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How cold is the Puget Sound Water?

Author

John Kim

Published May 24, 2026

Water along the southern coast reaches around 68 degrees F (20 degrees Celsius) during summer, while off northern beaches the ocean temperature hovers at just 52 degrees F (11 °C).

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Thereof, what is the temperature of the water in Puget Sound?

The water temperature ranges from 45 F in the winter to 53 F in the summer (7 C-11.8 C).

Likewise, how cold is the water in Seattle? Yes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the temperature of the Puget Sound water around Seattle ranges from about 49 to about 56 degrees from April to August.

Besides, can you swim in the Puget Sound?

The Puget Sound is a whole lot harder due to waves, saltiness, and currents. You're generally allowed to swim anywhere on lakes within 50' of the shore or within 25' of a boat, but see below for more detailed laws. Make your swim not so tiring either, and you'll be able to swim much longer too!

How long can you survive in 50 degree water?

At a water temperature of 40 to 50 degrees, death may occur in 1 - 3 hours. At a water temperature of 50 - 60 degrees, death may occur in 1 - 6 hours. At a water temperature of 60 - 70 degrees, death may occur in 2 - 40 hours.

Related Question Answers

Are there sharks in Puget Sound?

The Puget Sound is home to 11 species of sharks. Of these 11, three that are seen regularly are the Spiny Dogfish, the Sixgill Shark and the Brown Cat Shark. As important members of the marine food chain, sharks are vital to the Puget Sound's ecosystem.

Can you swim in Seattle beaches?

Seattle has waterfront galore so when the sun comes out, it might only seem natural to go for a swim. But never fear — plenty of Seattle parks have beaches on lakes or Sound shorelines as well as fabulous public pools, so you can cool off on a hot day. Although, don't count on Puget Sound beaches being warm.

Is Puget Sound fresh or saltwater?

Puget Sound is an estuary, a semienclosed body of water in which salt water from the nearby Pacific Ocean mixes with fresh water runoff from the surrounding watershed. In general, the denser salt water sinks deeper and moves toward the land, while fresh water forms a surface layer that moves seaward.

Why do they call it Puget Sound?

Names. In 1792 George Vancouver gave the name "Puget's Sound" to the waters south of the Tacoma Narrows, in honor of Peter Puget, a Huguenot lieutenant accompanying him on the Vancouver Expedition. This name later came to be used for the waters north of Tacoma Narrows as well.

Are jellyfish in Puget Sound dangerous?

Very common in our waters. Characterized by their opaque white color and a pink "clover" shape on the top of their bell. These are the least dangerous of our jellies, with a sting so mild it won't even hurt you!

Why is the Puget Sound so cold?

The source water for the Sound may be colder than that of the Strait. This may be accounted for by the length of the rivers. The Fraser, which accounts for 80% of the Strait's fresh water, is very long and currently seasonably warm.

Is 75 degrees good for swimming?

Knowing what comfortable water temperatures are good for swimming is vital. A water temperature of 64 degrees and below is downright cold. 65 to 70 degrees for a water temperature is often considered very cool. A pool water temperature range of 78 to 82 degrees is common and comfortable.

Can hypothermia occur in 60 degree water?

Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain. Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C) water.

Are there great white sharks in Puget Sound?

Sixgills are the largest sharks in Puget Sound, growing up to 20 feet long. These active predators spend much of their time in deep water, according to Lowry. The infamous Great White Shark is also known to pass through Washington waters. A Great White carcass washed up on Vashon Island a few years ago, Lowry said.

What is the most dangerous animal in Washington state?

  • Wolves: A recent hot topic in the area.
  • Coyotes: The coyote has historically resisted all efforts to exterminate its kind and flourishes in Washington with approximately 50,000 adults.
  • Bears: Arguably the most locally discussed animal.
  • Cougars: One of the most feared wild animals in the entire state.

Are there whales in Puget Sound?

The Puget Sound is home to a few species of whales, including humpback and orcas.

Are there sharks in Lake Washington?

Boaters and Swimmers Wary of Lake Washington Bull Shark. Lake Forest Park, WA - Wednesday, a 10 Ft. Bull Shark was seen in Lake Washington near the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Cutty Briar, Washington Department of Fish and Game says, "Bull Sharks are known to be able to swim between salt and fresh water.

Are there sharks in Hood Canal?

Hood Canal becoming a 'dead zone' BELFAIR – Scuba diver Jerry Ehrlich saw the signs of something ominous in Hood Canal starting the summer of 2002. The blunt-nosed six-gill sharks swimming in the shallows caught his attention first. Such sharks, which have a strong aversion to light, almost never leave deep water.

Are there jellyfish in Puget Sound?

Jellyfish in Puget Sound Jellyfish "smacks," or mass aggregations, are common in Puget Sound during the summer. The number of jellyfish appears to be growing larger, and we are interested in learning why.

Has there ever been a shark attack in Washington state?

According to prezi.com, there are 11 varieties of sharks found in the Puget Sound. There has only been one unprovoked shark attack in Washington state, according to sharkattackdata.com, and it was a non-fatal attack in April of 1989 in Grays Harbor County.

Do bull sharks live in Washington State?

Not only are sharks not the enemy, they are actually very important to the environment. Of the known 400 + species of sharks, approximately 30 species either live or have been seen in the coastal waters of Washington State (most preferring deeper waters), and 11 have been spotted in the Puget Sound!

Does Seattle have nice beaches?

Seattle is surrounded by fresh and salt water (Puget sound). Alki Beach (where the first settlers landed) is in west Seattle, a short drive from downtown. There are other saltwater beaches like Golden Gardens. Lake Washington has dozens of beaches.

What water temperature is too cold to swim?

and the Red Cross recommends a pool temperature of at least 84°F (29°C) to conduct swim lessons for children. This is to keep their bodies comfortable in a new environment, to keep their muscles warm and loose, and to prevent any breathing difficulties that can arise from too-cold water.

Are Washington beaches cold?

Beaches in Washington. While Puget Sound is cold and best for activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, and fishing you can still find swimmable beaches near the city. Alki Beach Park has 2.5 miles of sandy beach, but the cold waters mean that you'll mostly find sunbathers hanging out here.