What wetsuit for surfing in Ireland
Water from about 7 °C in January to 18 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 22 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 7–9 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 9–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 10–11 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 13–14 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 14–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 16–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| August | 17–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| September | 14–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| October | 13–14 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 11–13 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 9–11 °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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sligo | February: 7 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 18 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Cork | February: 9 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Ireland in winter?
The sea is about 7–11 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Ireland in summer?
About 14–18 °C from June to August: a 5/4 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Ireland?
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 Ireland?
In the coldest months, yes: about 7 °C in January calls for boots + gloves.