Wetsuit Water Temperature Guide
20 commentsWhat thickness wetsuit will I need? It's a popular question we get on our surf forum, so here's an article in an attempt to answer this. We've provided a chart with a range of temperatures, and the type of wetsuit that should be ok for those temperatures. We've included additional items of surf equipment that may be required for a little extra warmth. Keep in mind that it's a general guide only. If you feel the cold, err on the side of caution and get a thicker wetsuit.
| Water Temperature (Fahrenheit / Celsius) | Wetsuit Type* | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| The wetsuit temperature chart should be used as a guide only. Fit is as important as thickness, so get the right wetsuit! | ||
| 40°F / 5°C | 6/5/4 Sealed | Rashguard, booties, wetsuit hood, wetsuit gloves |
| 48°F / 9°C | 5/4/3 Sealed | Rashguard, booties, wetsuit hood, wetsuit gloves |
| 52°F / 11.5°C | 4/3 Sealed & Taped | Warm Rashguard, booties, wetsuit gloves |
| 56°F / 13.5°C | 4/3 Sealed | Neoprene Top |
| 60°F / 15°C | 3/2 Sealed | Neoprene Top |
| 65°F / 18.5°C | 3/2 Flatlock | - |
| 72°F / 22°C | Springsuit / Poly Top / Jacket | - |
| 80+°F / 26+°C | - | Rashguard, waterproof sunscreen |
More wetsuit information
If you do not understand the wetsuit types, take a look at our types of surfing wetsuit explained.
If you would like more information about the types of wetsuit stitching and seams (sealed / flatlock), it's explained here.
Another useful article, our wetsuit guide.
You'll need to learn about wetsuit care if you want to keep your wetsuit in top condition.
Our definitive wetsuit buyers guide.
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going to surf south island and around wellington in December ,any tips on wetsuit 3.2 or 5.4 ,thanks
Hi Kevin,
It's the beginning of summer in Wellington at that time of the year and the water will be heating up. You should be OK with a full length 3/2
I live in Victoria Australia and most people in winter wear a 4/3. Should I be fine with a 5/4?
I tend to be a bit colder than most, but I couldn't believe the recommendations made here for wetsuit thickness vs water temperature. I actually thought it was a typo!
In 26 years of diving in generally water between 20C - 30C, we are wearing 2/3mm starting around 26C!
Bear in mind, we're normally doing 4 dives a day for multiple days. Maybe if I were to do just one dive, I could survive using your recommendations.
Yes, as you state these are GUIDELINES ONLY and its up to each diver to tailor it for their use. MY suggestion to everyone out there - start off by used a thicker suit than recommended. If at the end of the day you find it too hot when diving - choose a thinner suit. It's better than the alternative of freezing yourself for a day's worth of diving and then adjusting.
Ignore my previous comments. I just realized I linked to a SURFER website and not a SCUBA DIVER site.. LOL
In New Jersey right now, the water is in the low to mid forties, would I be ok with a 4/3 full suit, 5 mil booties and gloves, and a hood?
*A bit late* Mark, you need a hooded 5/4 complimented with boots and gloves of at leat 5mm thickness in order to go out in that kind of surf.
Yeah i have a 4/3, hood, 5 mil gloves and 7 mil boots. Oneil mutant suit. I was fine in 43 degree water. It was like 50 out.
I agree with ScubaNut - everyone's very individual, and just as on a given day you might see people walking in t-shirts and others in coats, the wetsuit needed varies too. After many years of various watersports, these are my own preferences:
<8 deg C - stay dry!
8-14 deg C - 6/5 (custom made with chest zip)
14-20 - 5/3
20-25 - 4/3
25-30 - 3/2
I only list these to show the stark contrast with what's written above. I wouldn't want someone to just follow this guide and waste money on a suit that wasn't right!
Im looking to go surfing in Doonbeg ireland in October what thickness wetsuit should i be wearing
My local break averages around 18c. I surf in boardies and jacket. But then again... I just don't like the restriction of a suite. If the wind is blowing a bit harder, I'll layer up to avoid the chill factor.
Hi Nick,
For winter in Victoria I would recommend going with an 8/6 to stay warm.
ScubaNut99
Diving are surfing are different bro. Water temperature obviously drops significantly as you decend. Plus, divers do absolutely zero exercise, whereas surfing is an extrme sport, thus raising your body temperature.
You don't wanna be overheating, it sucks.
If I were to buy just one wetsuit for Winter Diving at around 45° water temp, what thickness wetsuit would you get? Also, what do you mean by sealed? I have a spring suit but I realize that wouldn’t be a good choice for colder water.
Wish people would say temperatures in Fahrenheit and not Celsius
We have visitors from around the globe, some countries don't use Fahrenheit when talking about temperature. It all depends where you come from. We've provided figures for both.
Hi I have just bought a wetsuit 5:3 and because of my swimming style I am finding my legs are too bouyant any tips please x
Hiya, I'm going back to Scandinavia (Sweden) for winter/spring where water temperate (Celsius) range from 2-11 degres.. Looking at wetsuit now on Ripcurls website, would you recommend a 5/4 or 6/4 one?
Personal preference, the older I get the more neoprene I need. Last time I surfed in Ireland my friends surfed in 4mm but I had to surf in 5mm to be comfortable
Hey guys, I have been looking for a wetsuit for kayaking. I keep seeing temperature guides, but I cannot find the water temperature in my area. Do you know how to?