Shelter Island Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 22 °C / 72 °F once we account for wind), yet at 18 °C / 65 °F the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Shelter Island. The majority of surfers will need a spring wetsuit though a summer suit or even a shorty may suffice for a short session.

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

Map of current China 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 Shelter Island. 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.

Shelter Island water temperatures peak in the range 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F) on around the 12th of July and are at their lowest on about the 23rd of January, in the range 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Shelter Island climb to their warmest in the second week of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Shelter Island water temperatures are lowest in the fourth week of January. 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 Shelter Island 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 Shelter Island. 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.