San Francisco Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 28 °C / 82 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (24 °C / 76 °F) warm too. Staying warm in the water won't be a problem in board-shorts, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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

Map of current Uruguay 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 San Francisco. 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.

San Francisco sea temperatures peak in the range 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F) on around the 29th of January and are at their minimum on about the 5th of August, in the range 7 to 13°C (45 to 55°F). San Francisco sea temperatures are always warm reach their warmest in late January. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. At its minimum at the beginning of August, low sea temperatures at San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco. 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.