Backdoor Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 20 °C once we account for wind), yet at 18 °C the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Backdoor. The majority of surfers will need a spring wetsuit though a summer suit or even a shorty may suffice for a short session.

Map of current Portugal Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current Portugal Sea Water Temperature Anomalies (compared with long term averages at this time of year)

(click thumbnails to expand)

Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Backdoor. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

Backdoor water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F) on around the 17th of August and are at their minimum on about the 21st of February, in the range 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F). Backdoor water temperatures are highest in the middle of August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The minimum water temperatures at Backdoor in mid to late February are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Backdoor can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Backdoor. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.