Pismo Beach Pier Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (12 °C / 55 °F) at Pismo Beach Pier is quite cold. If the sun shines as forecast, it should feel warm enough to get away with a good sealed spring wetsuit but you won't overheat in a winter wetsuit, gloves boots and a hood. Effective windchill factor of (11 °C / 52 °F).

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 Pismo Beach Pier. 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.

Pismo Beach Pier water temperatures peak in the range 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F) on around the 2nd of September and are at their lowest on about the 26th of February, in the range 12 to 14°C (54 to 57°F). The maximum seasonal water temperatures at Pismo Beach Pier in early September lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. The lowest water temperatures at Pismo Beach Pier in the fourth week of 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 Pismo Beach Pier 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 Pismo Beach Pier. 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.