The Indian Ocean is the warmest ocean in the world. The upper layers of the Indian Ocean have average surface temperatures of between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), while any enclosed sea (the Red Sea or Persian Gulf; additional sources of heat) will (if currently measured) be much higher. There is also evidence of long-term warming trends in the Indian Ocean.
Average surface temperatures for the major oceans:
Pacific Ocean: The average surface temperature throughout much of the Pacific remains relatively in the range of 70 to 80°F (21-27°C), until one nears a pole, when and where temperatures fall off dramatically. The average annual temperature in the Pacific is around 60°F (16.1°C).
Atlantic Ocean: The average surface temperature fluctuates based upon latitude and currents in the Atlantic Ocean. In tropical environments, average surface temperature will be around 81°F (27°C). In temperate environments the average surface is between 55-68°F (12-20°C). Over a longer period, the average temperature in the Atlantic is below the average surface temperature of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, due to the current influences of freezing waters from the Arctic current and more interaction with waters from the southern ocean.
Few factors make the Indian Ocean warmer than the other oceans. Convection from continental influences – it is “landlocked” on three sides (Asia, in the north; Africa, in the west; Australia, in the east) – meaning heat is not exported as much as the other oceans and any tropical warm pool.
