Warmest Ocean Temperatures Summer Nova Scotia - Complete Swimming Guide

The warmest ocean temperatures in Nova Scotia summer reach 18-22°C (64-72°F) in protected bays and the Northumberland Strait during August. Atlantic coast waters typically reach 15-18°C (59-64°F), while the Bay of Fundy remains cooler at 12-16°C (54-61°F) due to massive tidal mixing. The warmest swimming conditions occur from late July through early September.

The warmest swimming locations in Nova Scotia include Northumberland Strait beaches (Rushton Beach, Melmerby Beach, Heather Beach), protected bays (Mahone Bay, St. Margarets Bay), Bras d'Or Lake in Cape Breton, and Ingonish Beach. These locations can reach 20-22°C (68-72°F) in peak summer, offering the most comfortable swimming conditions in the province.

Nova Scotia ocean temperatures typically peak in August and early September, reaching their warmest from mid-August through the first week of September. This timing is about 6-8 weeks after the summer solstice, as ocean water takes time to warm up. The warmest swimming conditions often occur just as air temperatures begin to cool, making late summer ideal for ocean activities.