Californias Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (23 °C) warm too. Staying warm in the water won't be a problem in board-shorts, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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

Map of current Japan 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 Californias. 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.

Californias sea temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around the 19th of July and are at their minimum on about the 23rd of February, in the range 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Californias climb to their maximum in the third week of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Californias sea temperatures are minimum in the fourth week of February. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up.

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