Corolla Lighthouse Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 22 °C once we account for wind), and similar sea temperatures (22 °C). Wear boardshorts or a shorty, or bette still a thin summer wetsuit to keep the UV off.

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 Corolla Lighthouse. 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.

Corolla Lighthouse water temperatures peak in the range 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) on around the 19th of July and are at their minimum on about the 29th of February, in the range 9 to 15°C (48 to 59°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Corolla Lighthouse 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. The minimum water temperatures at Corolla Lighthouse in 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 Corolla Lighthouse 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 Corolla Lighthouse. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.