La Ciotat Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 21 °C once we account for wind), yet at 19 °C the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at La Ciotat. The majority of surfers will need a spring wetsuit though a summer suit or even a shorty may suffice for a short session.

Map of current France Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current France 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 La Ciotat. 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.

La Ciotat sea water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F) on around the 13th of August and are at their coldest on about the 29th of February, in the range 12 to 13°C (54 to 55°F). La Ciotat sea water temperatures are always warm reach their maximum in the third week of August. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The coldest sea water temperatures at La Ciotat in late February 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.

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