The average temperature of the ocean surface is about 77°F (25°C). However, the temperature can vary from freezing at the poles to over 86°F (30°C) in the tropics. The temperature of the ocean also decreases with depth. The average temperature of the ocean at a depth of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) is about 39°F (4°C).
The ocean temperature also varies with the time of year. The ocean is warmest in the summer and coldest in the winter. The temperature of the ocean also varies from year to year. In some years, the ocean is warmer than average, and in other years, it is colder than average.
The ocean temperature is important for many reasons. It affects the weather and climate, the distribution of marine life, and the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.