Cupula Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 26 °C / 79 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (21 °C / 71 °F) 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 Chile Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current Chile 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 Cupula. 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.

Cupula water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F) on around the 7th of February and are at their coldest on about the 12th of August, in the range 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F). Cupula water temperatures are maximum in the first part of February. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The coldest seasonal water temperatures at Cupula in the second week of August lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Cupula 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 Cupula. 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.