It’s the time of year when brave — some would say wacky — swimmers take a dip in the chilly Pacific during the La Jolla Cove Swim Club’s annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day.
The 2026 event will start at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, at Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores, with a potluck following until 11:30 a.m. The swim will go on rain or shine.
The average ocean temperature at La Jolla in January is 59 degrees, though it may typically range from 55 to 62. The peak water temperature on Monday, Dec. 29, was 63. ♦