What wetsuit for surfing in Japan
Water from about 11 °C in February to 29 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 59 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 11–19 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 12–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 15–21 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| May | 18–22 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| June | 21–25 °C | 🩱 Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| July | 26–29 °C | 🩳 Boardshorts / rash vest |
| August | 26–29 °C | 🩳 Boardshorts / rash vest |
| September | 26–29 °C | 🩳 Boardshorts / rash vest |
| October | 23–28 °C | 🩱 Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| November | 19–25 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| December | 16–23 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
By region
The coast is not one temperature: the coldest and warmest month in each region.
| Region | Coldest | Warmest |
|---|---|---|
| Chiba | March: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | July: 27 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Kanagawa | March: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Miyazaki (Kyushu) | February: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 29 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Okinawa | February: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit | September: 30 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Japan in winter?
The sea is about 11–23 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Japan in summer?
About 26–29 °C from June to August: a Boardshorts / rash vest.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Japan?
Yes, when the water reaches about 24 °C: July, August, September.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in Japan?
In the coldest months, yes: about 11 °C in February calls for boots + gloves.