Bonnet Point Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (17 °C) at Bonnet Point is relatively warm. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 19 °C.

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

Map of current United States 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 Bonnet Point. 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.

Bonnet Point sea temperatures peak in the range 20 to 23°C (68 to 73°F) on around the 6th of August and are at their minimum on about the 23rd of February, in the range 3 to 6°C (37 to 43°F). Bonnet Point sea temperatures are maximum in the first week of August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The minimum sea temperatures at Bonnet Point 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 fourth week of February.

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