The Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (20 °C / 69 °F) at The Reef is warm. If the sun shines as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 14 °C / 57 °F, allowing for wind effects.

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

Map of current Bermuda 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 The Reef. 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.

The Reef sea temperatures peak in the range 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) on around the 6th of August and are at their coldest on about the 29th of February, in the range 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at The Reef climb to their maximum in the first week of August. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The coldest The Reef sea temperatures in late February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at The Reef 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 The Reef. 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.