Zion Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Water temperature (4 °C / 40 °F) at Zion is close to freezing. Despite the weak sunshine, the air will feel like -5 °C / 23 °F. Even if you wear a thick winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, neoprene gloves and boots, it will still be difficult to stay in the sea for very long today.

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 Zion. 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.

Zion water temperatures peak in the range 19 to 24°C (66 to 75°F) on around the 13th of August and are at their lowest on about the 29th of February, in the range 3 to 4°C (37 to 39°F). Zion water temperatures are warmest in the third week of August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The lowest water temperatures at Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion. 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.