Goat Rock Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The Goat Rock water temperature is rather cold (10 °C). Although it will be cloudy today, air temperatures will be relatively mild, feeling like 13 °C, so feeling about the same in the water as out of it. A winter steamer or even a good quality spring wetsuit and neoprene boots should suffice. Wear a hood and gloves if you have not been surfing for a while.

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 Goat Rock. 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.

Goat Rock water temperatures peak in the range 13 to 17°C (55 to 63°F) on around the 31st of August and are at their lowest on about the 1st of April, in the range 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F). The warmest water temperatures at Goat Rock at the end of August are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days. At its lowest at the beginning of April, low water temperatures at Goat Rock are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

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