South Haven Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Extremely low water temperature (3 °C / 38 °F) at South Haven is close to freezing. Even with a thick quality winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves and boots it will be difficult for surfers to stay in the sea for very long today. Dangerously cold and cloudy, with below freezing wind chill temperatures (-4 °C / 25 °F).

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

Map of current United States 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 South Haven. 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.

South Haven sea water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) on around the 7th of August and are at their coldest on about the 29th of February, in the range 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F). South Haven sea water temperatures are maximum in the first part of August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The coldest sea water temperatures at South Haven mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here in late February.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at South Haven 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 South Haven. 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.