What wetsuit for surfing in United States
Water from about 2 °C in February to 30 °C in August, from the sea temperature at 274 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4–25 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 2–25 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 4–25 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 7–25 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 11–26 °C | 🧤 6/5 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 13–28 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 13–29 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| August | 14–30 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| September | 15–28 °C | 🥋 4/3 mm fullsuit boots |
| October | 13–27 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 12–26 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 7–26 °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 |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | February: 1 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 21 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| New Jersey | February: 1 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| New York | February: 2 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 24 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| New Hampshire | February: 2 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 19 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Maine | February: 2 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 18 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| Rhode Island | February: 3 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 22 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| Virginia | February: 3 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| North Carolina | February: 6 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 30 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Washington | February: 8 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | August: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| Oregon | February: 9 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | September: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| South Carolina | February: 10 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | July: 31 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| California (Humboldt County) | May: 11 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | September: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| California (Marin County) | May: 11 °C, 6/5 mm hooded | September: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| California (San Mateo County) | May: 12 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | September: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| California (Santa Cruz County) | May: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | September: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| California (Monterey County) | March: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | September: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| California (San Luis Obispo County) | May: 13 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | September: 18 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
| California (Santa Barbara County) | March: 14 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | September: 22 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| Florida | February: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 31 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| California (Los Angeles County) | March: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | September: 23 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| California (San Diego County) | January: 15 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 23 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| California (Orange County) | January: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 23 °C, Springsuit 2 mm or vest |
| Texas | January: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | August: 31 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Hawaii (Oahu) | March: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest | August: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Hawaii (Big Island) | March: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest | September: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Hawaii (Kauai) | February: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest | October: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
| Hawaii (Maui) | March: 25 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest | September: 28 °C, Boardshorts / rash vest |
Surf towns
North Shore OahuWaikikiSan DiegoHuntington BeachMalibuSanta CruzSan FranciscoCocoa BeachOuter BanksMontaukSan ClementeWestportWrightsville BeachVirginia BeachHamptonVenturaDavenportLahaina
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in United States in winter?
The sea is about 2–26 °C from December to February: a 6/5 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in United States in summer?
About 13–30 °C from June to August: a 5/4 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in United States?
Yes, when the water reaches about 24 °C: at the warmest spots in August.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in United States?
In the coldest months, yes: about 2 °C in February calls for boots + gloves.