What wetsuit for surfing in Iceland
Water from about 5 °C in January to 12 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 2 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5–6 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 6–7 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 5–6 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 6–7 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 8 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 12 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| August | 12 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| September | 11 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| October | 9 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 7–8 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 6–7 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Iceland in winter?
The sea is about 5–7 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Iceland in summer?
About 11–12 °C from June to August: a 6/5 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Iceland?
No: the water stays under 24 °C (at most about 12 °C in August), so a wetsuit all year.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in Iceland?
In the coldest months, yes: about 5 °C in January calls for boots + gloves.