La Puntilla Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C once we account for air movement. In contrast the sea remains relatively cold (19 °C). Surfers should wear a spring or summer wetsuit though no doubt some would wear less neoprene on such a warm day, no matter what temperature the sea is.

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

Map of current Chile 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 Puntilla. 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 Puntilla sea temperatures peak in the range 23 to 26°C (73 to 79°F) on around the 5th of February and are at their minimum on about the 4th of August, in the range 16 to 19°C (61 to 66°F). La Puntilla sea temperatures are always warm reach their warmest at the beginning of February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum seasonal sea temperatures at La Puntilla in early August 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 La Puntilla 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 Puntilla. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.