55th Street Pier Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (18 °C) at 55th Street Pier is relatively warm. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 19 °C.

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 55th Street Pier. 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.

55th Street Pier sea water temperatures peak in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) on around the 8th of August and are at their lowest on about the 29th of February, in the range 1 to 4°C (34 to 39°F). 55th Street Pier sea water temperatures are always warm reach their warmest in early to mid August. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The lowest sea water temperatures at 55th Street Pier 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 late February.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at 55th Street Pier 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 55th Street Pier. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.