What wetsuit for surfing in Portugal
Water from about 14 °C in January to 24 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 147 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 14–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 14–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 16–17 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| May | 17–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| June | 17–21 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| July | 18–22 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| August | 18–24 °C | 🥋 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| September | 17–24 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| October | 17–23 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| November | 17–21 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| December | 14–19 °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 |
|---|---|---|
| Norte | January: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Centro | February: 14 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Lisbon | February: 14 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | July: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Lisboa | February: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Alentejo | February: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Algarve | February: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Azores | March: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 24 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Madeira | March: 18 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit | August: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
Surf towns
EriceiraPenicheNazaréSagresAljezurLagosCosta da CaparicaCascaisLisbonPortoFigueira da FozAveiroViana do CasteloAlgarveSinesPorto MonizCalheta
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Portugal in winter?
The sea is about 14–19 °C from December to February: a 5/4 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Portugal in summer?
About 17–24 °C from June to August: a 4/3 mm fullsuit.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Portugal?
Yes, when the water reaches about 24 °C: at the warmest spots in August.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in Portugal?
In the coldest months, yes: about 14 °C in January calls for boots + gloves.