Magillian Point Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The Magillian Point 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 Ireland Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current Ireland 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 Magillian Point. 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.

Magillian Point sea water temperatures peak in the range 13 to 17°C (55 to 63°F) on around the 16th of August and are at their minimum on about the 22nd of February, in the range 7 to 9°C (45 to 48°F). The maximum sea water temperatures at Magillian Point in the middle of August 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. The minimum sea water temperatures at Magillian Point mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here in the second half of February.

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