What wetsuit for surfing in Canada
Water from about 0 °C in February to 18 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 21 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2–9 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 0–8 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 0–9 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 1–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 4–13 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 10–14 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 13–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| August | 16–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| September | 15–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots in winter |
| October | 12–15 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 9–11 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 5–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
By region
The coast is not one temperature: the coldest and warmest month in each region.
| Region | Coldest | Warmest |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | February: -1 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Vancouver Island | February: 8 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Canada in winter?
The sea is about 0–10 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Canada in summer?
About 13–18 °C from June to August: a 5/4 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Canada?
No: the water stays under 24 °C (at most about 18 °C in August), so a wetsuit all year.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in Canada?
In the coldest months, yes: about 0 °C in February calls for boots + gloves.