Copernicus reports a new record for ocean temperatures in June, first half of 2026 among the hottest on record

June set a new all-time record for sea surface temperatures worldwide, in a situation influenced by the natural El Niño phenomenon and the continuing effects of climate change caused by human activity.

Data published by the Climate Change Observatory (C3S) and the Marine Directorate of the European Copernicus Service (Copernicus Marine) show that the average sea surface temperature reached 20.98 degrees Celsius. This figure surpassed the previous record of 20.89 degrees, recorded in 2024.

Since the oceans cover about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface and play an essential role in regulating the global climate, the rise in their temperature is seen as an important signal of accelerating global warming.

The report also highlights that the first half of 2026 ranks as the second warmest period ever recorded, behind only the records set in 2024.

According to experts, the high temperatures are linked to the combination of the El Niño phenomenon, which warms the waters of the tropical Pacific, and anthropogenic climate change, which continues to drive global temperatures higher.