Higgins Beach Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The Higgins Beach water temperature is rather cold (10 °C). Although it will be cloudy today, air temperatures will be relatively mild, feeling like 12 °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 Higgins Beach. 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.

Higgins Beach water temperatures peak in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F) on around the 8th of August and are at their lowest on about the 1st of March, in the range 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F). The maximum Higgins Beach water temperatures in early to mid August require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit. The lowest water temperatures at Higgins Beach 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 at the beginning of March.

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