PlayaSanta Catalina Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

A hot and sunny day, feeling like 32 °C / 90 °F even after we account for wind, and very warm water temperature (28 °C / 84 °F) too at PlayaSanta Catalina. Surfers may need a thin summer wetsuit or at least a rash vest to block the UV.

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

Map of current Panama 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 PlayaSanta Catalina. 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.

PlayaSanta Catalina sea temperatures peak in the range 28 to 29°C (82 to 84°F) on around the 17th of April and are at their coldest on about the 28th of October, in the range 27 to 29°C (81 to 84°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at PlayaSanta Catalina mean that a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at PlayaSanta Catalina 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 PlayaSanta Catalina. 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.