 55°
Precipitation
13%
Humidity
74%
Wind
2 mph
UV Index
0
12 AM
Overcast
57°
3 AM
Overcast
56°
6 AM
Overcast
54°
9 AM
Overcast
58°
12 PM
Overcast
67°
3 PM
Overcast
69°
6 PM
Overcast
64°
9 PM
Overcast
59°

Frequently asked questions

Where is Cowell Beach?
Cowell Beach is a beach in Santa Cruz, California.
What is the water temperature at Cowell Beach?
As of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California is 66°F (19°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46236, 14.6 miles away.
Can you swim at Cowell Beach?
Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 66°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Checked October 20, 2026.
How is Cowell Beach rated?
Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California has an average visitor rating of 4.4 out of 5, based on 455 reviews.
What amenities does Cowell Beach have?
Visitor-listed amenities at Cowell Beach include pet-friendly.

Location & Contact

21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz, California 95060

🏖️ Best times & visiting tips
  • ›Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • ›Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • ›Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • ›Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions

Features & amenities

Amenities

🐾 Dog-friendly
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