French River Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Don't be misled by the pleasant air temperatures because the water temperature at French River is much colder than the air today. Surfers will need a good quality sealed winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots. Feeling much warmer out of the water than in the sea today.

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 French River. 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.

French River sea temperatures peak in the range 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F) on around the 14th of August and are at their lowest on about the 10th of February, in the range 4 to 5°C (39 to 41°F). The highest seasonal sea temperatures at French River in mid August lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. The lowest sea temperatures at French River 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 early to mid February.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at French River 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 French River. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.