K.O.A Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Relatively warm K.O.A water temperature today (18 °C / 65 °F) but cold weather (windchill of 1 °C / 34 °F). At least there should be some sunshine to help stay warm. We suggest wearing a good spring wetsuit, ideally with a neoprene hood. No need for neoprene boots or gloves.

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 K.O.A. 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.

K.O.A water temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) on around the 19th of July and are at their lowest on about the 29th of February, in the range 14 to 19°C (57 to 66°F). Year round warm water temperatures at K.O.A climb to their warmest in the third week of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The lowest seasonal water temperatures at K.O.A in late February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at K.O.A 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 K.O.A. 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.