The Christmas Swim could be cancelled after the council said it was closing the beach due to dangerous conditions.
The annual dip at Brighton beach sees members of Brighton Swimming Club head into the cold water on Christmas Day, watched by hundreds of people.
But Brighton and Hove City Council said it will be closing the stretch of beach after warnings of high winds and strong tides.
On Christmas Day, the wind is forecast to increase during the morning to become strong by midday, with gusts of between 25-30mph.
High tide at 9:10am will bring tides of up to 5.7 metres that will also add to the high waves and volatile sea conditions.
A spokesman for the council said: “As there is now a real risk to anyone entering the water, Brighton & Hove City Council will be closing the beach on December 25 at the site of the traditional Christmas Day swim, which usually takes place at 11am.
“The seafront team will be on the beach from 8.30am to put up signage, inform the public of the temporary closure and give advice regarding the conditions.”
Last year a drowning man was rescued on Brighton beach in similar conditions and in 2007, 12 people were rescued, again when the weather was windy with treacherous waves.
Seafront manager Viki Miller added: “It can be tempting to have a splash in the sea at Christmas, but it’s absolutely not worth putting yourself at risk. Not only could you be caught out by the strong currents, but the sea temperature is extremely cold this time of year.
“We will be monitoring the weather on the day and will be advising people about safety. The conditions are already hazardous, with the forecast set to get worse, so as a last resort we will be closing the beach tomorrow. We want people to be able to enjoy the beach, but safety is a top priority.”
It is not yet known if Brighton Swimming Club will attempt to hold the event at a different stretch of beach.
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