Lincolne City Nelscott Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The Lincolne City Nelscott Reef water temperature is rather cold (12 °C). Although it will be cloudy today, air temperatures will be relatively mild, feeling like 13 °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 Lincolne City Nelscott Reef. 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.

Lincolne City Nelscott Reef sea temperatures peak in the range 13 to 18°C (55 to 64°F) on around the 24th of August and are at their coldest on about the 28th of January, in the range 8 to 11°C (46 to 52°F). The maximum seasonal sea temperatures at Lincolne City Nelscott Reef in the fourth week of August lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. At its coldest in the fourth week of January, low sea temperatures at Lincolne City Nelscott Reef are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Lincolne City Nelscott Reef 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 Lincolne City Nelscott Reef. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.