What wetsuit for surfing in United Kingdom
Water from about 7 °C in February to 20 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 67 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 7–10 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 8–11 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 9–11 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 11–14 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 13–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 16–19 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| August | 16–20 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| September | 15–18 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots in winter |
| October | 13–16 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 11–14 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 10–12 °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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gower | February: 8 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Pembrokeshire | February: 8 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Devon | February: 9 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Cornwall | February: 9 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in United Kingdom in winter?
The sea is about 7–12 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in United Kingdom in summer?
About 15–20 °C from June to August: a 4/3 mm fullsuit.
Can I surf in boardshorts in United Kingdom?
No: the water stays under 24 °C (at most about 20 °C in August), so a wetsuit all year.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in United Kingdom?
In the coldest months, yes: about 7 °C in February calls for boots + gloves.