Global Average Ocean Temperature
Last updated: January 20, 2026
17.1°C
°C
The global average sea surface temperature is approximately 17.1°C. Oceans absorb over 90% of excess heat from global warming, making ocean temperature a critical climate indicator.
Historical Trend
Source: NOAA
Why This Average Exists
Ocean temperature drives weather patterns, marine ecosystems, sea level rise, and hurricane intensity. It's one of the most important metrics for understanding climate change impacts.
Factors That Affect Global Average Ocean Temperature
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Ocean currents
- El Niño/La Niña
- Volcanic activity
- Solar radiation
- Ice sheet melting
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2023–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average Temperature— 15.0°C °C
- Global Average Sea Level Rise— 3.7 mm/yr mm/year
- Global Average Carbon Footprint— 4.7 tonnes tonnes CO₂/year
- Global Average Rainfall— 990 mm mm/year
- Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita— 4.7 tonnes tonnes/year
- Global Average Water Consumption— 137 L/day liters/day
- Global Average Wind Speed— 3.3 m/s m/s
- Global Average Humidity— 77% %