Punta Arenas Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (20 °C / 69 °F) at Punta Arenas is warm and the air temperature should feel similar (windchill forecast 19 °C / 66 °F). If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a shorty or a summer wetsuit.

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

Map of current Mexico 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 Punta Arenas. 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.

Punta Arenas sea water temperatures peak in the range 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F) on around the 25th of August and are at their minimum on about the 16th of February, in the range 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Punta Arenas climb to their maximum in late August. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Punta Arenas sea water temperatures are minimum in the middle of February. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas. 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.