Dunkirk Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Extremely low water temperature (1 °C / 35 °F) at Dunkirk is close to freezing. Even with a thick quality winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves and boots it will be difficult for surfers to stay in the sea for very long today. Dangerously cold and cloudy, with below freezing wind chill temperatures (-3 °C / 27 °F).

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 Dunkirk. 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.

Dunkirk sea temperatures peak in the range 19 to 24°C (66 to 75°F) on around the 1st of August and are at their minimum on about the 15th of February, in the range 1 to 2°C (34 to 36°F). Dunkirk sea temperatures are always warm reach their highest at the beginning of August. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum sea temperatures at Dunkirk 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 mid February.

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