What wetsuit for surfing in France
Water from about 9 °C in January to 25 °C in July, from the sea temperature at 66 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9–14 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 10–13 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 11–14 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 13–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 15–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| June | 17–22 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| July | 19–25 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| August | 19–25 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| September | 18–22 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| October | 16–19 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| November | 14–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 12–15 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
By region
The coast is not one temperature: the coldest and warmest month in each region.
| Region | Coldest | Warmest |
|---|---|---|
| Manche | January: 8 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Morbihan | January: 9 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Finistère | February: 10 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Gironde | January: 11 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 23 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| Landes | January: 12 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | August: 24 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Basque Coast | January: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | July: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Pyrénées-Atlantiques | January: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | July: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in France in winter?
The sea is about 9–15 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in France in summer?
About 18–25 °C from June to August: a 3/2 mm fullsuit.
Can I surf in boardshorts in France?
Yes, when the water reaches about 24 °C: at the warmest spots in July.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in France?
In the coldest months, yes: about 9 °C in January calls for boots + gloves.