What wetsuit for surfing in New Zealand
Water from about 10 °C in August to 22 °C in February, from the sea temperature at 31 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15–20 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots in winter |
| February | 15–22 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| March | 15–21 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots in winter |
| April | 14–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 12–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 11–16 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| August | 10–15 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| September | 11–15 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| October | 11–16 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 12–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 14–20 °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 |
|---|---|---|
| North Island | August: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | February: 21 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| Waikato | August: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | February: 22 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in New Zealand in winter?
The sea is about 14–22 °C from December to February: a 5/4 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in New Zealand in summer?
About 10–16 °C from June to August: a 6/5 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in New Zealand?
No: the water stays under 24 °C (at most about 22 °C in February), so a wetsuit all year.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in New Zealand?
In the coldest months, yes: about 10 °C in August calls for boots + gloves.