Destin Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (17 °C / 63 °F) at Destin is fairly warm. Despite the sun, a windchill factor of (8 °C / 46 °F) means that surfers will need a good quality spring wetsuit; maybe even a neoprene hood. No need for neoprene boots or gloves.

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 Destin. 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.

Destin sea temperatures peak in the range 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F) on around the 13th of July and are at their lowest on about the 11th of February, in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Destin climb to their highest 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 lowest seasonal sea temperatures at Destin in the second week of February 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 Destin 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 Destin. 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.