The shocking record achieved by Mar del Plata before the summer

The spa town, one of the country’s premier holiday destinations, is facing a sea change to one of its greatest attractions.

05/12/2025 – 09:48 AM

Mar del Plataknown as a tourist beacon in Argentina and a destination that has historically challenged swimmers with its refreshing water temperatures, often classified as cold, has just set a milestone that will define the shape of summer 2025/2026.

According to official data, The temperature of the sea surface covering the coast of Medina has reached sea surface temperature 18.5 °C. While this number may seem moderate compared to tropical beaches, it represents the highest level ever recorded for a December in the past decade. This record is not just that The highest number in 10 yearsRather, he anticipates a season that could redefine the beach experience in La Feliz.

The phenomenon behind this increase is a persistent and anomalous marine heat wave affecting much of the South Atlantic. This warming not only affects swimmers’ comfort, but also has profound environmental and economic impacts on the region.

Mar del Plata and what the rising sea temperature means for this season

Rising water temperatures are a critical variable that directly affects the tourism experience and the local economy. Experts point to three points of direct impact:

1. More people in the water for a longer period of time

The psychological barrier of the “cold thermal sensation” of water is greatly alleviated by this record. 18.5 degrees is seen as more pleasant than the usual 17 degrees. This translates to:

• Greater accommodation for tourists in the water.

• Increased demand for water activities (surfing, stand-up paddling, sea tours).

• Extend the beach season, as the water will take longer to cool in March and April.

Mar del Plata, with record sea temperature

2. Impact on marine life

Drastic changes in sea temperature are a warning signal to the ecosystem. This warming could cause species that prefer colder waters to migrate, changing the local food chain. In addition, it creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of certain types of algae or microorganisms that are uncommon in the area, a factor that environmental authorities must closely monitor.

3. Confirm extreme heat forecasts

This water record is a strong indicator that summer in central and southern Buenos Aires province will be, as several reports have already predicted, warmer and drier than usual. The sweltering days on the sand will be complemented by a warmer sea, which may increase the influx of tourists seeking rest on the coast.

How is the sea temperature measured in Mar del Plata?

This key data is measured by a system of oceanographic buoys and coastal stations. In the case of Mar del Plata, the measurement is generally carried out at the surface, in areas close to the breakwater or offshore reference points, and is validated by organizations such as the Marine Hydrographic Service (SHN) or the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP).

The observed warming trend is not limited to the La Velez region, but is part of a global pattern exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon in the Pacific and its secondary effects in the Atlantic.

The challenge facing Mar del Plata’s tourism sector now is to capitalize on this achievement. The warmer sea becomes an additional sales argument to attract tourists who have historically chosen destinations in the north or abroad in search of warmer waters.