La FAE Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C / 77 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (26 °C / 80 °F) very warm too. Staying comfortable in the water at La FAE won't be a problem, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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

Map of current Ecuador 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 FAE. 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 FAE sea temperatures peak in the range 23 to 29°C (73 to 84°F) on around the 6th of March and are at their minimum on about the 7th of September, in the range 19 to 24°C (66 to 75°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at La FAE climb to their maximum in the first week of March. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. La FAE sea temperatures are minimum in the first part of September. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at La FAE 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 FAE. 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.