Birsay Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Very cold water temperature (7 °C / 46 °F) at Birsay Bay. Despite the sunshine, even with a thick winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves and boots it will be difficult to stay comfortable in the sea for long today.

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

Map of current United Kingdom 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 Birsay Bay. 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.

Birsay Bay sea temperatures peak in the range 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) on around the 12th of August and are at their lowest on about the 27th of February, in the range 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). The warmest sea temperatures at Birsay Bay in the second week of August 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. The lowest sea temperatures at Birsay Bay mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here in the last days of February.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Birsay Bay 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 Birsay Bay. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

Latest surface water temperature for the entire globe. Click the image to view a larger version.