Santa Cruz Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 27 °C / 81 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (23 °C / 74 °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 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 Santa Cruz. 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.

Santa Cruz sea water temperatures peak in the range 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F) on around the 28th of July and are at their minimum on about the 8th of March, in the range 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Santa Cruz climb to their highest in the fourth week of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Santa Cruz sea water temperatures are always warm but dip to their minimum in early to mid March. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. 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.